If you’ve read any of the blogs on our website, you’ll know how important getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist is to your overall oral health. Teeth cleanings are one of the things that our expert team of dental professionals here at G Dental 32 does on a regular basis, and something that everyone, no matter their age or dental history, should schedule at least once a year, if not every six months.

But what, exactly, does a regular teeth cleaning entail? If you’ve never scheduled a teeth cleaning for yourself before, or if you are simply looking for more information so you know what to expect, it can seem a bit vague. Does the dentist really just clean your teeth? What’s so different between a professional teeth cleaning at the dentist versus regular tooth brushing and flossing at home?

Here’s what happens at a teeth cleaning:

Teeth Examination

The first step of a teeth cleaning is for the dental hygienist to examine your teeth. They will look for any spots that might warrant a further look and notice them for the dentist. Typically, the dental hygienist will examine your teeth first, and the dentist will check everything over either immediately after the hygienist's examination, or after the entire teeth cleaning process is completed.

Dental X-Rays

Most dentists will take x-rays of your teeth once a year, so it may not happen at every teeth cleaning appointment. X-rays help the dentist see your teeth’s roots and make sure that there are no signs of infection or deterioration below the gumline. It’s helpful for the dentist to keep records of your x-rays so they can notice any changes that present from appointment to appointment.

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Next, the dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape away any plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth. The amount of plaque and tartar that needs to be removed depends on your personal dental hygiene habits as well as the makeup of your teeth, so this process can take just a few minutes or a bit longer.

Cleaning With Toothpaste

After the removal of plaque and tartar, the dental hygienist will brush your teeth. While the name is the same, tooth brushing done at the dentist is quite different from what you do daily at home. Most dental hygienists will use a special gritty toothpaste that polishes your teeth and removes any leftover bits of plaque and tartar, and the toothpaste is usually applied with a special mechanical toothbrush. The combination of the quick brushing motion from the toothbrush and the gritty toothpaste leaves your teeth extra clean and smooth—in many cases, the improved texture on the surface of your teeth will be noticeable!

Flossing

Next, the dental hygienist will floss your teeth. Unlike the last step, flossing at the dentist is usually quite similar to how you floss at home. The hygienist will use floss to remove any remaining build-up or food debris that is left behind, and leave your gums happy and healthy.

Now that you know what to expect at your next teeth cleaning, there’s no need to put off scheduling an appointment any longer! If you’re due for your teeth cleaning, contact us today to schedule your visit to G Dental 32.