What is Teeth Cleaning?
Regular brushing and flossing at home can help reduce the amount of bacterial plaque that develops on the teeth and keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay, but home hygiene on its own isn’t enough to fully eliminate these risks. Even the most thorough brushing and flossing can leave behind small amounts of plaque in harder-to-clean areas, and, when this plaque is allowed to linger in these hidden areas, it calcifies and turns into tartar, which brushing and flossing can’t remove. During periodic professional teeth cleanings, a dental hygienist uses specialized tools to safely remove stains, tartar, and residual plaque before polishing the teeth to discourage further plaque accumulation. Because plaque develops naturally, however, when saliva mixes with the sugars and starches in food, it’s impossible to prevent it from returning, prompting the need for consistent daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings. Dentists usually recommend professional teeth cleanings every 6-12 months, though some patients may benefit from more frequent visits. Chances are you’ve had your teeth cleaned at a dentist’s office before, but you may not be aware of the detailed steps hygienists perform during professional cleanings.
What Does Professional Teeth Cleaning Entail?
While the details may differ from patient to patient, each teeth cleaning involves the following steps:
- Using disinfected, sanitized dental tools, the dental hygienist first loosens or scrapes away larger pieces of tartar
- Once these larger deposits have been loosened, the dental hygienist uses smaller tools, called curettes and scalers, to remove smaller tartar deposits and areas of staining and smooth the surfaces of the teeth
- Throughout these cleaning processes, the dental hygienist will periodically rinse away loosened debris with a water spray and vacuum tool
- After debris is removed from the oral cavity, the dental hygienist uses a polishing device and prophylaxis paste to polish the teeth
- If needed, the dentist or dental hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to the teeth to provide additional protection
Does Teeth Cleaning Hurt?
Most people find professional teeth cleanings painless, though patients with significant tartar buildup may find parts of the process irritate their sensitive, inflamed gums. If you’re experiencing any pain during any part of a teeth cleaning procedure, let your dental hygienist know so that they can adjust their approach or try alternative options. In most cases, teeth cleanings last around 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the patient to relax in the reclining, comfortable dental chair. Once the teeth are cleaned and polished, the gums may feel a bit sensitive, though this is usually minimal and doesn’t last long. The teeth usually look and feel brighter and smoother, and the oral cavity feels fresher following a professional teeth cleaning. There’s no denying the satisfaction that comes from running your tongue across a freshly cleaned row of teeth, though a bright smile and smooth teeth are just the immediate benefits of teeth cleaning. Over the long term, maintaining a routine that incorporates both professional cleanings and effective home oral hygiene is the best approach to preventing periodontal disease and tooth decay. If it’s been a while since you last had a dental checkup and professional cleaning, call to schedule today.