In this video, dental hygienist Tauna Abegglen explains what plaque is, how it turns into tartar, and why professional cleanings are needed once it hardens.
Plaque is the soft, sticky film that makes your teeth feel “fuzzy.” It’s made up of food particles and bacteria that form a slimy layer on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens over time into calculus (also called tartar).
Plaque can be brushed away at home, but once it hardens into calculus, it can’t be removed with regular brushing. That’s when you need your hygienist. They have the tools and training to clean off calculus, especially from under the gums, where it can cause the most damage.
If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about our general dentistry options, contact Dr. Robert Ellis in Rigby, ID, for a free consultation to learn how our life-changing treatments can enhance your smile, improve your function, and restore your self-confidence.
You’re at a restaurant with loved ones, getting ready to enjoy a nice meal. Everyone is freely engaging in conversation while they eagerly await their food. For you, however, eating and talking are not at the front of your mind; your dentures are. What can I order that won’t be embarrassing to eat? Should I go to the bathroom [...]
Finding a dentist in Rigby or Idaho Falls is more than just choosing a place for cleanings. It’s about knowing who to call when your child needs a checkup, when a tooth breaks before work, when a parent is struggling with loose dentures, or when you’re unhappy with your smile. Having a dental home gives your family a familiar [...]
Not all dental implants are built the same way. Some are narrow and quick to place. Others are wide and built for strength. If you’ve been researching your options, you may feel like you have to choose between the two. With mono dental implants, you don’t have to. Like a mini dental implant, a mono implant is a single, [...]
If you’ve worn dentures for a while, you may feel like you’re always dealing with the same issues. They work, but they can still move when you chew, and that takes the enjoyment out of eating and the comfort out of social time. We see this a lot, and there are more stable options nowadays. A permanent denture stays [...]
