What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?
Visiting the dentist can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially if it is the first time. Dental cleanings are important for your gums and teeth. Here is a helpful guide on the steps to understanding what happens during a dental cleaning and why it’s good for your mouth.
What is Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is performed by your dentist, and it is easy and necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Typically, these cleanings shoul happen every 6 months.
The steps of a dental cleaning include:
- The dental professional removes plaque and bacteria from teeth
- Scraping off tartar (hardened plaque which cannot be removed by brushing)
- Brushing your teeth using special toothpaste
- Flossing between your teeth
- Applying fluoride to strengthen your teeth
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
First, when you arrive at the dentist’s office, you will check in at the front desk. The staff may ask you a few questions regarding your health or insurance. Then the dental assistant will bring you into the room for your dental cleaning and may ask you if you are experiencing any pain or medications you take. This helps the dental team keep you safe during the visit.
Next, you will be seated in the dentist’s chair, and the dentist will put a bib around your neck to keep your clothes clean. They will adjust the chair so they can see your teeth.
Now it’s time to clean your teeth! The dentist will use special tools to check with teeth and gums, and a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. You may hear scraping noises, but it doesn’t hurt.
Then, the dentist will brush your teeth using a high-powered toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste. This brushing gets rid of leftover plaque and helps your teeth shine.
Next, the dental professional will floss between your teeth. When they do this, they can check for bleeding and swollen gums, and signs of gingivitis.
Now it’s time to rinse your mouth! The professional will give you a cup of water or a special rinse. You’ll swish it around to wash out all the toothpaste and bits from the cleaning. Then you’ll spit it into a small sink or suction tube.
The final step, the dentist will come in, take a look at your mouth, and make sure everything looks good.
Why is a Dental Cleaning Important?
Having dental cleanings regularly helps to stop problems before they start. Removing harmful plaque that could have caused tooth decay or gum disease is essential for your mouth’s health. Going to the dentist twice a year can help them check your mouth for early signs of issues, then save you from pain and costly bills later.
Contact Birch Family Dentistry
At Birch Family Dentistry, we care about your teeth. Our dental cleaning services keep your teeth and gums healthy. We also offer services in teeth whitening, restorative care, dentures, pediatric dentistry, and more! Call us today at 603.471.6000, or if you have questions, get in touch with us through our contact form.