Teeth Cleaning

Dental exam and cleaning have several components.

Dental examination refers to the dentist or dental hygienist visually and physically inspecting your teeth and oral cavity to identify signs of gum disease or other warning signs.

Teeth cleaning is a procedure in which the dentist uses a scalar device to remove all the accumulated plaque and tartar from your teeth.

The following are some of the primary goals of dental exam and cleaning:

• Examining your teeth to look out for signs of gum disease.
• Removing all food particles stuck between your teeth.
• Removing all the accumulated plaque and tartar.
• Treating your mouth with a fluoride solution to get rid of bacteria.

As mentioned previously, no matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, it’s never enough. Micro food particles stuck between your teeth and gums can lead to the formation of a white sticky substance called plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. You can’t remove tartar with a regular toothbrush and toothpaste.

If you allow plaque and tartar to accumulate, you will eventually suffer from bacterial infection. This is because plaque and tartar invite bacterial decay since bacteria feast on them. The growth of bacterial decay leads to gum recession as the pockets of space between your teeth and gums expands.

Generally speaking, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that the pockets of space between your gums and teeth should be less than 3 millimeters. When you suffer from bacterial infection and gum disease, the pockets grow larger than 5 millimeters, which leads to further bacterial decay. It also loosens your tooth, which can eventually lead to loss of teeth.

That’s why dental exam and cleaning are important. These procedures remove all the accumulated food particles, plaque, tartar, and bacteria, and restores optimal oral health. It prevents gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities, and the possible loss of teeth.

Scaling

Scaling is a procedure in which the dentist uses a scalar device to remove all of the accumulated plaque from your teeth and from below the gum line.

Root Planing

If you have gum disease, the dentist will also smooth your tooth’s root surface and reattach it to your gums. After the procedure, your gums will naturally heal and tighten around your teeth again.

Fluoride Treatment

After the aforementioned steps, the dentist will have you rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. Following that, they’ll apply a fluoride gel to the surface of your teeth and make you wear a mouthguard for a few minutes. This will seal your teeth and protect you from bacterial infections for a few months.

Deep Cleaning Teeth Aftercare

The following are some deep cleaning teeth aftercare tips you need to observe:

• Brush twice a day using a dentist-recommended toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Floss regularly and make sure you remove all food particles from your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
• Go for regular teeth cleaning appointments once every six months.