Teeth Cleaning: Why You Need it and How is It Done?
According to the American Dental Association, all people including children and adults, need to get teeth cleaning once or twice a year. This is because it involves plaque and tartar removal to keep the teeth free of decay and cavities.
Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important?
Although we brush and floss daily, plaques can still develop and harden. Leaving the plaque accumulation without removing can lead to the formation of tartar, the primary cause of gum disease. Without getting a dental cleaning, your risk of developing cavities, decay, and gum disease increases. That is why it is recommended to visit a dentist near you once or twice a year for professional cleaning.
Teeth cleaning in Brighton, MI, does not only benefit your oral health but overall wellness as well. It’s been reported that gum disease is linked to diabetes and heart diseases.
Prevention of decay and gum infection preserves your teeth and dental integrity by preventing the loss of teeth. Remember once you lose your teeth, you will have unsightly gaps that affect your appearance. You may need restorative dental treatments to close these gaps.
What Are the Steps Involved in Professional Dental Cleaning?
Many people dread teeth cleaning because of all the steps involved, but when you know the process, it can ease the fear and stress. The dental cleaning procedure includes:
- Teeth examination
In most cases, deep gum cleaning is done as part of your checkup, but you may choose to have your teeth cleaning on a different day.
Our dentist will begin the process by doing a physical examination using a small mirror. He will check for signs of decay and gum infection like receding gums, tiny holes in the teeth, and gum bleeding. An x-ray may be done (mostly once a year) to check your jaw condition and any damage you may have.
- Teeth scaling
Plaque removal is done using a scaler, and mostly it’s the hygienist who will carry out the procedure. He will clean the gums and teeth to remove tartar accumulated on the gum line and underneath.
Sometimes if you have signs of gum disease like gum pockets, root planning may be done as part of your deep teeth cleaning to reduce and reattach the gums to the teeth.
- Toothpaste cleaning and expert flossing
When the teeth are tartar-free, the dentist or hygienist will use a high-powered electric brush and a professional toothpaste to clean the teeth. The toothpaste has a gritty consistency which helps to scrub your teeth. Despite its gritty nature, it will not damage the enamel. But, you are advised to avoid brushing your teeth too hard at home to avoid wearing out the enamel.
The dentist will also do expert flossing, which helps to remove particles from deep between the teeth. Flossing also helps to locate trouble spots like gum bleeding.
- Rinsing
After scaling, toothpaste cleaning, and flossing, the dentist will rinse the teeth to remove the debris remaining.
- Fluoride treatment
The final step of professional teeth cleaning is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and reduces the chances of decay and cavities. Fluoride treatment is ideal for everyone, but it is mostly recommended for people who at risk of cavities.
The dentist will apply a varnish, foam, or gel on the teeth and leave it for the enamel to absorb the mineral. You are advised not to drink or eat anything 30 to 60 minutes after the fluoride is applied (unless you get the varnish as it hardens immediately and you can eat afterward). You may get the fluoride treatment every three, six, or twelve months depending on your risk of decay.
What Happens After the Teeth Cleaning?
Depending on what the dentist observes during your physical dental examination, you may need additional tests and treatments. For example, the dentist may recommend dental sealants for children to prevent cavities. Teeth whitening in Brighton and other cosmetic dentistry treatments may be recommended to change the appearance of the teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Brighton Family Dentistry for more information about teeth cleaning and how it may benefit you.