What to Expect at a Regular Dental Cleaning

Most dentists and dental hygienists often recommend a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year. Cleaning teeth is one of the most basic and important services dentists provide. Your dentist will often clean your teeth in conjunction with a routine checkup. Keep reading to find out what happens during teeth cleaning appointments.

Dental cleaning

Only a professional cleaning at the dental office can help to clean the teeth thoroughly and remove the hardened plaque that builds up on teeth. This is done using a variety of dental instruments suited for the job. These instruments can get to hard-to-reach areas and remove built-up tartar that is difficult to get rid of with brushing and flossing. Teeth cleaning is a vital part of having good oral health.

Teeth cleaning process

Dentists or hygienists usually clean the teeth as part of a routine dental checkup. Before the actual cleaning process starts, they will start with a physical exam of the patient’s entire mouth. A cleaning gives the provider the opportunity to look for any potential gum or tooth problems. If any major problems are detected, they will decide the ideal ways to address them before proceeding.

Removing plaque and tartar

A dentist or hygienist will use a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar in between teeth and around the gumline. The scaler can help to remove even hardened calculus that a toothbrush cannot. Brushing and flossing can stop plaque from building up and eventually hardening into tartar. Once the patient has tartar, it can only be removed at the dentist’s office.

Polishing

After the teeth are tartar-free, the provider brushes them with a high-powered electric brush. It is a good way to get a deep cleaning and get rid of any tartar left behind from the scaler. Professional cleanings use toothpaste that tastes and smells just like regular toothpaste. But it usually has a gritty consistency that gently scrubs teeth. As long as it is done by a dental professional, this polishing of the teeth can be done twice a year.

Flossing and rinsing

Regardless of whether a person flosses regularly at home or not, having a professional clean the teeth can be very beneficial. The provider can get deep between the teeth and find any potential trouble spots where the patient might bleed at the gums. Flossing the teeth can also remove any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning process. Rinsing out the mouth will help to get rid of any debris. The provider will give the patient a rinse that contains liquid fluoride. The final step of the dental cleaning process is a fluoride treatment.

Caring for your teeth

Professional teeth cleanings are usually scheduled two times a year. Depending on what your dentist or hygienist observes in your mouth, other exams might be done during the visit. Regular teeth cleanings can help to keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy. If you have any dental problems, it is always advisable to address them early. A professional dental cleaning can help you do that.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistrypeoria.com or call Peoria Family Dentistry at 623-552-4665 for an appointment in our Peoria office.

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