Professional teeth cleaning is a dental procedure that involves your hygienist removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. It is an essential dental process that helps prevent cavities and gum infections. When you do not brush or floss your teeth appropriately, plaque accumulates and hardens to tartar. Tartar can only be eliminated by professional cleaning. A professional tooth cleaning helps your dentist, Dana Samet DDS, detect oral issues that can result in severe complications. Dental professionals recommend people get teeth cleaning treatment every six months. Professional teeth cleaning involves various steps, which include:

Physical examination

In most cases, professional teeth cleaning is done by a dental hygienist. Your dental hygienist starts by doing a physical exam of your whole mouth. The provider uses a small mirror to observe your teeth and gums for any signs of cavities, gum inflammation, and other potential concerns. If you have major issues, the dental hygienist can call a dentist to ensure it is fine to proceed with the teeth cleaning procedure.

Plaque and tartar removal

If you are fit for cleaning, your hygienist will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar stuck around your gum line and between your teeth. You will hear a scraping sound, but this is normal. The time your provider takes depends on the amount of plaque and tartar you have. Routine brushing and flossing prevent plaque from accumulating and hardening to tartar. Tartar cannot be eliminated by regular brushing and flossing; it is only removed by professional teeth cleaning.

Gritty toothpaste cleaning

After your teeth are fully tartar-free, your hygienist brushes them using a high-powered electric brush. The brush makes a grinding noise that can be scary, but it is a perfect method to deeply clean and remove any tartar left behind from scaling. The procedure involves toothpaste with a gritty consistency, which gently scrubs your teeth. Dentists recommend using gritty toothpaste twice a year by a professional.

Expert flossing

Professional flossing is more effective than regular home flossing. Expert flossing enables your dental hygienist to get deep between your teeth and locate potential trouble spots that can have bleeding gums. The hygienist also eliminates any plaque or toothpaste left from earlier cleaning procedures.

Rinsing

Your provider often gives you a rinse that contains liquid fluoride. It helps get rid of any debris.

Fluoride application

Fluoride application is the last step during professional teeth cleaning. This treatment helps to protect your teeth by fighting against cavities for several months. Your provider may ask you to choose the fluoride flavor you will prefer. The provider then places the foamy gel or sticky paste on a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth and leaves it on your teeth for about a minute.

Besides the gel, your hygienist paints a fluoride varnish onto your teeth using a small brush. It becomes hard when in contact with saliva, allowing you to eat or drink immediately after the process.

Professional teeth cleaning is a dental procedure that eliminates plaque and tartar from your teeth. It involves your dental hygienist scaling the accumulated tartar and plaque, cleaning your teeth with gritty toothpaste, and applying fluoride for protection. Schedule an appointment at Dental Art of South Bay for professional teeth cleaning to prevent cavities and gum infections.