Routine dental cleaning from a general dentist is a necessity, not a luxury. Plaque and tartar will wreak havoc on the teeth and gums if allowed to remain in the mouth for too long. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the dentist for a professional dental cleaning twice a year, preferably.
Plaque and tartar in the mouth contain millions of bacteria and routine brushing and flossing are usually not enough to eliminate them. Tartar is hardened plaque and can only be scraped off using special tools. Home oral hygiene is important, but it is equally important to have a dental professional clean the teeth regularly in order to maintain optimal oral health.
Professional teeth cleaning removes stains, plaque, and tartar that may have accumulated on the teeth and gums. Dentists typically recommend cleaning every six to 12 months to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. In between appointments, good oral care at home is important for dental health.
The first step of the cleaning process is an examination. The dentist will use a dental mirror that functions as a magnifying glass to check the parts of the gums and teeth that contain plaque and tartar. The dental professional will focus on these areas specifically during the cleaning.
After this, some dentists use ultrasonic vibrations to loosen plaque and tartar. They will adjust the frequency of the vibration for the patient’s comfort. Then, a scraper will be used to scrape off the plaque and tartar from around the teeth and gums. This process may be disconcerting, but there is no need for concern. It is often described as more of a discomfort than pain, due to the noise from the scraping.
The dentist may opt to smooth the teeth with a scaler, eliminating smaller deposits around the teeth. After this, the mouth will be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove any tartar residue that remains after the scraping process. The next stage involves brushing and flossing.
For this process, the dentist will use a mildly abrasive toothpaste and a powered toothbrush to brush the teeth. The brushing will be hard and thorough to remove any germ present on the teeth. The dentist will also perform professional flossing to clean in between the teeth.
Afterward, the dental professional may decide to give a fluoride treatment. The fluoride will be applied to the teeth and allowed to remain there for a minute or so before the patient spits it out. The fluoride treatment serves two main purposes. The first is to kill any remaining germs in the mouth and prevent plaque from forming on the teeth and gums for a while. Secondly, fluoride makes the teeth look brighter.
The teeth cleaning process is quick and straightforward. It falls under one of the preventive care provided by a general dentist to ward off oral health issues. Contact our dental office today to book an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup.
Request an appointment here: https://sunvalleydentalcare.com or call Sun Valley Dental Care at (619) 413-1121 for an appointment in our El Cajon office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in El Cajon, CA.
You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods,…
General dentistry includes the restoration of damaged teeth, which may refer to cavities or aesthetic issues, such as staining, chipping, or cracking. Thankfully, there are many ways to restore teeth that have become damaged.The type of damage that occurs will determine what type of restoration is needed. General dentists can identify this as soon as…
Has it been a while since you had a general dentist checkup? You know how critical it is to maintain good health. Taking good care of your mouth, teeth and gums is part of your overall wellness. It may be easy to lose track of time, but you cannot forget to keep up on your…
Considering a visit to the General Dentist? It is never a bad idea to undergo dental care. In fact, it is recommended that individuals of all ages regularly visit a general dentist. Most people are keen on visiting the same dentist each time as this allows for familiarity, trust, and security as dentistry can be…
Are you thinking about choosing ClearCorrect braces to straighten your teeth? Understanding everything there is to know about ClearCorrect is the first step to take when leaning toward choosing this straightening option. Choosing the right teeth straightening option is important, as it needs to blend in easily with one’s everyday lifestyle. Ready to learn more? Whether…
Dental veneers are custom-fit shells made of porcelain or ceramic material. These restorations are easy to get, but you need to have the commitment to care for them. Knowing how long they last and how to maintain these restorations can help you prepare for a life of wearing these shells. Here are the details you…