Lady receiving deep teeth cleaning from a professional dentist
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Teeth Cleaning: Tips and Benefits

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

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Everyone wants to flaunt a healthy, bright smile. Yet, many of us presume brushing and flossing are enough to achieve it. Have you ever wondered why routine dental check-ups are vital for good oral health? Regular teeth cleaning with your dentist is as important as the dental care practices you follow daily. It not only improves oral hygiene but also helps catch dental problems early on.

Here is everything you need to know about professional dental cleaning and how it benefits your long-term oral health. Read on to learn simple yet effective techniques to clean your teeth at home and common mistakes to avoid. 

What is Teeth Cleaning?

Are you curious to know what teeth cleaning is? It is a professional procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your mouth. Dental plaque is a sticky and colourless film of food particles and bacteria. It constantly forms on your teeth and along the gumline. If not removed with brushing and flossing, it hardens to tartar, which can be cleaned only by a dentist. Plaque and tartar easily build up below the gumline and between teeth. Hence, using proper flossing and toothbrushing techniques is crucial. 

Dental cleaning removes these hidden deposits that your daily oral care routine might miss. A dental hygienist may also offer preventive dental services, like cavity fillings, to prevent oral issues. Regular cleanings help keep your gums and teeth healthy over time. Different procedures are available to address different oral health needs. They include: 

  • Prophylaxis It is the routine dental cleaning for healthy teeth and gums and involves scaling and polishing.

  • Gross debridement: This procedure is helpful for those who have not undergone dental cleaning for a longer time and have a significant buildup of plaque and tartar.

  • Scaling and root planing: Usually, deep cleaning is beneficial for people with gum disease. It removes the buildup on the teeth and deep below the gumline, and helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is essential for good oral hygiene. It promotes your oral and overall health. The benefits of dental cleaning make regular dental visits important. Regular dental check-ups help catch and address possible oral issues early on. This saves you from trouble and avoids extensive treatments in the future. Here are some of the dental health benefits you can enjoy with routine dental cleanings:

  • Cavity prevention: Routine dental cleaning works beyond regular brushing and flossing. It cleans plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. This helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

  • Prevention of gum disease: Dental cleaning improves gum health. Removing plaque and tartar helps cure signs of gingivitis (early gum disease), such as gum inflammation and bleeding gums. It stops the infection from progressing into periodontitis (a severe periodontal disease) that may result in tooth loss.

  • Stain removal: Dental cleaning removes the surface stains from pigmented foods and beverages. It polishes the teeth, resulting in a cleaner and brighter smile.

  • Fresher breath: Bacteria in plaque and tartar deposits are the main culprits behind bad breath (halitosis). Professional cleaning clears them out, offering fresher breath.

  • Prevention of oral problems: Identifying oral issues before they worsen is crucial. If a sign of tooth decay or gum disease is found, your dentist can suggest suitable treatments.

  • Supports overall health: Regular cleaning is essential for good dental hygiene. It improves your oral health, which impacts your overall health. It reduces the risk of various systemic health issues resulting from bacterial infections.

     

What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Routine teeth cleaning at a dental clinic usually involves scaling and polishing by a dental hygienist. It may be followed by dental treatments to protect your teeth and gums and address any potential issues. A dentist will first examine your mouth before commencing the procedure. If you have not had a routine check-up for a long time, they may use X-rays to diagnose your oral condition. You may expect the following dental procedures during a typical routine cleaning:

  • Dental scaling: It uses special tools called scalers or ultrasonic scalers. They remove plaque, tartar, and food debris from the crown (part of the tooth above the gumline) and the root surface. Teeth scaling is usually not painful, though you may hear the sound of scraping.

  • Polishing: Dentists usually use a polishing paste on a slow drill with a bristle brush or a soft rubber cup. It gently polishes and smoothens the tooth surfaces without harming the enamel. While it removes the surface stains, making the teeth look cleaner, it is not a teeth-whitening procedure.

  • Preventive care: A dentist may suggest preventive treatments based on your unique oral conditions and needs. Fluoride treatment is often used to strengthen the tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants help protect teeth with deep grooves from harmful plaque bacteria that cause cavities. These treatments benefit children and adults alike.

At-Home Teeth Cleaning Techniques

Routine cleanings are essential for long-term oral health. However, maintaining good oral hygiene between dental visits is crucial. Here are some simple yet powerful techniques you can consider for regular teeth cleaning at home:

  • Brush your teeth, ideally for two minutes twice daily. Include a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush that suits your needs and preferences.

  • Using fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of decay and cavities.

  • Floss once daily to clean the plaque hiding in areas that are hard for your brush to reach. You may use dental floss or an interdental toothbrush. Ideally, flossing should follow toothbrushing.

  • Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. It washes away residual food debris and bacteria, offering you a cleaner mouth and fresher breath.

  • Keep dentures, braces, or other dental appliances clean. Brush them regularly or clean them with a dentist-recommended cleansing solution.

  • Replace your toothbrush or the head of the electric brush every three months or if you notice that the bristles are worn out.

Common Teeth Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Whether at home or travelling, the above techniques help you maintain clean teeth and gums between your dental visits. Besides ensuring consistency, doing them right is equally important. While they are easy to include in your daily routine, you may be doing them incorrectly. So, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Brushing aggressively: Brushing too hard can erode the tooth enamel and irritate gums. Using proper toothbrushing techniques, including gentle, circular motion, is ideal.

  • Wrong toothbrush choice: A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage your teeth and gums. Choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush that easily fits into your mouth is ideal. Consult a dentist to determine what is best for your unique oral needs.

  • Skipping flossing: One may presume that brushing twice daily is enough. However, flossing once daily is equally important. It targets hidden plaque deposits that your toothbrush cannot easily clear out.

  • Using mouthwash only: Finishing the daily oral ritual with a rinse can be tempting. However, mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing. Though it washes off bacteria, it does not remove plaque from the tooth surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

  • Diet and lifestyle: Wrong diet and lifestyle habits can pave the way to oral problems. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks promote tooth decay and cavities. Smoking and tobacco use make you susceptible to tooth stains, plaque buildup, and gum disease.

Signs You Might Need Professional Teeth Cleaning

Dentistry recommends scheduling regular appointments with a dentist every six months for optimal oral health. However, professional cleaning may become a top priority if you notice the following symptoms:

  • Yellow tartar (hardened plaque) deposits that do not go with brushing and flossing

  • Tooth stains and discolouration

  • Signs of gum disease, including swollen, red, and bleeding gums

  • Persistent bad breath despite brushing and flossing

  • Signs of early cavities, such as pain when biting down on food

  • Sensitivity of teeth to hot, cold, or sour food and drinks

How Does Teeth Cleaning Impact Long-Term Oral Health?

Besides offering you healthy, clean teeth and gums, routine dental cleaning enhances oral health by preventing potential dental problems. Efficient removal of plaque and tartar reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease. This helps avoid complications such as the damage of supporting tooth structures and tooth loss. Regular cleaning of teeth by a dentist enhances your oral hygiene. This, in turn, supports your overall health by reducing the risk of health issues from bacterial infections.

To conclude, routine teeth cleaning with a dentist is crucial for optimal oral health. Regular brushing and flossing are not enough, though they are essential for daily oral hygiene. Professional cleaning clears out the plaque and tartar that escape your daily routine. This saves you from cavities, gum disease, and oral issues that are otherwise likely. Regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene habits keep your smile healthy and bright.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How often should I get my teeth cleaned by a dentist?
    It is ideal to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist every six months. It ensures optimal oral health and helps rule out oral health issues. However, your dentist may suggest frequent visits if you have specific dental problems or a higher susceptibility to them.

  2. Is teeth cleaning painful?
    Routine teeth cleaning is usually not painful. You may hear a scraping sound during scaling with little or mild discomfort. Without dental cleanings for a long duration, a significant buildup of plaque and tartar and mild pain during cleaning are likely. In that case, your dentist may use numbing gels or local anaesthesia to make you comfortable.

  3. How can I maintain my teeth cleaning routine at home?
    Teeth cleaning at home requires brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Flossing once daily to clean between the teeth is equally important. Proper brushing and flossing techniques and the right toothbrush choice are vital. In addition, you may rinse the mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash for an extra cleanse.

  4. Are there any risks associated with teeth cleaning?
    Teeth cleaning by a dental professional is generally safe. While there are no risks, mild and temporary discomforts like sensitivity or soreness are likely, based on the severity of tartar and plaque buildup. Though they easily subside, your dentist may suggest over-the-counter medication to soothe them.