Brushing and flossing your teeth play an important role in your oral hygiene, but those aren’t the only two tasks that can protect your health. Regular teeth-cleaning service performed by a dental professional is another important step in maintaining the health of your mouth. Some people feel uneasy about a trip to the dentist, but we’re breaking down what to expect during a routine teeth-cleaning appointment, as well as why it’s important, so you can feel informed and confident at your next visit with us.

Why Is Teeth Cleaning Important?

Regular teeth cleanings performed by a dental hygienist are essential in maintaining good oral health and hygiene. After the hygienist cleans your teeth, the dentist will check your teeth and gums to look for any areas of concern. The checkup portion of your semiannual dental visit is just as important as the cleaning, which can remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your mouth for improved oral health.

If you want to maintain a beautiful smile with healthy gums, visiting the dentist on a regular basis is a must. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can also aid in cavity and tooth loss prevention. Periodontal disease occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and is not removed. The plaque can then move into the tooth, where it destroys the tissues that support the bones in your jaw. This condition, also known as gum disease, can cause significant damage to your gums, tissues, and bone or lead to tooth loss.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

During your teeth cleaning at the Dental Care Center, you will undergo several treatments. The first step is a visual assessment, which allows one of our dental professionals to determine whether any evidence of specific oral problems exists. The next step is performing intraoral radiography, or X-rays of the teeth and jaw. Patients who can’t tolerate this process while awake can be sedated for the radiography.

After taking X-rays, a dental hygienist will begin cleaning your teeth, starting with teeth scaling. This process may involve the use of a hand scaler, curette, or powered ultrasonic scaler. The curette helps to remove additional calculus, also known as tartar, and plaque beneath the gums. Following the scaling process, the hygienist polishes the teeth with a fine-grit paste that removes any remaining plaque. In pediatric patients, a teeth cleaning might also include the application of antiplaque sealants on teeth that are harder to reach when brushing and flossing.

The dentist will then perform a gentle probe of your gums and teeth, focusing special attention on any areas of concern that are visible in the intraoral radiography images. If we find any signs of cavities, tooth loss, or disease, we will create a treatment plan for you and talk to you about your options.

A teeth cleaning is a fairly straightforward process, and it’s something you shouldn’t skip if you want to maintain the health of your mouth and the appearance of your teeth. Schedule an appointment to get your teeth cleaned with a provider at the Dental Care Center in your area.