A dental cleaning is a procedure in which our dental hygienist or dentist strategically cleans your teeth to maintain optimal oral health. Here at our office we may also refer to it as a dental prophylaxis or prophy. It It involves the thorough removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and gums. We do this to prevent problems and maintain a healthy smile.
The purpose of a dental cleaning is to:
Remove Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth and gums which can lead to cavities and gum disease. If plaque is not brushed and flossed off on a regular basis, it hardens into tartar, also known as calculus or build-up. Tartar is very difficult to remove by regular brushing and flossing.
Prevent Gum Disease
We refer to gum disease as either gingivitis or periodontitis depending on the extent of the disease. If the disease is restricted to your gums only then we call it gingivitis. If the condition starts to affect the bone that supports your teeth, then it becomes periodontitis. This occurs when plaque and tartar that are not removed lead to your gums becoming inflamed and infected. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes in your body, and even some medications. Don’t wait for heart problems to develop before you take gum disease seriously.
Maintain Oral Health
Regular visits to the dentist can keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest. This is vital because the mouth is the gateway to the body and an infection can have a far-reaching impact.
The steps involved in a typical dental cleaning procedure are:
1. Examination
Before the cleaning, our dentist will examine your teeth and gums. We do this to check for any signs of oral health problems that need special attention.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Using specialized tools, the dental hygienist or dentist carefully removes plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces and along the gumline. We call this process “scaling”.
3. Tooth Polishing
After scaling, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth surface. This is done to make it harder for plaque to accumulate.
4. Flossing and Fluoride Treatment
The dental hygienist flosses between your teeth to clean areas that brushing cannot reach. We then typically recommend fluoride varnish to help strengthen your teeth and protect them against cavities.
Most people are usually told to have dental cleanings twice a year, and that’s our general recommendation. Still, there are some patients who, because of particular oral health problems or risks they have, should have cleanings more often. Dentists very much encourage cleanings, and with good reason. Doing them with the frequency mentioned, or more often, can pay off in a big way when it comes to your oral health, potentially lowering your risk for all sorts of problems.
- Prevent Cavities: Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
- Reduce Gum Disease Risk: Regular cleanings can significantly lower the risk of gum disease and its associated complications.
- Promote Fresh Breath: Removing plaque and bacteria reduces bad breath.
- Enhance Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to better overall health, as some systemic conditions may be influenced by oral health issues.
Dental Cleaning Types
Different people have different oral health needs and conditions. Consequently, they may require different sorts of dental cleanings. The two basic kinds of dental cleanings are prophylaxis, or regular cleaning (simple, regular teeth cleanings), and periodontal cleanings, or deep cleaning (essentially, in-depth root planing and scaling). The main difference between these two cleanings has to do with the nature and scope of the dental problems being worked on and the amount of work and skill required to do the cleanings properly and effectively.
1. Regular Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis)
If you usually maintain good oral health, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, the American Dental Association recommends scheduling regular cleanings about every six months. At these cleanings, the hygienist will focus on removing certain elements from your mouth, including those not removed by regular brushing (plaque), not removed by regular brushing and flossing (tartar), and those affecting the appearance of your teeth (surface stains). To sum it all up, these are the things that need to come out to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be.
2. Deep Cleanings (Periodontal Cleanings)
People with gum disease need deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, by a dentist or dental hygienist. During a dental examination, if a patient’s gums reveal the presence of gum disease, the provider will likely recommend a deep cleaning. Plaque and tartar buildup below your gumline is the result of less than ideal oral hygiene and is a major cause of gum disease. For the most part, poor oral hygiene can be not regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, bad brushing or flossing, or a combination of both. Plaque starts forming on your teeth within hours after you brush, and if not removed daily, the bacteria can form even more plaque, which produces harmful acids that can irritate an inflamed gum pocket.
People with the following conditions may require different types of cleanings:
- Gum Disease:
- Individuals with periodontitis (advanced gum disease) may need deep cleanings to address the infection and inflammation in the gums.
- Heavy Plaque and Tartar Buildup:
- Some individuals may have a higher propensity to develop plaque and tartar, making more frequent deep cleanings necessary.
- Sensitive Teeth or Gums:
- Patients with sensitive teeth or gums may need modified cleaning techniques or special tools to ensure a comfortable cleaning experience.
- Dental Restorations:
- Patients with certain dental restorations may require specific cleaning techniques to maintain their oral health and the longevity of the restorations.
- Medical Conditions:
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or immunocompromised conditions, may impact oral health and necessitate personalized cleaning plans.
We figure out what kind of cleaning you need based on X-Rays, gum measurements and examination. This includes analyzing the state of the patient’s oral wellness, gauging whether gum disease is present or might be a concern in the future, and noting any other dental health issues the patient might have. The hygienist then does the appropriate kind of cleaning to achieve the best oral health possible for that individual.
To sum it up, it is very important to engage in regular dental cleanings. Regular cleanings are the key to keeping your oral health in check and preventing potential dental problems. This is simply because routine cleanings allow dental professionals to keep a close eye on any possible issues that may be arising. Eventually, this will signal them to the problem, and they would be able to come up with an appropriate solution.
Patients should not let insurance coverage dictate treatment choices because insurance plans may limit options or only cover certain procedures. Optimal treatment should be based on the dentist’s professional judgment and the patient’s oral health needs, ensuring the best outcome and long-term oral well-being. Read More About Dental Insurance