There are six distinct phases to complete dental cleaning. While it may be unpleasant for some, most people will experience no pain during the operation. However, cleaning your teeth might be uncomfortable if you have dentin hypersensitivity or worn-down enamel. If this is the case for you, then your dentist may administer a local anaesthetic, depending on how bad the pain is.
The seven-step teeth cleaning procedure is as follows.
Oral Examination
The first step in every dental cleaning procedure is a thorough oral examination. For signs of cavities, inflammation, or any other significant problems, your dentist or dental hygienist will inspect the inside of your mouth with the help of a small mirror. If the dentist has any major concerns during this inspection, they may decide not to clean the teeth at this time. Instead, they will share their concerns with you and work together to find a solution.
Scaling
Once plaque has been scraped away, scaling can be performed to clean the area around the gums. A dental scaler removes tartar from the gums and the spaces between teeth. Caution: the scrape will generate some noise but will not hurt. However, this step can be challenging if the patient’s dental enamel is in bad shape.
Thorough Cleaning and Polishing
Firm electric toothbrushes and gritty toothpaste are used to clean the teeth thoroughly. This method not only tends and polishes your teeth but also helps eliminate any remaining tartar without causing any harm to the enamel. The electric toothbrush is harmless, and the special toothpaste has the same pleasant flavor as regular toothpaste.
Flossing
If you do not floss on your own consistently, having a professional do it for you is still a good idea. It helps get to places a toothbrush cannot go, including between your teeth, where toothpaste and plaque can linger.
Rinsing
What comes next is quite apparent. Swish the liquid solution provided by the dentist about in your mouth and spit it out. It is the last step in removing any dust or dirt that may have been missed while cleaning.
Fluoride Therapy
Finally, the fluoride treatment is completed with a foamy gel or paste applied to the teeth; then, a mouthpiece is used to keep the gel or paste in place. The second round of rinsing occurs once the mouthpiece is taken out. If you want the fluoride to penetrate your teeth thoroughly, it is best to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking after brushing.
Final Examination
After cleaning your teeth, a dentist may conduct a final examination. This phase involves examining your teeth’ alignment and checking for grinding difficulties and gum disease. In addition, the dentist will discuss the digital X-rays for any additional issues with your teeth. Some dentists will also analyse the depth of your gingival pockets, screen for oral cancer, and assess dental restorations such as dental fillings and bridges.
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam and Cleaning
Preventing future tooth problems may be as simple as scheduling a dental cleaning today. To ensure there are no underlying problems that need to be addressed, your dentist will perform a complete examination throughout the cleaning. Additionally, you can leave confident that your teeth will remain clean for the next six months.
