During your oral exam, our dentist or dental hygienist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and thoroughly clean them to remove any plaque buildup. Professional teeth cleaning also removes any stains on your teeth caused by things like coffee or tobacco. At Ivan K. Salmons DDS, our dentist may recommend more frequent professional teeth cleanings if you have oral health issues, like periodontal disease or gingivitis.
If you take good care of your teeth between visits, your professional teeth cleaning will be quick and comfortable. After your teeth have been cleaned, they will be polished with a paste that will help keep your teeth clean and white. This polishing paste will also help remove plaque from hard-to-reach places in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Your dentist or hygienist may also recommend other products to help you maintain good oral health at home.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning
One of the most significant benefits of having your teeth professionally cleaned is the removal of plaque and tartar buildup. These harmful substances can irritate the gum tissue, causing much discomfort.
Plaque is a sticky substance that builds on the teeth and causes gum disease over time. If this material is not removed with regular cleanings, it will eventually harden into calculus or tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist using special instruments. Once hardened, this bacteria-filled material is difficult to remove on your own and requires professional cleaning to remove it properly.
Another benefit of regular professional cleanings is that your dentist will be able to monitor the health of your gums and look for signs of any potential problems early on. Having a clean bill of health from your dentist will help to ensure that your oral health remains optimal for years to come.
The Procedure for Teeth Cleaning
To clean teeth, the dental hygienist will examine your teeth and the areas around them for plaque or tartar buildup. If either of these is present, it must be removed from the tooth's surface to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. The hygienist will then remove stains from the surface of the teeth using a special paste made for this purpose. Once the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, the hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and help prevent new cavities from forming. Finally, the teeth will be polished using a special compound that helps to smooth out any surface irregularities on the teeth for a smooth and shiny finish.
During your appointment, you may notice that the dental hygienist uses a small metal scraper to loosen and remove debris between your teeth. This is essential to teeth cleaning because it ensures the teeth are clean even below the gum line, where bacteria often collects. After your teeth are cleaned, you may need to schedule an additional appointment with the hygienist to remove your wisdom teeth if they are impacted and cause crowding in your mouth.
Proper brushing and flossing at home and routine professional cleanings can reduce your risk of developing oral health issues. For the best dental care tailored to your unique needs, visit Ivan K. Salmons DDS at 1855 Indian Hills Drive, Sioux City, IA 51104, or call (712) 239-5900.
