Keeping a consistent schedule of dental visits is essential in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. See your dentist at least once a year for teeth cleaning, but preferably twice a year, so you can avoid more serious issues that can result if you delay dental care. A teeth cleaning appointment usually also includes an oral exam and, once per year, x-rays. Typically, teeth cleaning requires 30 to 60 minutes.
Teeth cleaning procedures are designed for more than just appearances. Professional teeth cleaning treatments are the primary methods for preventing and treating tooth decay and periodontal disease and maintaining good oral health.
The Importance of Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is an important part of good oral hygiene and maintaining the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, tartar builds up in your mouth. Teeth cleaning by a certified dental hygienist is the process of removing the plaque, tartar, and stains that naturally accumulate on your teeth every day after eating and drinking.
Removing Plaque and Tartar
To remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and between your teeth, your dental hygienist uses a specialized instrument called a scaler or curette.
Plaque is a sticky, soft film that covers your teeth at almost all times. The bacteria found in plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed by daily brushing and flossing, and regular teeth cleaning visits to your dentist.
Tartar is the hard, calcified deposit that can develop on your teeth and contribute to decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist uses a scaler to expertly remove tartar without causing harm to your teeth. Tartar is also called dental calculus.
Each of your teeth may need to be individually scanned to ensure that all tartar has been removed. Once the surfaces of your teeth are clean and smooth, your dental hygienist will complete the full-mouth debridement using a process called Guided Biofilm Therapy, followed by flossing and the application of fluoride varnish, if elected.
For your safety and for cleanliness and quality control, all dental instruments are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized.
What to Expect During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment
Beyond the typical 30 minutes to an hour required for professional teeth cleaning, you will likely notice that your teeth feel fresh, smooth, and clean, and look brighter. Most people find that routine teeth cleaning does not cause pain or discomfort, but it is important to tell your dentist if you are having pain so he or she can use other options.
Other Potential Treatment Steps
Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning twice a year. One appointment usually includes X-rays so your dentist can look for potential problems with the teeth roots or structural integrity. Issues your dentist finds do not have to be overwhelming for you or cause unneeded additional stress. The key is making and keeping regular appointments for teeth cleaning to prevent small problems from becoming more serious.
In between routine teeth cleaning, good oral hygiene at home is vital to prevent tooth decay, tartar build-up, and gum disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and twice-yearly teeth cleaning help prevent more serious dental problems.
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