What is Cleaning?
Last updated: March 12, 2024
Note: Cleaning is similar to prophylaxis.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Dental professionals generally recommend that patients get their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, the frequency of cleanings may vary based on an individual's oral health needs. For some patients with certain conditions like gum disease or a history of dental problems, more frequent cleanings every three to four months may be advised to maintain optimal oral health.
Regular dental cleanings are essential to prevent and treat common dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Even with excellent oral hygiene habits at home, some plaque and tartar can still accumulate in areas that are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing. Professional cleanings help remove these build-ups, reducing the risk of developing dental problems that could be more costly and time-consuming to address in the future.
During a dental cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and make your smile look brighter. The hygienist may also floss your teeth and provide tips on how to improve your oral care routine at home.
In addition to cleaning your teeth, dental professionals will also perform a thorough examination of your mouth during your cleaning appointment. This includes checking for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. X-rays may also be taken periodically to detect any hidden problems between teeth or below the gumline.
By maintaining regular dental cleanings as recommended by your dentist, you can help prevent the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future. Not only does regular cleaning help keep your teeth and gums healthy, but it also contributes to your overall well-being. A healthy mouth is linked to a lower risk of systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
If you have specific concerns about the frequency of your dental cleanings or if you are experiencing any oral health issues, be sure to discuss them with your dentist or dental hygienist. They can provide personalized recommendations to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.
What does a dental cleaning involve?
During a dental cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis, a dental hygienist or a dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. The cleaning process is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health and preventing various dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
The first step in a dental cleaning usually involves a physical examination of your mouth. The hygienist or dentist will visually inspect your teeth and gums to check for any visible concerns. They may also perform dental X-rays to get a more detailed view of your oral health condition.
Once the examination is complete, the cleaning procedure begins with the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by regular brushing. The hygienist will use special tools to scrape away these deposits from the surfaces of your teeth.
After the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will proceed to brush your teeth using a gritty toothpaste. This toothpaste is more abrasive than the regular toothpaste you use at home and helps to scrub away any remaining plaque or stains on your teeth.
Following the brushing, the hygienist will floss between your teeth to clean areas that may have been missed during brushing. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
Once your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, the hygienist will rinse your mouth to remove any debris. At this point, some offices may offer a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth and protects them from decay.
Throughout the cleaning process, the hygienist will also check the health of your gums. They will measure the depth of the spaces between your gums and teeth to assess your gum health. The depth of these spaces, known as gum pockets, can indicate the presence of gum disease.
In conclusion, a dental cleaning is a comprehensive procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar, polishing of teeth, flossing, and possibly a fluoride treatment. By attending regular cleanings, you can maintain good oral health and prevent potential dental problems.
Will my teeth be polished during the cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, the process of teeth polishing is commonly included as part of the procedure. Teeth polishing is the step that follows the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth's surfaces.
Dental polishing involves using a special dental tool called a prophy cup attached to a dental handpiece. This prophy cup is usually made of rubber or a similar material and is attached to a rotating motor. The prophy cup is then loaded with a gritty polishing material, often a paste-like substance. This gritty paste helps to remove any residual plaque and stains on the teeth.
The dental hygienist or dentist will gently guide the rotating prophy cup along the surfaces of your teeth, including along the gum line and in between teeth. The gritty polishing material in the prophy cup works to buff away any remaining plaque or stains, leaving the teeth smoother and cleaner.
Teeth polishing serves several essential purposes: 1. Stain removal: Polishing helps to remove surface stains on teeth caused by coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use. This process can leave your teeth looking brighter and more aesthetically pleasing. 2. Smoothing surfaces: After plaque and tartar are removed during the cleaning, polishing smooths the surfaces of the teeth. This not only helps in creating a cleaner tooth surface but also makes it harder for bacteria to cling to the teeth. 3. Freshens breath: By removing plaque and leftover debris through cleaning and polishing, it helps to freshen breath. Bacteria and food particles trapped in plaque can contribute to bad breath, and their removal can help improve oral odor.
It is important to note that while teeth polishing is beneficial for the reasons mentioned above, it is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing at home. Good oral hygiene practices at home are crucial for maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums between dental visits.Additionally, over-polishing can remove some enamel from the teeth, so it's crucial for a dental professional to perform the procedure using the correct technique and materials.
Teeth polishing is a standard part of a dental cleaning appointment, and its benefits go beyond just making your teeth look shiny and clean. It plays a significant role in maintaining good oral health by complementing regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed during a cleaning?
It is not considered normal for your gums to bleed during a dental cleaning. Bleeding gums are often an indication of underlying oral health issues that need to be addressed. During a professional cleaning, the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gum line. If there is bleeding during this process, it could be a sign of inflamed or infected gums, a condition known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth when sugars and starches in food interact with the bacteria in your mouth. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
When plaque and tartar accumulate along the gum line, they can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding. Bleeding gums during a dental cleaning may indicate that your gums are not as healthy as they should be. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent the progression of gum disease, which can lead to more severe conditions such as periodontitis and tooth loss.
If your gums are bleeding during a cleaning, your dental hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help remove the buildup of plaque and tartar and give your gums a chance to heal. They may also advise you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to improve your oral hygiene routine at home. In some cases, additional treatments such as deep cleanings or antibacterial mouth rinses may be recommended to help combat gum disease.
It is crucial to communicate openly with your dental provider about any concerns you may have regarding bleeding gums during a cleaning. By addressing the issue early and following the recommended treatment plan, you can help maintain the health of your gums and prevent more serious oral health problems in the future. Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and attending regular dental cleanings are key steps in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
How long does a dental cleaning appointment typically take?
A dental cleaning appointment typically takes between 30 minutes to one hour. The exact duration can vary depending on several factors such as the individual's oral health condition, the amount of plaque and tartar buildup, and whether additional procedures like X-rays or fluoride treatments are included.
When you arrive for your dental cleaning appointment, the dental hygienist will start by examining your teeth and gums to assess their overall health. They may also take X-rays to get a more comprehensive view of your oral health. Based on their findings, the hygienist will then proceed with the cleaning process.
The cleaning itself usually consists of several steps. The hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas that may be difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing. They will also clean along and below the gumline to prevent gum disease.
Once the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface that is more resistant to plaque buildup. This step also helps to freshen your breath and gives your teeth a clean, shiny appearance.
During the cleaning, you may hear some scraping and grinding sounds, which are normal and indicate that the hygienist is effectively removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. If you experience any discomfort during the cleaning, be sure to communicate with the hygienist so they can adjust their technique or provide additional numbing if necessary.
After the cleaning is complete, the hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. They will also provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene between cleaning appointments.
Overall, a dental cleaning appointment is a crucial step in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. By attending regular cleanings and following your hygienist's recommendations, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
Will I need X-rays taken during my cleaning appointment?
During a dental cleaning appointment, X-rays may be recommended as part of your routine dental check-up. X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are essential for a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. They provide valuable information that is not visible during a regular dental exam.
X-rays help dentists identify any issues that may not be apparent visually, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, and other potential problems. By detecting these issues early through X-rays, your dentist can develop a treatment plan to address them before they become more serious and costly to treat.
The frequency of X-rays depends on your overall oral health, age, and risk factors. For most patients, bitewing X-rays, which show the upper and lower back teeth, are recommended once a year. These X-rays help your dentist detect cavities between teeth and assess the health of the bone supporting your teeth.
Panoramic X-rays, which provide a comprehensive view of your entire mouth, including the jawbone and teeth positioning, are typically recommended every 3-5 years. These X-rays are useful for evaluating impacted teeth, jaw joint issues, and detecting tumors or abnormal growths in the mouth.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend additional X-rays if they suspect a specific issue or if you are experiencing symptoms such as tooth pain, swelling, or trauma. It's important to follow your dentist's recommendations for X-rays to ensure your oral health is properly monitored and any issues are addressed promptly.
Dental offices prioritize patient safety when taking X-rays by using lead aprons to protect the body from radiation exposure. The amount of radiation from dental X-rays is minimal and considered safe for patients of all ages. If you have concerns about radiation exposure or are pregnant, be sure to discuss this with your dentist so they can take appropriate precautions or adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Overall, X-rays are a valuable tool in maintaining good oral health and detecting dental issues early. By following your dentist's recommendations for X-rays and attending regular dental cleaning appointments, you can help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come.
What can I do to maintain good oral health between cleanings?
Maintaining good oral health between dental cleanings is crucial for the overall health of your teeth and gums. Here are some important practices you can follow to keep your mouth healthy between your regular cleaning appointments:
Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Pay special attention to the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate.
Flossing: Flossing at least once a day is essential to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. Flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease by cleaning areas your toothbrush can't reach.
Rinsing: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup. Mouthwash can reach areas in your mouth that brushing and flossing might miss, providing additional protection against gum disease and bad breath.
Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks as they contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Instead, choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall oral and general health.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles. Water also helps stimulate saliva production, which plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and protecting your teeth.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Don't skip your regular dental check-ups even if you maintain good oral hygiene at home. These visits are important for your dentist to detect any early signs of dental issues and provide necessary treatments before they escalate.
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and using tobacco products increase your risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other serious oral health problems. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your oral health and overall well-being.
Protect Your Teeth: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from potential injuries or damage.
By following these practices and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can prevent dental problems, keep your smile bright, and ensure your dental cleanings are as effective as possible. Remember, a proactive approach to oral health can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Do you use any special tools or techniques during the cleaning process?
During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist uses various tools and techniques to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Let's delve into some of the key tools and procedures commonly used during a cleaning:
Ultrasonic Scaler: This tool emits high-frequency vibrations to help break down and remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. It also uses a stream of water to wash away the debris.
Hand Scalers and Curettes: These are metal hand instruments that have sharp tips to carefully scrape off any remaining plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
Polishing Cup and Prophy Paste: After the removal of plaque and tartar, your teeth are polished using a rotating rubber cup attached to a dental handpiece. A gritty paste is applied to the polishing cup to buff away surface stains and give your teeth a smooth, shiny finish.
Dental Floss: Your hygienist will floss your teeth to ensure that any plaque or debris caught between your teeth is removed. Flossing also helps in assessing the health of your gums and identifying any potential issues.
Fluoride Treatment: Some dental cleanings may include a fluoride treatment. This involves the application of fluoride varnish or gel to your teeth to help strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities.
Oral Cancer Screening: During your cleaning appointment, your hygienist may perform an oral cancer screening to check for any signs of abnormalities in your mouth, including on your lips, tongue, and cheeks.
Education and Recommendations: A crucial part of the cleaning process is when the hygienist educates you on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as provides recommendations for oral hygiene products tailored to your dental needs.
Periodontal Assessment: Your hygienist may also evaluate the health of your gums by measuring the depth of pockets around your teeth. Deeper pockets can indicate gum disease, requiring further treatment.
By using these tools and techniques, dental hygienists can provide thorough cleanings to help maintain your oral health and prevent dental issues. Remember, regular dental cleanings are essential for keeping your smile healthy and bright.