What Happens During A Routine Dental Cleaning And How Does It Help Protect Your Oral Health?

You've probably heard that it's recommended to have your teeth cleaned at your general dentist's office every six months. Unfortunately, many people neglect this vital way to maintain their oral health. Cleanings are important because they're the only way to remove tartar from your teeth, and they also give your general dentist a chance to examine your teeth and gums for signs of any abnormalities. To find out what happens during a routine dental cleaning and why each step of the process is important, read on.

1. You'll Get a Dental Check-Up

When you first arrive for your cleaning appointment, the dental hygienist will go over your dental history with you. If you have any recent changes in your oral health, such as sensitive teeth or bleeding gums, tell your hygienist so that the dentist can be informed of it.

Afterward, your hygienist will briefly examine your teeth and gums. The hygienist looks for signs of gum disease and tooth decay using a hand-held mirror, which allows them to spot dental health problems that may be impossible for you to see on your own.

2. Your Plaque and Tartar Will Be Removed

After your check-up, your dental cleaning will begin with the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth. This is the most important step of the cleaning process, and it's the reason why it's important to have your teeth cleaned at least every six months — your daily brushing and flossing routine can't remove tartar since it calcifies and adheres strongly to the tooth's surface.

Your hygienist will start by applying an ultrasonic wand to the surface of your teeth. The rapid vibrations coming from the ultrasonic wand will break up large pieces of calcified tartar that have adhered to your teeth, which allows it to be removed easily.

In addition to the ultrasonic wand, the dental hygienist also uses a scaler to remove tartar. The scaler is a simple instrument that's used to scrape smaller areas of tartar off of the surface of your teeth. This process can take quite a while since each individual tooth needs to be fully cleaned using the scaler.

3. Your Teeth Will Be Polished

Once your teeth are completely free from plaque and tartar, the hygienist will apply a gritty paste to them. The purpose of this paste is to act as an abrasive agent. After it's applied, the hygienist will use an instrument with a rotating rubber head to polish your teeth, creating a very smooth surface.

Polishing your teeth serves two purposes. The first is that it removes small surface stains, which improves the appearance of your teeth. The most important purpose, however, is that the smooth surface of a polished tooth isn't very suitable for tartar buildup — the bacteria that create tartar like to hide in tiny crevices within the tooth's surface. Polishing your teeth reduces the chance of tartar forming on them, which helps to keep your oral health in good condition.

4. You'll Receive a Fluoride Treatment

Once your teeth are polished, your hygienist will fill a dental tray with a fluoride solution. You'll place the dental tray in your mouth and leave it there for a full minute. Afterward, you'll rinse your mouth out with water to remove the fluoride. The fluoride treatment will strengthen your enamel, which helps it resist being broken down by bacteria and acidic food or drinks.

Overall, a thorough cleaning at your general dentist's office will take around 45 minutes. It's common for people to experience slight discomfort during their cleaning, and they may have sore gums afterward. If you experience pain during your dental cleaning, tell your hygienist so that the cleaning can be modified to make you more comfortable — some steps can be performed slower in order to reduce gum irritation.

For the best oral health, it's important to schedule a cleaning at least every six months. Not only will your tartar be removed, but your general dentist will have the chance to spot potential problems with your gums or teeth before they can develop into something more serious.

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