Dental cleanings

What is a Dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a thorough procedure completed by a dental professional to clean teeth and gums. It involves removing plaque and hardened calculus through scaling, followed by polishing to eliminate stains and smooth tooth surfaces. Flossing ensures comprehensive cleanliness. Optional fluoride treatment strengthens enamel. Regular cleanings, typically every six months, help prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain fresh breath, though frequency may vary based on individual oral health needs.

When do we do Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings are typically recommended every six months for most people to maintain optimal oral health. However, the frequency can vary depending on individual factors such as:

• Overall Oral Health: If you have gum disease or a history of dental issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, such as every three or four months.
• Plaque and Tartar Build-Up: If you have a higher buildup of plaque or calculus (tartar), more frequent cleanings may be necessary to prevent dental problems.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect oral health, requiring more frequent cleanings.
• Smoking: Smokers are at higher risk of gum disease and may benefit from more frequent cleanings.
• Age: Children and elderly individuals may have different needs for dental cleanings based on their oral health status.

How often do I need dental cleanings?

Dental cleaning frequency varies based on factors like oral health and individual needs. Dentists typically recommend cleanings every six months. Some may need more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months) due to gum disease or dental issues, while others with excellent oral hygiene might require cleanings yearly. Consult your dentist to determine the best schedule for you.

Do I need to come in for cleanings if I brush every day?

Regular dental cleanings complement daily brushing by removing plaque and tartar, preventing gum disease and detecting early dental issues. They enhance oral hygiene, freshness, and appearance. Follow your dentist's advice and schedule cleanings as recommended by your dentist, usually every six months.

What is involved in a Dental Cleaning?

During a dental cleaning, the hygienist first assesses oral health through a physical examination. Scaling then removes plaque and calculus with specialized tools to prevent gum disease. Teeth are polished to remove stains and create a smoother surface, reducing plaque buildup. Flossing ensures thorough cleaning of all areas by removing remaining plaque and polishing paste. Optionally, fluoride treatment strengthens enamel, offering protection against decay.

• Review Your Oral Health: Take note of any changes or issues you've noticed in your mouth, such as sensitivity, bleeding gums, or areas of concern.
• Update Medical History: Inform your dentist of any changes in your medical history, medications you are taking, or recent surgeries.
• Brush and Floss: Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily.
• Avoid Staining Substances: Minimize consumption of coffee, tea, and other foods or drinks that can stain teeth before your appointment.
• Relax: Dental cleanings are routine procedures performed to maintain your oral health. If you feel anxious, communicate this to your dentist or hygienist so they can help you feel comfortable

How long will the appointment be?

The duration of a dental cleaning appointment can vary based on several factors, including the individual's age, oral health status, and the thoroughness of the cleaning needed. Typically,for children a dental cleaning is 30 minutes, and for adults a dental cleaning is an hour. These time frames are estimates and the appointment may be longer or shorter depending.

What is involved in a Dental Cleaning?

• Physical Examination: The dental hygienist begins by examining your mouth to assess overall oral health and identify any areas requiring special attention.
• Scaling: Using specialized tools, the hygienist performs scaling to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth surfaces. Plaque, a sticky bacterial film, can harden into tartar if not removed, potentially causing gum disease and other dental issues.
• Polishing: After scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a gritty paste and a high-powered polisher. This helps to remove surface stains and make your teeth smoother, which can help prevent plaque from re-accumulating.
• Flossing: The hygienist will floss between your teeth to ensure that any remaining plaque and polishing paste are removed from those hard-to-reach areas.
• Fluoride Treatment: In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to your teeth after cleaning. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and protect your teeth from decay.

Does a cleaning hurt?

The level of discomfort experienced during a dental cleaning can vary from person to person. For many individuals, a dental cleaning is generally not painful, but they may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity during certain parts of the procedure, such as when the dental hygienist is removing plaque and tartar buildup or using dental instruments to clean between the teeth.

Post op care following a dental cleaning

• Brushing and Flossing: Continue brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque buildup.
• Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and beverages to prevent plaque formation.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule your next dental check-up as recommended by your dentist, usually every six months, to monitor your oral health and receive professional cleanings.
• Fluoride Treatments: If recommended by your dentist, use fluoride mouthwash or undergo fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• Monitor Oral Health: Be aware of any changes in your oral health, such as bleeding gums, sensitivity, or persistent bad breath, and promptly consult your dentist if issues arise.
• Follow Dentist's Advice: Follow any specific recommendations or instructions provided by your dentist for maintaining optimal oral health based on your individual needs.

What should I expect after my dental cleaning?

In some cases people may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold; this is more relevant in cases where a lot of calculus(hardened plaque) is removed. Gums may also get tender and/or bleed slightly especially if there was a lot of build up removed from below the gums or if you do not floss regularly.