What Is A Teeth Cleaning?

When we say teeth cleaning, we’re talking about a professional dental cleaning, not just brushing your teeth at home. Without a professional cleaning, tartar and plaque could build up, discolor your teeth, affect your gums and bone, and lead to decay or tooth loss.

And when you think about the consequences of not taking care of your teeth, visiting the dentist twice a year (recommended) doesn’t sound so bad after all.

A professional teeth cleaning gets all the plaque and tartar off your teeth.

Dental Cleaning Procedure

Depending on the condition of your teeth, the time a cleaning takes can vary. But usually, the whole appointment can last between 30 minutes and an hour.

Here’s the step-by-step process of a dental cleaning.

• Examination : The dental professional, usually a dental hygienist, will first examine your mouth to get a baseline. Using a small mirror, they will look around your teeth and gums for signs of inflammation, plaque and tartar, or other oral health concerns.
• Removal Of Plaque And Tartar : If they find any plaque and/or tartar, they will remove them with a tool called a scaler. Usually, plaque and tartar congregate near your gum line and between your teeth.
• Cleaning With Toothpaste : After the hygienist has removed all of the tartar and plaque, they will brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush.
• Flossing : Yes, flossing at home is a great idea. But getting an expert to floss your teeth is the real deal. They are able to get deep between your teeth and get all of the gunk out.