A professional teeth cleaning is a low-cost way to protect your oral health. Cleanings remove disease-causing surface debris, give you a pleasant clean feeling, and scrub away surface stains. The American Dental Association recommends that patients of all ages visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning or if you’ve never had one, we’ve provided a simple overview of what to expect at your upcoming appointment.
A Thorough Examination
Before your teeth cleaning begins, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform an examination of your teeth and gums. Using tools like small mirrors, all sides of your teeth and the surrounding gingiva will be inspected. This examination is important for evaluating the health of your gums and teeth.
Examinations are not invasive or uncomfortable. Detecting potential concerns as early as possible can save you time and money.
Removal of Surface Debris
When bacteria colonize, they form a sticky substance called plaque. This substance inflames the gingiva and is especially dangerous to your oral health when it is exposed to calculus. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be removed with flossing or brushing. Using handheld scaling instruments, your dental hygienist will gently scrape away disease-causing plaque and tartar.
Flossing and Polishing
After surface debris is removed, your teeth will be polished and flossed. This portion of your teeth cleaning will leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
Fluoride Treatments
Sometimes, fluoride treatments are recommended to help strengthen your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps replenish your tooth enamel. These treatments are applied in flavored varnishes and only take a few minutes.
Oral Health and Hygiene Education
A teeth cleaning is a great opportunity to learn more about oral health and hygiene. If our team finds areas of concern such as brushing too hard or inadequate flossing, we may make suggestions to improve your oral hygiene at home. This is also a great time for our patients to ask questions about their home care and oral health. Open communication helps us empower our patients to take charge of their wellbeing.
Call the office of Dr. David Kuban to reserve your next professional teeth cleaning.
