Even if you keep up a great personal regimen of brushing and flossing your teeth every day, you will still benefit from dental hygiene. It’s recommended that every person come in for a dental visit twice a year for a checkup, as well as teeth cleaning. A dental hygienist typically performs a teeth cleaning, which removes the bits of plaque that everyone misses during regular brushing and flossing. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from a teeth cleaning.
Dental Exam
A visit for teeth cleaning always starts with a visible exam of your teeth and gums. The dental hygienist will check your gum line and the surfaces of the teeth using a small mirror. This is a check to see if gum disease or other problems exist before the cleaning commences. If the hygienist notices any major problems, the dentist might be brought in for a consultation.
Scraping to Remove Plaque & Tartar
The dental hygienist will use a scraping tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. If you have a lot of tartar buildup, this process might take a while to complete. Lots of tartar is also a sign that you should spend more time brushing at home. You can remove plaque at home through brushing and flossing. However, once plaque remains long enough to harden and turn into tartar, you won’t be able to get rid of it on your own.
Tooth Brushing
Your dental hygienist will then brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste. It will taste like normal toothpaste, but it is grainier than any type you buy at the store. The electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste remove any of the bits of plaque that might have been missed during the scaling procedure.
Professional Flossing
Even if you’re a great flosser at home, your dental hygienist is professionally trained to do it. It’s tough to beat the effectiveness of a professional flossing! Your hygienist will floss deeper between the teeth than you might be accustomed to. This is to ensure the removal of tough plaque deposits and to identify any problem spots with your gums. After the flossing is complete, you will do a quick mouth rinse to get any remaining toothpaste or bits of plaque out of your mouth.
Fluoride Treatment
The final stage of the teeth cleaning session with the dental hygienist is the application of a fluoride treatment. You’ll get to choose your preferred flavor. The fluoride gel is then applied to a mouthpiece that you will bite down on for about one minute. The fluoride works to protect the enamel of your teeth and keep cavities at bay for several months afterward.
Benefits of Teeth Cleaning
Keeping an appointment with your dental hygienist twice a year is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and to spot potential problems early. During a teeth cleaning, you will be checked for any cavities that have begun developing, as well as other problems like gingivitis and periodontitis.
If it’s been a while since your last dental hygiene checkup, contact our office today to schedule an appointment and a professional teeth cleaning.
