As part of your routine check-ups at the dentist, you will receive a professional teeth cleaning. Teeth cleanings are a basic preventive treatment, but they are also one of the most important. During your dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove all plaque buildup and other debris from the teeth. Some of this debris may include food particles, soft plaque, or hard calculus (deposits of calcium phosphate salt on the surface of the teeth, often called tartar).
After removing plaque and debris, the hygienist will use a rotating brush and abrasive paste to clean and polish your teeth. Once all of your teeth have been cleaned, the hygienist will rinse your teeth with a fine “jet” of pressurized water. This helps remove any leftover paste, as well as treat and prevent gum disease. The hygienist, in conjunction with the dentist, may also provide advice and assistance on cleaning techniques that you can perform at home; these are important to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth between your dental appointments.
If further evaluation is needed during your teeth cleaning, the dentist and hygienist may use dental X-rays to get a closer look at your mouth. Regular dental cleanings, coupled with routine dental check-ups, are essential in maintaining good oral health, preventing tooth damage and gum disease, and making sure that any oral problems are treated as early as possible.
For more information about teeth cleanings, we encourage you to call your dentist and set up your next cleaning appointment.
