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, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar around your gum line, as well as in between your teeth. You’ll hear scraping, but this is normal. The more tartar there is in your mouth, the more time they’ll need to scrape a particular spot.
Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning
After your teeth are tartar-free, the hygienist brushes them with a high-powered electric brush which makes a grinding noise. While it sounds severe, it’s a great way to get a deep clean and remove any tartar left behind from the scaler.
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 will usually give you a rinse that contains liquid fluoride.
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.