What is Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleanings are essential for people of all ages to keep their teeth and gums healthy for years to come. At a teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist will start by giving a physical exam of the mouth, then remove any plaque or tartar that has built up over time. Afterwards, the hygienist will brush the teeth with an electric toothbrush to polish and clean. Next, the hygienist will floss between each tooth and rinse the mouth to remove any remaining debris. The hygienist might also provide a dental sealant and/or fluoride treatment depending on the dentist's recommendations.

  1. Physical Exam

Teeth cleanings are often done by a dental hygienist. The hygienist will start the cleaning by giving an oral exam of the teeth, gums, and mouth. They will look for any signs of decay, oral issues, or gum disease. The hygienist will use small dental instruments, such as a small mirror and a dental explorer tool similar to a small pick. If any major problems are detected, the hygienist will call upon the dentist for a closer examination.

  1. Removal of Plaque and Tartar

While using a small mirror to see the teeth closely, the hygienist will precisely remove any buildup of plaque or tartar between the teeth or around the gum line. Both plaque and tartar are preventable by regular brushing and flossing, so depending on how much is built up determines how long this part of the process will take.

  1. Cleaning/Polishing

After the plaque and tartar are removed, the dental hygienist will begin cleaning and polishing the teeth. They will use a gritty toothpaste and a high-speed polishing tool to buff and clean the teeth. This process will remove any plaque that is left over, as well as remove any surface stains or leftover food particles. Your teeth will feel and look clean and fresh, also making it harder for plaque to adhere to the enamel in the future.

  1. Flossing

The hygienist will then floss in between each tooth. This will remove any plaque, food, or toothpaste from in between each tooth or along the gum line.

  1. Oral Rinse

After flossing, the patient will rinse their mouth to wash away any debris.

  1. Fluoride Treatment

After removing plaque and tartar, cleaning, and flossing, the dentist may apply fluoride to the teeth. Plaque that forms on teeth can cause erosion, which leads to cavities. Fluoride, a mineral, helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities from forming. A fluoride treatment is very beneficial as teeth can weaken and be more susceptible to decay and breakage over time.

While an individual's teeth cleaning process is personalized, depending on what the patient's oral needs are, the steps above are very standard. The overall goal is to remove any harmful bacteria in order to maintain good oral health and hygiene. If you are at all worried about the process before your appointment or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by telephone or in person. We want every patient to feel safe and comfortable leading up to their teeth cleaning appointment and during.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?