Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for keeping one’s teeth and gums healthy and preventing dental health problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Brushing and flossing daily are essential steps in the oral hygiene routine, but sometimes, that is not enough. Professional dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is often necessary to maintain optimal oral health. In this blog post, we’ll explore more about dental cleaning, including what it is, how it’s done, and why it’s essential for good oral health.
What is Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleaning is a professional teeth cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. It involves removing any built-up plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and gum line that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.
Several serious illnesses have been associated with inadequate oral hygiene, including bone loss, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, throat cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Therefore, in order to maintain good oral and physical health, regular check-ups and annual dental cleanings are necessary.
Benefits of Dental Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings can offer various other benefits:
Preventing Oral Health Problems
Dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Detecting Diseases Early
It can help dentists detect oral health problems like cavities, periodontitis or oral cancer in the early stages.
Eliminating Bad Breath
By removing food particles and bacteria that have accumulated in the mouth, it can significantly reduce the levels of sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
Lowering Healthcare Costs
Preventative dental care can lower healthcare costs in the long run by reducing the need for more extensive and expensive dental procedures.
It is generally recommended to get a dental cleaning every six months to maintain good oral health. However, some people may require frequent checkups if they have a history of dental issues, such as gum disease or frequent cavities. As for those who have excellent oral health and a low risk of dental problems, they may only need to see the dentist once a year. It’s essential to follow the dentist’s recommendations regarding the frequency of dental checkups to prevent dental problems from developing or worsening.
How is Dental Cleaning Done?
The exact steps of the cleaning process may slightly differ based on the specific requirements of the patient. In general, during a routine dental cleaning, a dentist will carry out the following procedures:
Oral Exam
The dentist will first examine the teeth and gums for signs of oral health problems, such as cavities or gum disease.
Scaling
Using a scaler or ultrasonic instrument, the dentist will then remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. These tools vibrate at a high frequency to break up the hardened deposits, making it easier to clean them.
Polishing
After scaling, the dentist will use a rotating brush and gritty toothpaste to polish the teeth. This helps remove surface stains and gives them a smooth finish.
Flossing
The dentist will floss the teeth to remove any remaining plaque or debris that may be stuck between the teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
A fluoride treatment may be applied to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Throughout the cleaning process, the dentist may use a small mirror to examine the teeth and gums in order to ensure that all areas are properly cleaned. They may also use a suction device to remove any excess water or saliva from the mouth.
Overall, dental cleaning is a relatively quick and painless procedure that helps keep the teeth and gums healthy. However, it’s important to take certain measures to prevent any potential dental problems after the cleaning.
What to Avoid After a Dental Cleaning Procedure?
Following these steps after a dental cleaning procedure can help maintain the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce any pain or discomfort:
Avoid Eating for 30 Minutes
Avoiding food and drinks for a set amount of time after the cleaning procedure allows the fluoride treatment to set properly on the surface of the teeth.
Avoid Hot Foods & Beverages
Consuming hot foods or beverages can dissolve the fluoride treatment applied to the teeth. It may also cause discomfort to the gums which may be sensitive after the procedure.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products can stain the teeth and cause bad breath. It’s best to avoid them to maintain the effects of dental cleaning for as long as possible.
Avoid Brushing Too Hard
Brushing the teeth too hard can hurt the gums, so it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently.
After a dental cleaning procedure, it’s crucial to follow any specific instructions given by the dentist. They may advise against using particular types of mouthwash or eating certain kinds of food to allow the gums and teeth to heal faster. It’s also essential not to skip dental checkup appointments, as regular dental cleanings play a significant role in maintaining good oral health.
Key Takeaways
Although following a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing is crucial for keeping the teeth healthy, it may not always be sufficient to remove deeply embedded stains or bacterial buildup. In such cases, a dental cleaning procedure may be necessary to give the teeth a clean and smooth appearance.
To maintain the long-term benefits of a dental cleaning procedure, it is best to avoid certain things like hot beverages or tobacco products that can prevent the fluoride treatment from properly setting onto the tooth enamel. It is also important to follow through on any advice or recommendations offered by the dentist to enjoy the lasting effects of the treatment.
For regular dental cleanings, visit the nearest EliteCare Health Centers clinic. EliteCare is one of Florida’s best medical clinics, with a team of highly trained primary care physicians who offer dental services as well as primary care services like venipuncture, immunizations, EKG and more. Visit their website to schedule an appointment today.
