Cleaning

What is a dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning consists of a physical exam, removal of plaque and tartar, toothbrushing, and flossing. It is recommended that you have two cleanings per year, even if you are diligent about oral health care at home. You will probably have dental X-rays taken once a year, unless the physical exam indicates there are problems with the teeth, in which case you may have more frequent X-rays.

What should I expect during a professional teeth cleaning appointment?

First, the dental hygienist will use a small mirror to look around your mouth for any signs of problems. If he or she suspects problems, the dentist is called in to conduct the physical exam prior to your cleaning to ensure the cleaning can take place. If all looks well, the hygienist moves forward with your cleaning, customized for your unique oral health.

Dental cleanings start by removing tartar and plaque from the gumline and between the teeth with a tool called a scaler. This will take just a few minutes if you’ve kept up with daily brushing and flossing, but can take longer if there is a lot of plaque and tartar to remove.

After removing plaque and tartar, the hygienist uses a high powered toothbrush with a gritty toothpaste to remove any remaining tartar and polish your teeth and follows with flossing. A nearby sink and cup is provided to rinse out your mouth.

The dentist will physically examine your mouth for cavities or gum disease, and any X-rays taken to look for problems that can’t be seen during a physical exam. If there are cavities or other dental concerns, your dentist discusses the treatment plan with you.

What is adult fluoride therapy?

The last step of your dental cleaning is an adult fluoride treatment. Fluoride therapy protects your teeth, making them more resistant to decay, and helps prevent future dental problems. Your dental hygienist places a stick gel in a mouthpiece that you wear over your teeth for one minute. Then, fluoride varnish is painted onto your teeth with a small brush for long-term protection against cavities.

Receiving regular dental cleanings is the key to preventing expensive or painful dental problems. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, call Goodman Dental Center, or schedule an appointment online.