Dental Bites: Dental Cleanings

Most people that have dental insurance seem to never take advantage of the dental cleanings that are covered by their insurance plans. This may be because many people do not realize what is actually going on when they get their teeth cleaned. Even if you take great care of your teeth at home, you still have bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria in combination with proteins and food byproducts forms a sticky film called dental plaque. This is the gunk that builds up on your teeth overnight and throughout the day. Most plaque can be removed by good brushing and flossing habits. 

The plaque that is not removed will harden into dental calculus also known as tartar. Over time the calculus will grow into large pieces. Once calculus is formed it is too hard and firmly attached to be removed by a toothbrush. Calculus can form in a little over a day, and once it’s there only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. 

That being said, this is why dentist recommend and most insurances are willing to pay for two dental cleanings a year.