Regular professional teeth cleaning is a key component of maintaining excellent oral health. Even with the most diligent brushing and flossing at home, some areas of your mouth are difficult to reach, allowing plaque and tartar to accumulate. During a professional cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist uses specialized tools to clean your teeth more thoroughly than at-home care can achieve.
If you’ve never had a professional teeth cleaning or are curious about what happens during the procedure, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect.
1. Initial Examination
The first part of a professional teeth cleaning begins with an oral examination. A dental hygienist or dentist will visually inspect your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
What to Expect During the Initial Examination:
- Checking for plaque and tartar buildup: The dentist will assess how much plaque and tartar have accumulated on your teeth, especially around the gum line.
- Inspecting your gums: They will examine them for redness, swelling, or bleeding, which are early signs of gum disease (gingivitis).
- Checking for cavities: If there are any visible signs of tooth decay, the dentist may examine the teeth closer or recommend X-rays to detect any hidden cavities.
This step allows the dentist to evaluate your oral health and identify areas that need special attention during the cleaning.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)
After the initial examination, cleaning begins with removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. This process is called scaling, and it’s done using specialized tools that effectively remove the buildup.
What to Expect During Scaling:
- Using a scaler: The dentist or hygienist will use a small, metal scaler to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. They’ll focus on areas around the gumline and between your teeth, where plaque accumulates most.
- Ultrasonic scaler: In some cases, an ultrasonic scaler might be used. This scaler vibrates and sprays water to break down tartar more efficiently.
Although you may feel some scraping during this process, it’s painless. The more plaque and tartar there is, the longer this step may take.
3. Deep Cleaning Between Teeth
Even if you floss regularly at home, some areas between your teeth can still harbor plaque or food particles. The hygienist will focus on these areas during the professional cleaning.
What to Expect During Deep Cleaning:
- Flossing: The dentist or hygienist will use dental floss to clean your teeth thoroughly. This ensures that any leftover particles are removed.
- Flossing technique: They may demonstrate a proper flossing technique that you can use at home to maintain oral health between visits.
This step ensures that the spaces between your teeth are as clean as possible, helping to prevent gum disease and cavities.
4. Polishing Your Teeth
Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the dentist will polish your teeth. Polishing makes your teeth feel smooth and helps remove surface stains, giving you a brighter smile.
What to Expect During Polishing:
- Polishing paste: A special gritty toothpaste-like substance is used to polish the teeth. This paste has a mild abrasive quality, which helps remove stains and smoothen the tooth’s surface.
- Electric toothbrush: The hygienist will use an electric toothbrush with a rotating head to polish your teeth. It makes a grinding sound and might feel strange, but it’s a painless process that leaves your teeth smooth and clean.
Polishing your teeth removes minor stains and helps prevent plaque buildup, giving you a refreshed smile.
5. Professional Flossing
In addition to the deep cleaning between your teeth, professional flossing is another part of the process. Your dentist or hygienist will floss your teeth again to ensure no debris remains between them after the polishing.
What to Expect During Professional Flossing:
- Thorough flossing: They carefully floss every space between your teeth, removing any leftover plaque or polishing paste.
- Checking for sensitive areas: If you experience discomfort or bleeding during flossing, it could indicate gum disease, and your dentist may discuss further treatment options.
This additional flossing ensures a comprehensive cleaning and highlights any potential gum problems requiring attention.
6. Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
Depending on your oral health needs, your dentist may recommend fluoride after cleaning. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against cavities, making it an excellent preventative measure.
What to Expect During Fluoride Treatment:
- Application of fluoride: Fluoride is applied in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. Your dentist may use a tray filled with fluoride gel, which you hold in your mouth for a few minutes, or they may apply fluoride directly onto your teeth.
- Post-treatment instructions: After the fluoride treatment, you may be advised not to eat or drink for 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to absorb fully into your teeth.
This step particularly benefits individuals prone to cavities or those with weakened enamel.
7. Review of Oral Health and Recommendations
Once the cleaning process is complete, your dentist will review the state of your oral health. They’ll discuss any areas of concern, such as cavities, signs of gum disease, or sensitive spots, and provide advice on maintaining or improving your dental hygiene at home.
What to Expect During the Review:
- Personalized advice: The dentist may recommend changes to your brushing or flossing routine, suggest specific oral care products, or offer tips for improving your oral hygiene.
- Scheduling future visits: Regular dental visits are typically recommended every six months. Your dentist may schedule your next cleaning or other necessary treatments before you leave the clinic. If you’re worried about teeth cleaning cost in Bhopal, Smile Gallery has experienced dental specialists ready to assist and guide you with personalized care.
Conclusion: The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
A professional teeth cleaning does more than just make your teeth feel fresh and polished. It prevents cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Here are some of the key benefits of professional cleanings:
- Preventing plaque and tartar buildup: Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Detecting early dental problems: During your cleaning appointment, your dentist can spot early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues.
- Maintaining fresh breath: Professional cleanings help eliminate bacteria contributing to bad breath.
- Protecting overall health: Good oral health is linked to overall well-being, and regular cleanings are crucial.
You’ll enjoy better oral health and a brighter smile by keeping up with your regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Plus, it’s an opportunity to receive personalized advice on how to care for your teeth and gums at home.