If you brush twice daily and floss in-between meals, do you need a dental cleaning? The answer is ‘yes.’ Like brushing, a dental cleaning is an important part of your oral hygiene. However, with brushing there’s just so much you can do.
Dental cleaning involves the removal of plaques from the teeth. A dentist reaches the parts of the teeth that you wouldn’t during everyday brushing. The American Dental Association recommends regular visits to the dentist.
Still, dreading a dental visit because you are not sure? This article will answer your questions.
What Happens At A Dental Cleaning?
Many people who have been on previous dental visits can’t say exactly what happens. So don’t trust your friends. Here’s exactly what happens:
- The Dentist Inspects Your Teeth
Firstly, they look at your teeth with a mirror or light source. At this stage, any abnormality such as swollen gums is observed. The dentist would also ask if you have any complaints.
- An X-ray of Your Teeth is Done
A high-resolution picture of your teeth is obtained through an x-ray or an intraoral camera. It will pick decaying teeth, diseased gums, tumours, cavities and other deformities.
- The Dentist Removes Plaques
Bacteria could collect on your teeth as plaques. The dentist scrapes these off to prevent them from causing cavities and other diseases.
- Your Teeth are Polished
Your teeth are polished using a special toothbrush and toothpaste. This ensures that there are no stains on your teeth.
- Your Teeth are Flossed
The dentist flosses your teeth with a professional touch.
- Treatment with Fluoride
A fluoride treatment involves keeping a fluoride-infused mouthpiece in your mouth for a minute. Afterwards, you rinse your mouth with plenty of water to get rid of excess fluoride.
At your dentist’s discretion, this may or may not be done.
- Final Inspection
The dentist examines your teeth again. They check for diseases, teeth alignment and oral cancer. If there have been any corrections done to the teeth, they make a final assessment.
What Will A Dental Cleaning Do For You?
A dental cleaning will:
- Save Your Money
Remember what they said about a stitch in time saves nine? When you go for a dental cleaning, you save the cost of treating complications.
- Give You Great Overall Health
Your teeth are parts of your body, so they contribute to your general health. When you take care of your oral health, you enhance overall health.
- Keep Your Mouth Fresh
After a dental cleaning, you will have a bright smile and fresh breath.
- Prevent Cavities
Without proper dental cleaning, plaques can cause cavities. A dental cleaning saves you the trauma of filling a tooth.
- Preserve Your Teeth
Who doesn’t like a complete set of teeth? Dental cleaning ensures you don’t lose any tooth to a disease.
