Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall well-being. Regular dental cleaning helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. It also lowers the risk of severe dental problems by addressing them in their earliest stages. However, some may wonder what teeth cleaning is and what steps are involved. As dentists, we understand our patients’ concerns and have shared this step-by-step guide to teeth cleaning.
- Schedule an Appointment
The first step to professional teeth cleaning is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months is recommended, but the frequency can vary depending on your oral health needs.
- Medical History Review
Before the dentist begins the procedure, they review your medical history, medications, and recent oral health concerns. Disclosing relevant medical information is essential to ensure your safety during cleaning.
- Oral Examination
After reviewing the medical history, the dentist conducts an oral examination. It helps identify potential oral health issues or signs of dental problems.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal
The dentist removes and cleans plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. Plaque is formed due to bacteria; if not removed, it hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar buildup is difficult to remove with just regular brushing and flossing. Specialized dental instruments are used to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth and along the gumline to clean teeth effectively. This process is called scaling. Scaling helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- Teeth Polishing
Once the plaque and tartar have been removed from your teeth, they commonly have some rough spots. To smooth the surface, the dentist will perform teeth polishing. This involves using a special paste and polishing tool to make your teeth clean and shiny.
- Flossing
The dentist will ask you to floss your teeth during treatment. Flossing ensures that the remaining plaque or debris is removed from between your teeth, where cavities and gum disease can develop.
- Fluoride Treatment
Depending on your unique oral health requirements, dentists may perform a fluoride treatment after cleaning. Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and protects them from decay. Fluoride is often in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish applied to your teeth.
- Oral Hygiene Recommendations
Your dental professional will provide personalized oral hygiene recommendations. They will discuss proper brushing and flossing techniques and suggest additional dental products that may benefit oral health, such as mouthwash or interdental brushes.
- Follow-Up Appointments
Before you leave the dental office, schedule your next dental cleaning appointment. Regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial for oral health and hygiene and to prevent potential dental problems in the future.
If you are looking for a dentist for effective teeth cleaning, consider Family Smiles of Fleming Island. We offer various dental treatments and services for maintaining oral health and helping you accomplish your smile goals. Professional dental cleaning can help you maintain your smile by keeping it healthy, bright, and free from oral health problems. Reach out to our team today for a brighter, healthier smile!