We know it sometimes feels weird and uncomfortable to get your teeth cleaned. There are strange noises and funny-looking instruments being put in your mouth,but the end result is always a fresh, clean smile and but we’re here to let you know it’s not as scary as it seems. Your bi-annual teeth cleaning is an important part of keeping not only your mouth, but your overall health in tip-top shape. Getting your teeth cleaned is important even for the most careful brushers and consistent flossers. A teeth cleaning every 6 months can not only brighten your smile stained by coffee and tea and freshen your breath, but it can also prevent cavities, decrease the chance of tooth loss, and even boost your overall health. For most a teeth cleaning is easy and pain free. The cleaning is preformed to simply remove the dental plaque, tartar, and stains that we can’t remove with our daily tooth brushing and flossing.
There are six pain-free steps that happen when you get your teeth cleaned:
- Oral Exam
Before the actual teeth cleaning begins, the dental hygienist will preform a physical exam of your mouth. They will use a small mirror to check for cavities or inflamed gums and they MAY call the dentist in if needed. Don’t be afraid if the dentist comes in they are just there to ensure you get the best possible treatment. This is also a good time to ask the dental hygienist or dentist any questions you may have!
- Removing Plaque & Tartar
This is when the strange noises begin. Using the mirror for guidance the hygienist will scalar, it looks like a hook, to scrape any built-up plaque on and between your teeth. The scarping noise may be uncomfortable to listen to at first, but the discomfort will fade. (TIP: Making conversation or listening to music helps with the noises.)
- Toothpaste Cleaning
This part makes the most noise and is a little gritty. Once your mouth is plaque and tartar free, the hygienist uses gritty toothpaste with a high-powered electric toothbrush. This helps get rid of any plaque leftover by the scalar. The electric toothbrush is loud and may tickle your gums a little, but it is quick and makes your teeth feel way cleaner than your normal tooth brushing.
- Professional Flossing
After the brushing, your hygienist will floss. They will clean between your teeth and check for any sensitive spots. The hygienist will likely take this opportunity to remind you to floss regularly if you don’t already.
- Time to Rinse
This is the easy part! All you have to do is rinse you your mouth with liquid fluoride (just tastes minty) to get rid of any residue from the teeth cleaning.
- Pick Your Floride
The fluoride treatment is done to protect your teeth for the future. It protects your teeth for months and fights against cavities. All you have to do is pick your flavor (mint and bubblegum are popular flavors) and let it sit in you mouth for a few minutes!
Getting your teeth clean is easy and pain-free. If you’re in need of a quality teeth cleaning or a general visit to the dentist, Dr. Matt would love to see you!
