Going to the dentist for a regular teeth cleaning has many benefits. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is recommended, but even so, plaque and tartar can build up, leading to bacteria and possibly tooth decay and cavities. Your dental hygienist will perform a dental cleaning with special tools and knowledge to get rid of plaque build-up on the teeth. A professional cleaning will give you a deep clean, getting to every nook and cranny while polishing your teeth to leave you with a healthy, radiant smile! In this post, we will look at the types of teeth cleaning and some options you’ll have when you visit your dentist.
1. Prophylaxis Cleaning
A prophylaxis cleaning is used on someone with a healthy mouth to prevent disease further. This routine maintenance procedure removes unwanted accumulations of plaque build-up or stains on the teeth. This procedure involves brushing the teeth with a gritty paste and finishing with a polish. Along with your oral hygiene habits at home, prophylaxis cleaning every six months will further help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Scaling and Root Planing
The dental process of scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums. The SRP process focuses on the base of the teeth, the gum pockets, and the tooth roots. Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line and from periodontal pockets using special dental tools. Root planing is smoothing the tooth roots, which can help the gums reattach to the teeth and eliminate any irregular gum pockets that have formed. Scaling and root planing cleanings can help treat gingivitis and periodontitis and may take single or multiple appointments depending on the severity.
3. Polishing
We’ve touched on tooth polishing already, as it’s part of the standard prophylaxis cleaning you’ll receive at a regular dentist appointment, but let’s get into a little more detail. It involves buffing and polishing your teeth with a special polishing paste. This helps to remove stains, giving you a whiter, brighter smile, but the procedure is not just for aesthetics. Polishing the teeth helps to remove unwanted plaque and bacteria, leaving you with healthier teeth and gums.
4. Fluoride Treatment
The last step in regular teeth cleaning is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps to support strong tooth enamel (the outer protective layer of your teeth) and prevents cavities. A special fluoride gel will be applied to your teeth for several minutes before rinsing and spitting. You may need to refrain from eating or drinking for half an hour after fluoride treatment.
It’s important to schedule regular dentist appointments at least every six months to keep up with regular exams and teeth cleanings. Be sure to ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you have any questions about your teeth cleaning procedure! In the case of severe build-up or other oral issues, you may need to see your dentist more often or receive an even deeper clean with electrical tools.