Having a beautiful, clean smile is a great way to boost your confidence. However, as you neglect your oral health, you may find yourself dealing with a buildup of plaque and tartar. One way to remove plaque and tartar and restore your beautiful smile is by scheduling a dental cleaning with a reliable dental team.
At North View Dental, our team knows how important every step of the oral health routine is for achieving your best oral health. However, you may feel a bit of anxiety before going in for a routine cleaning, forcing you to put the service off. If you’re experiencing a bit of anxiety before a dental cleaning, keep reading to learn more about what you can expect.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings are an incredibly important part of your oral health routine. This treatment is a great way to address bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup in your mouth. On average, a dental cleaning should be performed at least once every six months. However, if you are experiencing significant oral health conditions, like periodontal disease, you may need to come in more frequently to address problems and ensure you’re making positive steps toward a healthier mouth. It isn’t uncommon for patients to experience anxiety before going to the dentist for a dental cleaning. However, by understanding the process, you should be able to begin alleviating this anxiety.
The Steps of a Dental Cleaning
The Physical Exam
Your dental team will start a dental cleaning by performing a physical exam of your mouth. Your dental hygienist will use a small mirror to inspect your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease or other more major oral health problems. If they see any signs of major oral health problems, they may choose to speak with the dentist before moving forward with your exam.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Once your hygienist has performed your exam, they will begin removing any plaque and tartar they see. During this process, they will use the small mirror to guide themselves through your mouth, ensuring they’re removing the plaque and tartar from your gum line. They’ll also remove any buildup between your teeth. While your hygienist is removing the plaque and tartar, you may hear some scraping noises. Although this is an unpleasant sound, it is a normal part of the process and nothing to be worried about.
Cleaning and Polishing
After your hygienist has removed the plaque and tartar from your teeth, they will go in with an electric brush to deep clean the surface of your teeth. While using this brush, they’ll remove any remaining tartar that was left behind from the scaling service. The toothpaste they use for their deep cleaning will be grittier than store-bought toothpaste, but it does a good job of cleaning and polishing your teeth.
Professional Flossing
While you should be flossing your teeth twice a day, your dental hygienist will perform a professional flossing. During their flossing, they can reach deep between your teeth, helping remove any debris that may be stuck in spots you struggle to reach on your own. They can also spot problem spots at the gum line, where you may experience bleeding and irritation.
Fluoride Treatments
In the final steps of a dental cleaning, your dental team may recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments act as a protectant for your teeth. This is especially helpful if you are prone to cavity development. When you get a fluoride treatment, your teeth should be safe from cavities and decay for several months. If your dental team doesn’t offer the service, you may be able to talk to them about adding it to the service while you’re still in the office.
Oral Health Suggestions
Once your dental cleaning is done, your dental team may provide you with oral health suggestions to help you avoid repeat oral health issues. They may make suggestions about your brushing and flossing techniques. Your dental team may also speak to you about coming in for a dental cleaning sooner than you expect. While you might not think this early dental cleaning is important, it is essential that you follow the advice of your dental team to achieve the best oral health possible.
Cleanings and More at North View Dental
One of the most important parts of dental cleaning is working with a reliable dental team. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Ogden, Utah, area, turn to our team at North View Dental. Our team has been providing reliable dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front for over 20 years, making us the perfect team for you.
Whether you need a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, or you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, our team provides a variety of dental services to meet every patient’s unique needs. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team or you have any questions for us before you book, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
