What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning procedure is an essential part of maintaining optimum oral health but many people skip it as the mere thought of dental visit makes them anxious. Getting an idea about what happens during the process can help in getting rid of the anxiety.
- A physical exam
Most of the teeth cleaning procedures are performed by a dental hygienist near you. The process begins with the examination of your mouth. They will check your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or gum infection along with other potential concerns.
- Removing plaque and tartar
With a small mirror for guidance, the hygienist uses a scaler for removing the plaque and tartar around the gum line and in areas between the teeth. The more the tartar, the more they need to scrape a particular spot says the dentist near CA.
- Gritty toothpaste cleaning
Once your teeth are free from plaque and tartar, the dental hygienist will brush them with a high-powered electric brush. This will help in deep cleaning and removing any tartar that’s left behind. You can choose the flavor of the toothpaste; however, it comes in a gritty consistency.
- Expert flossing
Whether you floss your teeth at home or not, professional flossing is essential. The hygienist can clean your teeth thoroughly and remove plaque accumulated between your teeth.
- Rinsing
The next step is to rinse the mouth for getting rid of the debris. The dental hygienist will give you a rinse that contains fluoride.
- Applying fluoride treatment
Fluoride treatment is the last step where the hygienist will place a foamy gel into a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. It’s left on the teeth for a minute. They may also paint fluoride varnish on the teeth with a small brush. It will harden when in contact with saliva so you can eat and drink immediately.
Other potential steps
Your professional cleaning sessions are scheduled twice a year but the x-rays are done once a year. They may perform some additional examinations and may suggest sealants for children.
