Taking good care of your teeth is essential for your health and smile. Did you know that a good home care routine is only one part of caring for your teeth? It’s also crucial to visit a dentist regularly for an exam and professional cleaning to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Let’s discuss what happens during a dental cleaning and why it’s essential.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
When you go to a dental office for an exam and professional cleaning, your dentist will perform the exam, but a dental hygienist will be the one who cleans your teeth. A dental hygienist is someone who specializes in cleaning teeth and gums. They are trained in spotting difficult-to-clean areas and using the special tools needed to clean along the gum line and remove tartar and stains to help restore your teeth to their brightest and healthiest.
Do I Need a Dental Cleaning?
It’s essential to undergo a professional dental cleaning because even the best home care routine may not thoroughly reach every area of your mouth, and gum disease and cavities can develop unnoticed. Regular dental cleanings will help to prevent challenging areas from becoming problematic, and along with a regular exam and x-rays, can greatly help to reduce the occurrence of both tooth decay and gum disease before it becomes serious.
What Should I Expect During a Professional Cleaning?
You may be surprised to learn that what happens during a dental cleaning is quite different from your home care routine of brushing and flossing.
1. Physical Exam by a Dental Hygienist
At the start of your visit, a dental hygienist at the dental health center performs a quick physical exam of your mouth. Using a small mirror, they check for signs of gingivitis or other concerns. If anything serious is detected, a dentist at Dental Health Care Associates may be called in to assess before continuing.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
With guidance from the mirror, the dental hygienist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from around your gums and between teeth. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce tartar buildup, which can only be removed through professional dental health services.
3. Deep Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste
Once your teeth are tartar-free, they are polished with a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste at the oral health center. This helps scrub away any remaining tartar and provides a deep clean. It’s safe when done by professionals twice a year.
4. Professional Flossing
A professional flossing session is one of the oral health benefits of regular cleanings. Your dental hygienist can reach trouble spots and remove any lingering debris, promoting better oral health care.
5. Rinsing
You’ll rinse your mouth with a fluoride-based solution to wash away particles. This step refreshes your mouth and supports oral health.
6. Fluoride Treatment
The final step involves a fluoride application – either a foamy gel in a mouthpiece or a brush-on varnish. Offered by dental health care associates, this treatment strengthens enamel and protects against cavities, providing lasting oral health benefits.
How Often Do I Need a Cleaning?
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good dental health. They are typically recommended every six months, or more frequently if you have conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, you’re likely due for a cleaning.
Dental health care providers can assess your individual needs and recommend how often you should come in for cleanings. At your next appointment, talk to your dentist about the best schedule for maintaining your oral health. Routine cleanings play a key role in preventive oral health care, helping you avoid more serious dental issues down the line.
Conclusion
For Phoenix residents, exceptional dental care is just moments away. We’re a short four-minute walk from Desert Storm Park, offering convenient access to top-quality dental cleaning in the Biltmore District of Phoenix. Your comfort is our top priority; we utilize advanced technology and personalize treatments, from routine cleanings to complex restorations, to ensure a healthy, happy smile for our community.
FAQs
Q. What is Done During a Dental Cleaning?
A: During a dental cleaning, a dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth with gritty toothpaste, performs expert flossing, and may apply fluoride to help prevent cavities. The process also includes a thorough oral examination to check for any oral health issues.
Q. How Long Does an Average Dental Cleaning Take?
A: A standard dental cleaning typically takes 30 to 40 minutes for patients with good oral hygiene. However, the exact time can vary based on your individual oral health and dental needs.
Q. What Are the Disadvantages of Teeth Cleaning?
A: Teeth cleaning is generally safe, but minor disadvantages may include temporary tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or slight bleeding, especially if you haven’t had a cleaning in a while. These effects usually subside quickly and are outweighed by the benefits to your oral health.