Dental cleanings are an important part of your oral hygiene. Asides from maintaining a good diet, and brushing and flossing regularly, dental cleanings are vital to achieving a bright smile and keeping your gums healthy. Routine cleaning prevents serious issues like cavities and periodontal disease from developing. You can click here to schedule a dental cleaning and start your journey toward a bright and healthy smile!
It is normal to feel some anxiety when you are scheduled for a dental cleaning. Knowing what to expect at the cleaning can help you prepare for your appointment and make you more comfortable.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A dental cleaning usually lasts between 30 minutes to one hour. We will ask you to lie back in a comfortable dental chair while we examine your teeth. We’ll then remove dental plaque and tartar and use special equipment to clean your teeth. If we need to take X-rays, then the dental cleaning could last longer. Our dentist will also discuss treatment options for any dental issues you may have.
Why a professional teeth cleaning is important
During a dental cleaning, our dentist will examine your teeth and gums to look for any signs of dental issues like cavities, gingivitis, inflamed gums, or other gum disease. Regular dental cleanings ensure that these are caught early and treated properly. Dental cleanings can also prevent such oral health issues from developing in the first place, leaving you with an overall healthy mouth.
Benefits of a dental cleaning
Apart from keeping your mouth clean, a dental cleaning could go as far as preventing tooth loss. If left untreated, cavities can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dental cleanings allow us to catch these issues on time and save your teeth and gums.
What goes on during a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is usually conducted by a dental hygienist and involves the following dental cleaning procedures:
- Dental X-rays
The dental cleaning process may start with dental X-rays, although you will not necessarily get an X-ray at every appointment. When you do, the dental hygienist will make you bite a small square device. The dental professional will then take pictures of your mouth using the X-ray machine. You will not feel any pain during this process and your dentist will get a good view of your teeth and jawbone.
- Oral Examination
Our dental hygienist will use a small mirror and a metal tool to examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay and other dental issues. If the hygienist finds any issues, they would call on the dentist to examine your mouth further and affirm that it’s safe to continue.
- Dental Scaling
The next step is the removal of plaque and tartar buildup. Our dental hygienist will use an electric toothbrush and a polisher for deep cleaning. The toothbrush will make a high-pitched buzzing sound but it doesn’t hurt. The hygienist will scrape the plaque buildup and tartar using a dental scaler and then use a gritty toothpaste to deep clean your teeth. The toothpaste not only cleans the teeth but also polishes them. Plaque and tartar can only be removed by a dentist but practicing regular brushing and flossing as part of your dental hygiene can keep them from developing.
- Expert Flossing
We will follow this up with a deep floss. If your gums are sensitive, you may find this uncomfortable. The flossing would reach deep between your teeth and gums to remove any leftover plaque, tartar, and toothpaste that may be left. Some people with sensitive gums may also experience light bleeding during the flossing but this would subside quickly.
- Mouth Rinsing
By now, your teeth should be clean. The hygienist will place some water in your mouth using a water applicator. You will then be told to swish the water and throw it out. The mouth rinses will remove any leftover toothpaste and residue from the dental cleaning. After the mouth rinses, the hygienist will use a small suction hose to suction the water from your mouth.
- Fluoride Treatment
The hygienist will apply some fluoride to your teeth and leave it to absorb. The fluoride treatment will help prevent cavities and protect your teeth from damage and decay. Fluoride is a foamy gel that comes in different flavors. They will place the fluoride into a mouthpiece and fit this over your teeth for a minute. They will then paint fluoride varnish onto your teeth with a small brush.
- Dentist Check
Our dentist will check your teeth a final time to determine whether there are any issues left to address. If they identify any, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for subsequent treatment. If you have any questions about your oral health, our dentist will be happy to answer them. They may also schedule you for dental appointments every six months to get your teeth cleaned.
See? There is nothing to be afraid of with teeth cleaning! They are meant to keep your teeth and gums healthy and improve your smile. Book an appointment with our dental clinic today to have your teeth professionally cleaned and maintain your dental health. Our dentist and dental hygienist will make sure you’re comfortable during your appointment.
