Professional teeth cleaning is a key aspect of preventive dental care that goes beyond what brushing and flossing can achieve at home. Not only does this procedure improve your smile’s appearance, but it also provides comprehensive health benefits by reducing your risk of oral diseases, like gum disease and tooth decay. This article will explore what professional teeth cleaning entails, the steps involved, different types of cleaning, and tips for maintaining dental health between cleanings.
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Why is Professional Teeth Cleaning Important?
Over time, even with excellent at-home dental hygiene, plaque and tartar buildup is inevitable. Plaque, a sticky biofilm of bacteria that accumulates on teeth, is removed by brushing and flossing; however, areas that are hard to reach or consistently missed may accumulate tartar—a hardened form of plaque. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar, which can harbor bacteria that damage tooth enamel, cause gum inflammation, and lead to more serious conditions like periodontitis. Professional cleanings provide a level of thoroughness that’s vital to keeping the mouth healthy.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
1. Prevention of Cavities and Gum Disease:
Regular cleanings reduce bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease.
2. Brighter Smile
Cleanings remove surface stains, enhancing the natural color of your teeth.
3. Healthier Gums
Removing tartar helps reduce the risk of inflammation and bleeding, signs of gingivitis.
4. Overall Health Benefits
Studies link oral health to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, making oral care critical for overall health.
5. Prevention of Bad Breath
Bacteria that contribute to foul breath are eliminated with a professional cleaning.
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Types of Professional Teeth Cleaning
There are several types of professional cleanings designed to meet specific dental needs:
1. Prophylaxis Cleaning
- PurposeA preventive cleaning for patients with generally healthy teeth and gums.
- ProcedureA routine clean-up above the gumline to remove plaque and tartar.
- FrequencyRecommended every six months as part of standard dental care.
2. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
- PurposeDesigned for patients with signs of gum disease, this intensive cleaning removes tartar and bacteria below the gum line and smooths root surfaces.
- ProcedureConducted under local anesthesia for comfort, and may take several sessions depending on severity.
- FrequencyOften performed once for patients with periodontitis, followed by regular periodontal maintenance.
3. Gross Debridement
- PurposeFor patients with significant tartar buildup or who haven’t had a cleaning in a long time.
- ProcedureA rough cleaning that removes large deposits of tartar and plaque.
- FrequencyTypically a one-time procedure before returning to routine cleanings.
4. Periodontal Maintenance
- PurposeAfter deep cleaning, patients with ongoing gum issues may require maintenance to prevent further buildup.
- ProcedureTargets areas around and under the gumline where bacteria and tartar can recur.
- FrequencyEvery 3-4 months, depending on the severity of the periodontal condition.
What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Cleaning
Understanding the steps involved can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure you’re prepared for the process. A standard cleaning appointment typically follows a six-step process:
1. Initial Exam
- The dental hygienist examines your mouth with a small mirror to check for any concerns, such as gum inflammation or decay.
- If issues are detected, the dentist may conduct further assessment before proceeding with the cleaning.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
- Using a scaler, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from between your teeth and around the gumline. Tartar, unlike plaque, is hard and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
- This step is essential for preventing future gum problems and maintaining oral health.
3. Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning
- After scaling, the hygienist polishes your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste. The abrasive nature of the paste removes any remaining surface stains and leaves teeth smooth.
- This step is entirely safe for enamel and is not meant to replace your daily brushing.
4. Professional Flossing
- A thorough flossing helps remove debris from between your teeth and any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier steps.
- This step also identifies any bleeding areas, which can indicate gum sensitivity or gingivitis.
5. Rinse
- After flossing, a rinse removes any residual debris or plaque dislodged during the process. Most dentists use a fluoride rinse to further protect teeth from bacteria.
6. Fluoride Treatment
- To complete the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen enamel and provide additional protection against decay.
- Fluoride treatments are especially beneficial for children or patients prone to cavities.
Common Tools Used in Professional Teeth Cleaning
Scalers and Curettes
These tools help remove hardened tartar from the gumline and teeth surfaces.
Ultrasonic Scaler
This electric tool vibrates at high frequencies to remove plaque and tartar gently and quickly.
Polisher
A handpiece with a rotating rubber cup or brush that holds the gritty toothpaste for stain removal.
Fluoride Applicator
A brush or tray used to apply fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel post-cleaning.
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How Often Should You Schedule a Professional Cleaning?
For most individuals, dental professionals recommend a cleaning every six months. However, if you have specific risk factors—such as smoking, a family history of gum disease, or a medical condition affecting oral health—you may require more frequent appointments. Deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance, for example, are typically recommended at shorter intervals, such as every 3-4 months, depending on individual gum health.
At-Home Care Tips for Maintaining Results Between Cleanings
1. Brush Properly
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Electric toothbrushes often provide a more effective clean
2. Floss Daily
Flossing helps reach areas that your toothbrush misses and is essential for plaque prevention.
3. Use Mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwash reduces bacteria and freshens breath. Look for an alcohol-free option for gentle, daily use.
4. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugars encourage plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Stay Hydrated
Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth cleaner between brushes.
Risks and Side Effects of Professional Teeth Cleaning
While teeth cleaning is a routine procedure, some patients may experience minor side effects:
- Tooth SensitivityThis can happen due to the exposure of dentin after removing tartar, especially if gums have receded slightly.
- Gum Bleeding or SorenessPatients with inflamed gums or those who haven't had regular cleanings may experience some discomfort.
- Temporary InflammationFor individuals with sensitive gums, slight inflammation may occur but should subside within a day or two.
If these side effects persist, consult your dentist for follow-up care.
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Differences Between Teeth Cleaning and Teeth Whitening
Teeth cleaning and teeth whitening are sometimes confused due to their effects on the appearance of your teeth. However, they serve distinct purposes:
- Teeth CleaningRemoves plaque, tartar, and surface stains to improve oral health and maintain natural tooth color.
- Teeth WhiteningSpecifically targets and lightens stains and discolorations through bleaching agents, improving aesthetics without addressing oral health.
For patients interested in both, it’s usually recommended to undergo cleaning first, as a clean surface allows whitening agents to work more effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Generally, teeth cleaning isn’t painful, although some patients may feel mild discomfort, especially if they have gum inflammation. Hygienists aim to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
A standard cleaning takes 30-60 minutes, while deep cleaning appointments may require up to an hour or more depending on individual needs.
While optional, fluoride treatment strengthens enamel and provides added protection, especially for those prone to cavities.
Brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, and scheduling regular cleanings are the best preventive measures.
o Most dental insurance plans cover cleanings as part of preventive care. However, it’s best to verify your specific policy.
When done by professionals, teeth cleaning is safe and will not damage enamel. In fact, it protects enamel by removing harmful tartar.
Deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing to remove tartar below the gumline, addressing gum disease, while regular cleaning focuses on plaque and tartar above the gumline.
o It’s generally safe to eat afterward, though avoiding staining foods and drinks for a few hours is often recommended.
Mild bleeding may occur if you have gum sensitivity or inflammation, but this should be minimal. If it persists, consult your dentist.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family, read online reviews, or consult your dentist for referrals to trusted hygienists in your area.