What is Teeth Cleaning?
Have you ever wondered what teeth cleaning at your dentist's office is all about? Professional teeth cleaning helps prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth discoloration, and chronic bad breath. This cleaning will also remove plaque and tartar buildup. The procedure is done by a professional hygienist using tools to clean and polish your teeth. Cleaning your teeth at the dentist's office should be done every six months to prevent dental problems and to promote good general health.
Main reasons to have your teeth professionally cleaned:
- To remove plaque and tartar: The buildup in your teeth is not eliminated with just brushing your teeth.
- Better aesthetic: Your teeth will look better after professional cleaning and the removal of stains.
- Overall health: Your oral health impacts your overall health.
- To prevent oral diseases: Reduces the chances of developing gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontal disease (infection and inflammation around the teeth).
Steps required in professional teeth cleaning:
- Initial exam: The condition of your teeth and gums is checked by a dental hygienist.
- Scaling: An ultrasonic scaler or hand tool is used to remove plaque from the tooth surface.
- Polishing: Your teeth are cleaned and stains removed with polishing paste using a rotating brush.
- Flossing: Flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas in between the teeth.
- Fluoride treatment (optional): This optional treatment will strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Dentist check-up: The dentist will check the teeth and gums and examine x-rays.
Frequency of professional teeth cleaning:
- Regular cleaning: For good and preventative oral health, it is recommended to have your cleaning every six months.
- X-rays: Once a year is usually recommended.
- Deep cleaning: This is a more intensive cleaning due to gum disease. This cleaning goes deeper beneath the gumline. It is usually suggested every 3 months until the teeth and gums are ready to move to a six-month rotation.
- Gross debridement: If you did visit the dentist regularly, tartar buildup is very difficult to clean in one visit. An ultrasonic tool is used to break down the buildup before the cleaning is performed. These appointments will vary depending on the severity of the case.
Benefits of professional teeth cleaning:
- Maintaining healthy gums and early detection: By preventing gingivitis and periodontal problems.
- Fresh breath: Eliminating bacteria.
- Preventing cavities: The bacteria that cause cavities need to be removed.
There are several steps that you can take at home to help keep your teeth clean. It is important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles missed by your toothbrush. Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding sugary foods like candy, juices, and soda is also helpful.
Reach out for support
Cleaning your teeth twice a year will prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Avoiding teeth cleaning could cause long-term health issues. Not cleaning your teeth professionally regularly can contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory problems. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please contact our office for an appointment.