Dental cleaning is a routine part of seeing the dentist and one that is relatively quick and painless. Visiting the dentist can be dreaded at times, but knowing what to expect beforehand should help with those jitters.
What a Dental Cleaning Includes
Here’s what is included in a dental cleaning.
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Brief physical exam
Before the professional teeth cleaning procedure begins, your dentist may use a small mirror to check your gums and teeth for any signs of decay. A periodontal exam is performed to ensure that your gums are sticking to your teeth properly.
If your dentist does find any concerning problems, these will be addressed. Your dentist will also discuss the best flossing and brushing techniques that you can use.
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Tartar and Plaque are removed
After the examination, the dentist will remove the tartar and plaque from around your gums and teeth. This is done using a scraper, and it is painless. During this part of the dental cleaning, you will hear a loud scraping sound, but don’t worry, as this is normal.
Preventative dental care like flossing and brushing daily can help prevent the buildup of plaque. The less plaque you have, the less amount of scraping is needed.
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Teeth are cleaned with gritty toothpaste
Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, your dentist will apply toothpaste with a gritty texture. Using a high-powered brush, the dentist will brush your teeth, giving your teeth a deep clean.
During this part of the cleaning, you will hear a loud grinding noise. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can listen to music from your earphones.
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Teeth are flossed
After brushing, your dentist will floss your teeth. They will get into the hard-to-reach spots as well as check for any problematic areas. This helps remove any stubborn plaque and toothpaste.
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Rinse
Once your dentist has finished flossing, you can rinse out the toothpaste and any other debris in your mouth.
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Fluoride treatment is applied
Fluoride treatment is applied to your mouth to protect it against cavities for around six months and is the final step in dental cleaning. Fluoride treatment can either come in a foamy gel form, a paste, or a varnish. The treatment is applied to your teeth for a minute so it can harden.
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Other potential things that may be included
Not all mouths are the same, and sometimes you may need additional care. For example, you may need molar sealants or sedatives if you’re particularly anxious at the dentist.
How Often Should You Be Getting Your Teeth Cleaned?
Ideally, you should get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year, and you should make sure that you are flossing and brushing as your dentist has advised.
If you want to maintain your teeth by keeping them brighter and whiter in between cleanings, you can use teeth whitening services.
For thorough and professional dental cleaning, book an appointment with our friendly dentists at Kenmar Dental. Our staff are friendly and ready to help give you the smile of your dreams!
