Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy throughout your life. A key part of that routine includes regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. It is recommended to get your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months for optimal benefits.
If you’ve never had a professional cleaning, it might seem a little intimidating, especially when you see the tools used, but there’s nothing to worry about. Cleanings are generally painless, non-invasive, and an excellent opportunity to get comfortable with dental care.
Still unsure? Let’s walk through the process from start to finish!
Before the Cleaning
While there’s not much preparation required for a dental cleaning, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother for both you and the dental hygienist:
Thoroughly brush and floss before your visit By brushing and flossing, you ensure that most of your appointment time is spent on the professional cleaning itself, not on removing leftover food.
Avoid eating sticky foods If brushing and flossing aren’t possible before your appointment, you can still help by avoiding sticky foods like chewy candies and caramels that may cling to your teeth.
Pause whitening treatments If you’re using whitening products, it’s best to stop for a couple of weeks before your appointment. Whitening products can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, and this sensitivity can increase during the dental cleaning process. Setting them aside beforehand will help ensure a more comfortable experience.
During the Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings are performed by dental hygienists, who specialize in keeping teeth clean and healthy. The process is typically painless, but if you feel anxious, let the dental office know. They may offer sedation options to make you more comfortable.
Here’s what you can expect during your 30- to 60-minute appointment:
Oral Exam The dental hygienist will begin with a quick oral exam using a small mirror to check for any areas of concern in your teeth or gums. This step helps ensure there are no issues that could affect the cleaning process. It’s also a good chance for the hygienist to spot any potential problems early.
Scaling Plaque, a whitish film caused by bacteria, can accumulate on your teeth over time. If not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be brushed away and can lead to cavities and gum disease. During the cleaning, the hygienist will use a small, hooked tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. In some cases, they may use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations to help remove tougher deposits.
Polishing After scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a special gritty toothpaste and a tool similar to an electric toothbrush. This helps buff your teeth, removing surface stains and giving you a brighter smile. Many dental clinics, especially those catering to children, offer different flavored toothpaste to make the experience more enjoyable.
Flossing The hygienist will then floss between your teeth to ensure all remaining plaque and debris are removed. This step also allows them to identify any sensitive areas that might need further attention from the dentist.
Fluoride Application A fluoride treatment is applied as the final step, which helps protect your teeth from cavities for months after your cleaning. Fluoride treatments come in a variety of flavors and harden upon contact with saliva, forming a protective barrier over your teeth.
After the Cleaning
Once the cleaning is finished, you'll be asked to wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking to give the fluoride treatment time to set. The dentist will also stop by for a brief examination to check for any potential issues, such as cavities or signs of gum disease, that may need attention. Before you leave, the office will typically help you schedule your next appointment to keep your oral health on track.
To get the most out of your dental cleanings, remember to brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day and stay on top of your regular cleaning appointments. Early detection and prevention can make a big difference in preserving your dental health. If you’re ready to take the next step in your oral care, schedule an appointment with Sherwood Family Dental Clinic in Victoria today!