Routine dental cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis, is an important aspect of good oral health. It include the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth, as well as a thorough examination of the mouth for any signs of dental problems. This procedure is usually performed by a dental hygienist or a dentist in their office. In this article, we take a closer look at what occurs during a regular dental cleaning, the process of teeth cleaning, and why it is essential to have professional teeth cleaning.
Understand Teeth Cleaning Process
- The dental cleaning procedure begins with a physical examination of the oral cavity by a dentist. They will use a small mirror to check for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral problems. This examination is important as it can indicate what further treatment may be needed by the dental professional.
- Then, the expert dentist will employ such an instrument called a scaler, with which they will use in cleaning the teeth thoroughly from any potential plaque and tartar on them. Plaque is a sticky mass formed upon the teeth due to bacteria with food particles. When it is not removed, it turns hard and becomes tartar which only a dentist can take it off. The scaler is a small metal tool with a sharp tip uses it to scrape the plaque and tartar built-on the surface of the teeth.
- After this, high-powered electric brush polishers are used for cleansing the teeth. They have a rotating head and soft bristles which will aid in removing the remaining plaque or stains from the teeth. The toothpaste used here has a gritty texture to scrub away the stubborn stains.
- After having cleaned and polished all the teeth, the dental professional will floss all the spaces between teeth to eliminate any remaining debris or plaque. Flossing is an integral part of teeth cleaning as it allows removal of plaque and food particles from areas that cannot be more easily reached by a toothbrush.
- After flossing, the dental professional rinses out the mouth with water to clear it of any debris left on it. The dental professional could use a fluoride rinse for the strengthening of teeth to prevent cavities. This mineral helps in remineralizing the teeth and preventing them from decaying.
- The last step is the application of fluoride in which the dentist applies a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth with a small brush or mouthguard. The treatment uses fluoride to strengthen the teeth for several months while offering protection against cavities.
The time normally spent in visiting the dental cleaning near you ranges between 30 minutes to one hour depending on the oral health condition of the patient and the amount of tartar and plaque deposit on the teeth. It is a painless procedure, and there is not any discomfort for most of the patients during that time.
Importance of Professional Teeth Cleaning
- Regular cleaning will be done in order to maintain perfect oral health. Although brushing and flossing are important at home, alone they cannot clear away plaque and tartar formed on the teeth. Professional cleaning will remove that deposit of plaque and tartar which cannot be removed through the normal brushing and flossing procedures.
- Otherwise, they might cause a lot of dental problems in the future. The plaque causes cavities, gum diseases, and poor breath. On the other hand, tartar irritates the gum and causes it to swell up and bleed. If not treated soon, it could result in gum diseases and ultimately loss of teeth.
- Regular dental cleaning avoids tooth decay. Moreover, the fluoride treatment applied during each routine cleaning is strength and protects the teeth against cavities. It also aims to remineralize any damaged points on the teeth due to acids in the bacteria from plaque.
- The normal professional cleaning of teeth also brings forth the early diagnosis of any dental problem. While cleaning, the dental professional will check your mouth for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues. The earlier these problems are detected, the less likely they are to progress and require extensive and expensive treatments.
It’s Time For A Routine Checkup
Professional teeth cleaning is necessary to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. It also allows for early detection of dental problems and helps to prevent cavities. The Cobblestone Dental Clinic is your go-to dentist in Grande Prairie, so make an appointment right now if you need a regular dental cleaning.