Oral hygiene is important to keep your mouth healthy throughout your life. But the way you clean your teeth is different from what happens during a dental cleaning. This process is a lot more in-depth than simply brushing and flossing at home.
What To Expect During Your Exam
If you have a history of gum disease or tooth decay, or are experiencing symptoms of oral disease, those factors can determine whether you need a dental X-ray. You may be subjected to a radiograph, which is done once a year. Hygienists are able to inspect your oral health and can spot issues like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth.
Oral Plaque and Tartar Exam
If you don’t require an X-ray, then the first order of business in a dental cleaning is receiving an oral exam. During this exam, the dental hygienist will inspect your mouth for tooth decay, gum disease, and other possible oral problems.
Then, the hygienist will move on to examining your mouth for plaque and tartar buildup. They will use a small mirror to view your entire mouth, ensuring that they are cleaning and removing all that must go. The hygienist will use a scaler to remove any plaque and tartar buildup on and in between your teeth, as well as any surrounding your gum line.
When you brush and floss your teeth at home, you’re doing all the right things to maintain a healthy mouth. Brushing and flossing hinders plaque from accumulating and thickening into tartar. Once tartar is on your teeth, you will not be able to remove it off your teeth yourself. You will have to pay a visit to your local dentist for a cleaning.
Teeth Cleaning
Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, the hygienist will begin brushing your teeth. He or she will use a high-powered electric brush with a granular toothpaste. This type of toothbrush will help to further clean your teeth and get rid of any leftover plaque.
Although a typical toothbrush works well, it probably doesn’t do as good a job of cleaning your teeth as the dentist’s does. Once plaque and tartar build up, it will be more difficult to remove, which makes the dentist come in handy.
Most people use smooth toothpaste, but the dentist’s toothpaste is grainy, which helps to lightly scrub your teeth. This toothpaste also helps to polish the teeth but should not be done more than twice a year, as it can wear down your enamel.
Flossing
After teeth cleaning, flossing is the next step in the dental cleaning. When a hygienist flosses your teeth, he or she is better able to get deep in between your teeth. They are also to notice any potential issues or problem areas that you wouldn’t normally be able to see in your bathroom mirror.
Rinse and Fluoride Application
After all the tartar and plaque have been removed and your teeth have been brushed, the hygienist may provide you with mouth rinse if you choose to have a fluoride application put on your teeth.
Fluoride can help protect your teeth against cavities until your next scheduled dental cleaning. This fluoride application is formulated to harden after about one minute. It will help to keep your enamel strong.
Dental Cleaning In Boynton Beach
Maintaining oral hygiene daily is important for good oral health. Not only does brushing and flossing on your own help, but receiving annual dental cleanings are important. The hygienist can spot things that you may not be able to see as easily.
Do you have more questions related to dental cleanings? Check out our dental information blog, follow us on Facebook, or call Eriks Dental Group at (561) 733-4004.