Dental Cleanings
Dental Cleanings
Prevent Gum Disease
Regular cleanings help to prevent gum disease, which can lead to early tooth loss if not addressed. By removing plaque and tartar, cleanings reduce the risk of infections and inflammation in the gums.
Cavity Prevention
Plaque is the primary cause of tooth decay. Its removal during a cleaning helps to prevent cavities from forming.
Brighter Smile
Dental cleanings can remove stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and other products, leading to a brighter, whiter smile.
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular visits allow your dentist to early detect and address problems such as broken fillings, fractures, or other oral health issues.
Fresh Breath
Good oral hygiene is the best defense against halitosis (bad breath). Cleanings help keep your mouth odor-free.
Physical Examination
Most dental cleanings start with a physical examination of the entire mouth. The dental hygienist uses a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of gingivitis (inflamed gums) or other potential concerns.
Removing Plaque and Tartar
Using a scaler or ultrasonic instrument, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar around your gum line, as well as in between your teeth. You’ll hear scraping and/or feel vibrations but this is normal. The more tartar there is in your mouth, the more time they’ll need to clean a particular spot.
Coronal Prophylaxis
After your teeth are cleaned, the hygienist polishes them with a slow-speed handpiece brush makes a grinding noise. It is used to remove any residual plaque and/or stain.
Expert Flossing
Whether you floss regularly at home or not, nothing beats an expert flossing session. Your dental hygienist can get deep between your teeth and locate any potential trouble spots where you might bleed at the gums.
Rinsing
Next, you rinse out your mouth to get rid of any debris. Your dental professional may recommend a specific mouth rinse to use at home.
Fluoride Treatment
The final step is a fluoride treatment. This treatment is used as a protectant for your teeth to help fight against cavities for several months.