Teeth Cleaning Did you know that there are more than 150 bacteria on your toothbrush? Not to mention the millions of harmful microbes that live in your mouth. Even if you have a regular dental hygiene routine at home, there are some parts of the mouth where your brushing and flossing may not reach. This provides a haven for bacteria to multiply, producing acid plaque that attacks the teeth and gums. This emphasizes the importance of regular teeth cleanings at the dentist. Find out more with Avery Dental Center.What Does the Dentist Do During Teeth Cleaning?Tooth cleaning at the dentist's will remove any tartar or calculus deposits from above and below the gumline with special instruments that are designed for this purpose. The teeth may be polished after they have been scaled in order to get rid of stains on them. In some cases when there is heavy accumulation of tartar (calculus) between the teeth and underneath the gum line, a standard teeth cleaning procedure may not be enough to remove it. This is where scaling and root planing may also be carried out, which is a deeper clean to remove calculus from the visible part of the tooth and the tooth root below the gumline. What to Expect at the Dentist's When You Come in for a Teeth Cleaning?Teeth cleaning is a routine procedure and is not painful. It starts with an examination of your oral cavity so that the dentist can see if there are any health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Next, the cleaning process begins. This includes: Plaque RemovalThe dentist will then use water and a dental scraper (also called an explorer) or laser cleaning device to remove plaque build-up on your teeth. This will expose the white tooth under it. Scaling and root planingScaling and root planing removes plaque build-up from both the top of your teeth's surfaces and beneath them at their roots. The process also gets rid of tartar - hardened bacteria that form when plaque mixes with saliva in your mouth over time. The dentist removes tartar from your teeth's surface layer with an ultrasonic scaler or files, then smooths out any rough spots on the tooth roots. Application of Gritty ToothpasteAfter all the plaque and tartar are removed, the dentist applies a gritty toothpaste to your teeth, which helps to remove any debris and surface stains. A high-speed water sprayer (also known as an air/water syringe) is to rinse away all the toothpaste residue. Fluoride ApplicationFinally, the teeth are polished, and fluoride applied to the surface of the teeth to help prevent the further build-up of plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This also leaves your teeth a little whiter than when you started. How Often Do I Need Teeth Cleaning with the Dentist?Every six months is the suggested timeframe for a dental cleaning according to the American Dental Association. However, if you have bad breath, bleeding gums, or other symptoms you may need more frequent visits so the dentist can determine what needs to be done. Some people who have ongoing problems with gum disease may need to have cleanings every three to four months. Call us at (380) 257-1684 if you would like to schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning at Avery Dental Center. |
