In life, everyone will have visited the dentist at some point in their lives, and dentist teeth cleaning visits to the dentist are fundamental to maintaining a strong and shiny smile.
If you’ve not visited the dentist for a dentist’s teeth cleaning for a while and you’re wondering what happens during a cleaning appointment, everything you need to know is right here.
What Is A Dentist Teeth Cleaning?
A dentist tooth cleaning appointment involves a physical examination and cleaning your entire mouth. The objective behind this is for you to leave the dental practice with a happier and healthier mouth than when you arrived.
A dentist’s teeth cleaning typically has a few stages involved with it. Let’s deep dive further into what these are.
Physical Examination
Dentist teeth cleanings typically begin with a physical examination of your entire mouth. The purpose behind this is to determine the current state of your oral health and whether there are any major concerns that need addressing.
The dentist will use a small mirror to check around the teeth and gums to identify any concerns and see how much clean your teeth need. Suppose any major problems are detected, for example. In that case, you may be showing signs of gum disease or dental cavities. The dentist will point this out to you and may recommend additional treatment.
Cleaning Process – Remove Plaque and Tartar
Dental plaque and tartar are natural deposits that form around the teeth if too much bacteria has penetrated inside the mouth. This is a consequence of not brushing and flossing your teeth properly. The ideal solution for this problem is deep dental cleaning which is different from regular cleaning.
Brushing and flossing your teeth helps to reduce the level of build-up. The dentist will scrape off the plaque and tartar with a scaler.
Cleaning Process – Toothpaste Cleaning
Once most of the plaque and tartar deposits have been scrapped off, the dentist will then begin brushing the teeth with a powerful electric toothbrush. Some deposits may remain in the mouth or stuck to the teeth, and the toothbrush will accommodate these deposits whilst making your teeth clean. This can also be considered as polishing your teeth.
Cleaning Process – Flossing
The dentist goes deep in between your teeth to locate and remove stuck deposits or debris. There may be deposits left from the cleaning process, which the dentist can remove using the flossing film.
Cleaning Process – Rinsing
Finally, with your mouth feeling nice and fresh, the dentist will give you a glass of liquid fluoride for you to swish around the mouth, leaving your mouth squeaky clean and fresh.
Importance of Professional Teeth Cleanings
Read more about the importance of regular dental cleaning here: Importance of Regular Teeth Cleaning
What Else Can A Dentist Teeth Cleaning Appointment Involve?
Whilst we’ve outlined the steps of a dentist’s teeth cleaning, there are other things that a dentist may search for. For example, the dentist may also perform an x-ray procedure to search for any signs of oral cancer.
At your appointment, it is hugely beneficial to ask any questions relating to your teeth and gums, including any problems you may be experiencing.
Towards the end of the appointment, the dentist would also recommend oral hygiene tips for you to perform to keep your teeth and gums strong and fresh at home. You’re also expected to return for another dentist’s teeth cleaning in approximately six months.
Get yourself check-in for a dentist’s teeth cleaning appointment at your local dentist in Hornsby by today!