What is Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning is done by a hygienist using tools to scrape and polish your teeth. It should be done every six months to prevent dental problems and to promote general good health. This professional procedure is done at a dentist’s office to help prevent gum disease, cavities, yellow teeth, and bad breath. Teeth cleaning will also remove plaque and tartar buildup.

Why do we need our teeth cleaned?

Regular brushing does not eliminate all the buildup in your teeth. Plaque and tartar need to be removed. Cleaning your teeth professionally helps prevent oral diseases. It reduces the chances of developing gingivitis (gum disease) and helps prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection around the teeth.

Your teeth will look much better after the cleaning is done by a hygienist. They will look aesthetically better after stains are removed. Your oral health also has an impact on your overall health.

What are the steps in professional teeth cleaning?

1. Initial exam: The hygienist will initially check the condition of your teeth and gums.
2. Scaling: A hand tool or an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque from the tooth surface.
3. Polishing: A special polishing paste is used to clean the teeth and remove stains with a rotating brush.
4. Flossing: After rinsing your mouth, flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas between your teeth.
5. Fluoride treatment (optional): This treatment is optional, and it helps to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
6. Dentist check-up: As a last step, your dentist will check the teeth and gums and examine X-rays.

How often do we need our teeth cleaned?

A regular cleaning is recommended every six months for good and preventative oral health. To keep up-to-date records, it is recommended to have X-rays done once a year. This will help the doctor see if you have had significant changes in your teeth or bite.

If there are signs of gum disease, deep cleaning will be recommended. This intensive cleaning goes deeper beneath the gumline. This type of cleaning is recommended every 3-4 months. Tartar buildup is very difficult to clean in one visit. You might need multiple visits for gross debridement.

What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?

During a professional cleaning, bacteria that cause cavities are removed. Eliminating these bacteria also helps eliminate bad breath. Maintaining healthy gums will prevent gingivitis and, more importantly, periodontal disease. The earlier your dentist can identify oral problems, the faster and more economically they can be fixed. You can help prevent these issues by brushing and flossing at home twice a day.

Reach out for support

Cleaning your teeth twice a year will prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Besides the above-mentioned dental concerns, not cleaning your teeth professionally regularly can cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory problems. Remember to also brush twice daily at home. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please contact our office for an appointment.

Related Article: How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?