Are you apprehensive about getting professional teeth cleaning? Well, it’s not a choice but a pre-condition for lifelong healthy teeth and your overall health as well. And about your doubts, be rest assured that it’s a painless and uncomplicated process for most patients. It will help your anxiety if you know more about teeth cleaning.
Process of Professional Teeth Cleaning
For starters, let’s take a close look at what goes on during the dental cleaning process:-
Removal of Plaque & Tartar
A scaler and tiny mirror will be used to clear plaque and tartar from the surface and between the teeth and your gum line. Bonus tip: the more you follow regular dental hygiene, the less time this step will take.
Thorough Cleaning by Electric Toothbrush
After removing all the tartar from your mouth, the next step is to brush your teeth thoroughly with toothpaste and a high-powered electric toothbrush. It deep cleanses your teeth and removes any tartar left from the scaler cleaning.
Professional Flossing
Professional flossing removes the excess plaque, and it also locates the spots where you might bleed from gums.
Oral Examination
Before beginning your teeth cleaning, the dentist will conduct a detailed oral exam. That includes checking your mouth for decay or signs of gum disease with the help of a tiny mirror. Based on this oral exam, they will decide on the type of dental cleaning you need.
Rinsing
You will be given fluoride to rinse your mouth to get rid of any leftover debris or toothpaste.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride gel or paste is applied to your teeth in a mouthpiece. It is kept there for a minute. Fluoride varnish is also used. This treatment protects your teeth from cavities for at least a few months.
Final Check-up
Your dentist conducts a final check-up upon completion of your professional teeth cleaning.
Different Types of Teeth Cleaning
Dentist suggests the type of teeth cleaning based on the condition of your oral health. Primarily, there are 4 types of dental cleanings. They are:-
Prophylaxis Cleaning
It is a routine professional dental cleaning that removes an average amount of plaque and minor stains from in between the teeth and their surface. Prophylaxis cleaning is done for a patient with an overall healthy mouth.
Scaling and Root Planing
It is an invasive but non-surgical deep cleaning procedure to remove tartar from your gums and other supporting structures of teeth extensively. It is highly recommended for patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. Scaling and root planing might take more than one visit to the dentist.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
This dental cleaning is similar to scaling and root planing. It is also aimed at preventing gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from teeth surface and gum pockets. The difference is that periodontal maintenance cleaning is performed more often than any other type of dental cleaning.
Gross Debridement Cleaning
Gross debridement cleaning is a heavy-duty professional teeth cleaning for patients with an extreme level of plaque and tartar. You can accumulate a lot of plaque or tartar either due to poor oral hygiene or avoidance of regular dental check-ups. The dentist uses electric equipment to loosen the tartar. Prophylaxis cleaning is performed after it to clean further.
Overall Health Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is not only great for your dental health. It is also beneficial for your overall health in the following ways:-
- Oral cancer can be diagnosed early during routine dental cleaning.
- It is proven that gum disease can lead to heart problems. It can also cause tooth loss. Regular teeth cleaning prevent the occurrence of gum diseases.
- Last but not least – Your confidence level increases with a white and bright smile.
To Sum Up!
All this information about professional teeth cleaning should resolve your doubts about it. And hopefully, you are looking forward to your next appointment. As you can see, regular dental cleaning by your dentist is critical to protect your oral health and maintain your confident smile.
