What is teeth cleaning?
Teeth cleaning is an important component of preventive dentistry. During teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist carefully removes dental plaque from beneath your gums and between your teeth. Aside from reducing the build-up of dental tartar, teeth cleaning can alert you to more serious issues like cavities or gum disease.
What does teeth cleaning involve?
At Cromer & Cairns Dental, teeth cleaning involves a multi-step process.
Step one - Oral exam
An oral exam assesses the condition of your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and jaw. During an exam, the team uses a handheld mirror to observe every inch of your mouth. If she notices anything unusual, she can order additional testing like X-rays or a biopsy.
Step two - X-rays
Oral X-rays use small electronic sensors and low amounts of radiation to capture high-quality photographs of your mouth and jaw. The team at Cromer & Cairns uses X-rays to observe your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone. They help her detect potentially serious issues invisible to the naked eye.
Step three - Teeth cleaning
Teeth cleaning involves a hygienist removing plaque from the surface of your teeth and around your gums. During this part of the appointment, it’s normal to hear some scraping noises, but they’re nothing to worry about. By reducing the amount of dental plaque, it’s possible to prevent more serious issues like gum recession and bone loss.
Step four - Polishing and flossing
After cleaning your teeth, a hygienist flosses them and polishes them with gritty toothpaste. The abrasive nature of the toothpaste cuts through stains, making your teeth appear brighter.
Step five - Fluoride treatment, if prescribed
If you’ve experienced cavities in the past, Dr. Cromer might prescribe fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral found in many foods and most public water sources. When applied to your teeth, it strengthens the enamel, minimizing the risk of tooth decay.
Do I need to undergo teeth cleaning more than once a year?
Yes. Dr. Cromer recommends everyone undergo teeth cleaning at least two times a year. That’s because many potentially serious oral health problems don’t always present obvious symptoms. Regular checkups help keep your teeth and gums healthy and can alert you to potential issues when they’re most responsive to treatment.
To schedule teeth cleaning at Cromer & Cairns Dental, make an appointment by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
