There are many people that dread teeth cleaning. They don’t like strange noises or experiencing discomfort with their jaw. So, knowing what happens during a teeth cleaning can help ease your stress and prepare for future visits at the dental clinic. The process for teeth cleaning varies from dentist to dentist, however you should expect these steps during your next teeth cleaning:
- A Physical Exam
The teeth cleaning process will start with the dental hygienist examining your teeth and gums. If the dental hygienist finds an issue such as signs of tooth decay or gum disease, this information will be passed along to the dentist. In addition, if the oral examination reveals serious issues, the dental hygienist might stop cleaning your teeth unless the dentist confirms it’s okay to continue.
- Removing Plaque and Tartar
Then, the dental hygienist will begin to remove the plaque and tartar build-up around your gums and between your teeth. They use a small mirror to guide them and a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar. You’ll probably hear strange, scraping noises, but this is normal. Note that if you have a lot of tartar in your mouth, the more time they’ll need to scrape it off.
- Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning
Now that your teeth are tartar-free, the dental hygienist will remove any tart left behind from the scaler by brushing your teeth with a high-powered electric brush. The dental hygienist will use toothpaste that smells and taste like regular toothpaste, which you may be asked which flavour of the toothpaste you prefer. This toothpaste has a gritty consistency that gently scrubs and polish your teeth, leaving them smooth and shiny.
Next, the dental hygienist will floss your teeth to remove the last debris between your teeth. They use ordinary floss to get deep between your teeth and locate trouble spots where you might bleed at the gums.
Dentists recommend that you clean between your teeth with floss once a day. Some people prefer to floss before bedtime so that their mouth is clean while sleeping. If the dental hygienist suspects that your flossing technique is lacking, they might give you an explanation of how to floss properly.
- Rinsing and Applying Fluoride
The final step is rinsing and applying fluoride. This treatment protects your teeth against cavities for several months. The dental hygienist may ask you what flavour you like best. Then, they’ll place the foamy gel or sticky paste into a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. This will remain in your mouth for approximately one minute. Once you’re finished, you’ll be asked to rinse out the excess fluoride with water.