While dentists recommend that you go to the dentist for a professional cleaning every six months, some people are too afraid of the dentist to go. Cleanings are important for your oral health. They help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Going to the dentist for a cleaning is a great way to prevent oral health problems or catch them before they get out of hand.
Why Should You Get a Teeth Cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning is the best way to prevent oral health problems. Dentists recommend you brush and floss your teeth two to three times a day. This is because of the bacteria in our mouths. Some bacteria come from the food we eat, while some live in our mouths. The bacteria can create plaque on your teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease if not removed.
Brushing and flossing can only do so much. No matter how expensive and top-of-the-line toothbrush you buy, it still won’t be able to reach certain places. Not like a tool a dentist would use.
Benefits of a Professional Dental Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is not an unnecessary procedure. It has many benefits and should be done. There are many benefits to getting your teeth cleaned by a professional, including:
- Prevent periodontal disease
- Prevents cavities
- Prevents gum disease
- Leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean longer
- Better breath
- Catch any oral issues before they get worse
The Dental Cleaning Procedure
Some people don’t want to get their teeth cleaned because they think it is a painful procedure. But it is not. It is a simple, painless process that should be done twice a year.
Oral Examination
First, a dental hygienist will examine your mouth. This needs to be done before the cleaning to check for any problems. If they find something, the dental hygienist will inform the dentist. Depending on how serious the issue is, they may reschedule your cleaning so they can address the issue.
Scaling (Plaque & Tartar Removal)
You are supposed to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, but that won’t get everything. Certain spots in your mouth are hard for you to reach, but not a dentist. During this process, the dentist will take an ultrasonic scaler and remove any plaque on or between your teeth. Plaque buildup can damage your teeth and cause cavities and tooth decay if not removed. The ultrasonic scaler uses low vibrations and air pressure to remove any debris that may be on or in between your teeth. While this process can be a little uncomfortable, it doesn’t hurt.
Teeth Polishing
Once the teeth have been cleaned, it is time to make them shiny. Your dentist will take a handheld device and apply a paste to each tooth. With the device, they will buff and polish your teeth until they shine. It will not hurt.
Flossing
Flossing is important. This final flossing will help remove any plaque or debris between your teeth. It will also tell your dentist if you have a problem with bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can be a sign that something more serious is going on, like gum disease. This stage also doesn’t hurt.
Rinsing
Once the flossing is done, it is time to rinse. The dentist will spray some water in your mouth for you to swish around. This should remove any excess polishing paste from your mouth.
Dentist Check-In
Once done, the dentist will check your teeth. Before they let you leave, they will make sure that you don’t have any oral problems. They will check your teeth and your gums and make sure that everything is okay. They will also ask you if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health.
How Long Does The Teeth Cleaning Procedure Take?
The procedure can take anywhere from thirty minutes to ninety minutes. It depends on the dentist and your teeth. If your teeth are healthy and the dentist doesn’t run into any problems, the procedure should go by pretty fast. But if they run into problems, then it will take longer.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
While many people are afraid of going to the dentist, getting your teeth cleaned is not a scary process. It is not painful or invasive and should be done at least twice a year. Teeth cleaning is an important preventative measure in protecting your oral health. It allows the dentist to check your teeth and gums and remove any plaque buildup which can harm your teeth. If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in a while, you should schedule one today.