What is Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning is a professional procedure done at a dentist's office. It helps prevent gum disease, cavities, yellow teeth, and bad breath. The cleaning will also remove plaque and tartar buildup. This procedure is done by a hygienist using tools to scrape and polish your teeth. Cleaning your teeth should be done every six months to prevent dental problems and to promote general good health.
Why do we need our teeth cleaned?
- To remove plaque and tartar: Regular brushing does not eliminate all the buildup in your teeth.
- To prevent oral diseases: Reduces the chances of developing gingivitis (gum disease) and periodontal disease (infection and inflammation around the teeth).
- Better aesthetic: Your teeth will look better after a cleaning and the removal of stains.
- Overall health: Your oral health impacts your overall health.
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a minimally invasive dental cleaning option that removes plaque, stains, and tartar in a safe, effective, and comfortable way. During this procedure, we use disclosing dye to highlight the plaque on your teeth, then remove it with a gentle air-polishing device—leaving your teeth clean and shining.
What are the steps in professional teeth cleaning?
- Initial exam: The hygienist checks the condition of the teeth and gums.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy
- Flossing: Flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas in between the teeth.
- Fluoride treatment (optional): To strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Dentist check-up: The dentist will check the teeth and gums and examine x-rays.
Other practices may offer:
- Scaling: An ultrasonic scaler or hand tool will be used to remove plaque from the tooth surface. This process is usually painless, unless you have gum irritation.
- Polishing: Polishing paste is used to clean the teeth and remove stains with a rotating brush.
How often do we need our teeth cleaned?
- Regular cleanings: Every six months is recommended for good and preventative oral health.
- X-rays: Once a year is usually recommended.
- Deep cleaning: This is a more intensive cleaning due to gum disease. This cleaning goes deeper beneath the gumline. Deep cleaning is usually suggested every 3 months until the teeth and gums are ready to move to a six-month rotation.
- Gross debridement: After avoiding dental visits, tartar buildup is very difficult to clean in one visit. An ultrasonic tool is used to break down the buildup before the cleaning is performed. These appointments will vary depending on the severity of the case.
What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?
- Preventing cavities: Removing the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Maintaining healthy gums: By preventing gingivitis and periodontal issues.
- Fresh breath: Eliminating bacteria, especially by scraping your tongue, will prevent bad breath.
- Early Detection: The earlier your dentist can identify oral problems, the faster and more economically they can be fixed.
What steps can we take at home to help keep our teeth clean?
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Avoid sugary foods like candy, juices, and soda.
Reach out for support
Cleaning your teeth twice a year will prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Avoiding teeth cleaning could cause long-term health issues. Besides the above-mentioned dental concerns, not cleaning your teeth professionally regularly can cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory problems. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please contact our office for an appointment.