What is Teeth Cleaning?
Having a white smile and beautiful teeth is everyone's dream, isn't it? In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, this is synonymous with good oral health, which is why it is necessary to have regular dental check-ups and undergo the recommended treatments. Dental cleaning is one of them.
What is dental cleaning done in the dental office?
Dental cleaning or prophylaxis is performed in dental offices by a specialized dentist. Unlike daily home hygiene — brushing and flossing — this type of treatment involves analyzing each tooth individually and cleaning it. In addition to the dental arch, the professional also assesses the internal part of the gum tissue. The main objective is to eliminate tartar, bacterial plaque, and stains. This procedure is basically a way to prevent and treat cavities, as well as oral diseases — such as gingivitis — and periodontal diseases that can affect the patient's oral health and self-esteem.
What are the steps in dental cleaning?
As we mentioned, this type of dental treatment must be performed by specialists, including a dental surgeon. This is because there are some steps that need to be taken so that the final result is what patients expect. Furthermore, only with the right instruments and accessories will it be possible to clean your teeth.
The steps of teeth cleaning
- Identifying tartar
The first stage of dental prophylaxis involves the removal of all dental calculus, popularly known as tartar. To do this, an ultrasound device is used, which emits vibrations that break down the tartar plaques stuck to the surface of the teeth.
Daily brushing and flossing cannot remove this problem, so you need to see your trusted dentist to see if you have tartar and schedule an appointment to have it cleaned as soon as possible.
- Refinement and withdrawal
The second step, after using ultrasound and breaking down the plaque, is the refinement and removal stage. This is when the tartar is scraped off using manual curettes — a dental instrument.
Plaque removal is done on the coronal portion of the teeth, slightly entering the gingival sulcus — the skin around the teeth.
- Polishing the tooth surface
Another step that cannot be forgotten in dental cleaning is polishing the teeth that have been filed and cleaned, free of tartar. At this point, the dentist begins to polish the surface, leaving it smooth.
This way, it is possible to prevent the appearance of new bacterial plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Final step: fluoride application
To complete the treatment completely, the dentist responsible for the dental cleaning needs to apply fluoride — a chemical element used in dental offices — to prevent cavities and halitosis (bad breath).
How often is cleaning by a dentist necessary?
Teeth cleaning by a dentist is recommended twice a year — every six months. This frequency is ideal to prevent tartar from infiltrating the gums. This prevents the onset of gum diseases, such as periodontitis and gingivitis.
In Conclusion: we are here to help you!
Your dentist is your best partner in keeping your teeth clean and your gums and mouth healthy. Teeth cleaning is an essential part of this. Contact us today and make an appointment for an examination and a cleaning- don’t put it off!