Teeth cleaning is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Teeth cleaning is a quick, easy, and comfortable process that typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
Why You Should Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly
Getting your teeth cleaned every six months or as your dentist recommends helps to protect your oral health for a lifetime. The benefits of teeth cleaning include:
- Reduce chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay
- Remove surface stains from teeth
- Check for symptoms of oral cancer
- Assess the condition of previous tooth restorations like fillings and crowns
- Provide vital oral care instruction
Steps in a Teeth Cleaning
Step 1: Complete Oral Examination
The hygienist will use a small handheld mirror to check every tooth, looking for signs of decay and gum disease.
Step 2: Scaling
The hygienist uses a metal instrument called a scaler to clean plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces gently. Only a dental professional can remove tartar, also known as calculus.
Tartar forms when plaque bacteria and food particles form a hard substance. This substance causes gum disease when it accumulates at or below the gum line.
Step 3: Cleaning and Polishing
Using a gentle spinning brush, the hygienist applies a gritty toothpaste and cleanses plaque, debris, and surface stains.
Step 4: Flossing
The hygienist expertly flosses your teeth, helping you understand the proper technique to keep your teeth cleaner between visits. They check for tight tooth contacts as well.
Step 5: Rinsing
A water rinse helps to remove all particles of toothpaste from your mouth.
Step 6: Oral Care Instruction
This step is especially important for children's cleanings, but adult patients sometimes need help properly caring for their teeth.
Step 7: Dentist Exam and Oral Cancer Screening
After the cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will examine the teeth and answer patient questions. They may also screen for oral cancer, a dangerous disease that often goes unnoticed until late stages in patients who do not have regular dental exams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleaning
What if my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
You may be developing the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Fortunately, this stage is reversible if you have proper oral care at the dentist's office and home. Left unchecked, it could eventually lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Is dental cleaning bad for your teeth?
On the contrary, dental cleaning is vital to ensure oral health. Some patients may feel temporary discomfort if they have gingivitis or gum disease, but this feeling should fade as oral health improves.
Call Oak Road Dentistry
If you have not visited the dentist for regular cleanings, it's not too late to start. Your family dentist can help you achieve better oral health and make you proud of your smile. Please call Oak Road Dentistry at 770-985-9559 to schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam today.