What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

Regular dental cleaning routines are a vital part of preventive dentistry. However, they are also known to cause dental anxiety for many patients. At Brookstone Dental Care, we encourage our clients to learn about what goes on during teeth cleaning to ease their nerves. Some people forego their professional dental cleaning each year despite being concerned with their oral hygiene. While brushing and flossing twice a day is a great way to keep up with your oral home at home, having a professional cleaning your teeth ensures your teeth remain intact for the longest time.

The importance of Routine Teeth Cleaning.

According to our dentist in Phoenix, regular teeth cleaning is necessary for protecting and preventing our teeth from invasive dental issues. The following are more reasons why we need professional mouth care procedures.

• It prevents tooth loss by removing the build-up of tartar and plaque that could lead to teeth loosening and falling out.
• Brighten and whiten teeth.
• Professional cleaning is the best defense when it comes to bad breath.
• It helps prevent gum diseases caused by bacteria forming on the teeth.
• Prevents cavities

What to Expect During Teeth Cleaning

At our dental offices in Phoenix, teeth cleaning will take an average of 30 to 60 minutes. During the procedure, you will lie back on the dental chair as the dentist works on your oral health. The appointment may also take longer with the dentist decides to take dental x-rays. The following is what to expect from the appointment.

Physical Exam

Before the cleaning procedure begins, the dentist first performs a thorough physical exam on your mouth. They will use small mirrors to check your teeth and gums for dental health concerns. If dental concerns are detected, the dentist will recommend treatment. Signs the dentist looks for include:

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Bite issues
• Oral cancer
• Plaque and tartar build-up
• Cavities and issues with the tooth roots

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

During this step, the dentist removes the hardened plaque and tartar that normal toothbrushing and flossing cannot reach. Using a small mirror to guide them, the dentist will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar between your teeth and the gum line. The equipment contains sharp edges to cut through the hardened plaque without damaging your enamel. You will experience some scraping sounds and no discomfort.

Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning

Now that your teeth are tartar and plaque-free, the dentist will brush them using an electric brush that produces a grinding noise. This process ensures that your teeth are deeply cleaned from all tartar and plaque. The toothpaste used has a gritty consistency that will gently scrub your teeth. In addition, the toothpaste will polish your teeth, leaving them smooth and shiny.

Expert Flossing

Regularly flossing at home has benefits, but nothing beats professional dental flossing. The dentist will get in deep between your teeth to find those spots that may cause gum bleeding. Additionally, professional flossing removes the excess plaque and teeth that may have been left from the previous cleaning process. As a result, you may experience discomfort if you have sensitive gums. Slight bleeding that quickly subsides may also occur.

Rinsing

The dentist will then help you rinse the leftover debris in your mouth. Water will be squirted in your mouth and be asked to swish. When ready, suction will remove the water from your mouth. The dentist may also decide to use a fluoride rinse. After swishing the rinse, you will spit the solution on the small sink. Your dentist may also decide to suction the rinse.

Application of Fluoride Treatment

This is the final step of teeth cleaning which is also considered optional. Fluoride treatment is important since it acts as a protectant on your teeth against decay and cavities. Additionally, it will strengthen your teeth’ enamel. The fluoride usually comes in a gel that is brushed onto your teeth. It could also be in a mouth rinse form, used daily for two minutes before brushing teeth. The dentist may also insert a mouthpiece over your teeth to administer the fluoride. It is important to note that fluoride treatment is mostly used on individuals who are at a higher risk of developing moderate to severe tooth decay. To have your teeth cleaned, visit our emergency dentist near you.