What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?

Keeping your smile healthy involves more than just daily brushing and flossing. Professional dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, preventing cavities, and catching early signs of gum disease.
 

Why You Need Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining both your oral and overall health. While brushing and flossing at home are important daily habits, they can’t remove hardened tartar or reach all the tight spaces where plaque can accumulate. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath by thoroughly removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria. They also allow your dentist to catch early signs of dental issues before they become more serious and costly to treat. Here is what to expect during a dental cleaning.
 

Oral Exam

Before your cleaning begins, your dental hygienist will perform a quick but thorough examination of your mouth. Using a small mirror, they’ll check for signs of inflamed gums, cavities, or other oral health concerns. If anything significant is detected, the dentist may be called in for a closer look before the cleaning continues.
 

Removing Plaque and Tartar

Using a scaler, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup around your gum line and between your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that contains bacteria. If it’s not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed professionally.
 

Deep Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste

Once your teeth are free of tartar, they’ll be brushed with a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste. This step polishes the teeth and removes any remaining debris, helping to prevent stains and smooth the tooth surfaces.
 

Expert Flossing

Even if you floss daily, nothing compares to professional flossing. Your hygienist will get deep between your teeth and identify any areas where your gums might bleed - an early sign of gingivitis.

You’ll rinse out your mouth to remove any loosened debris. This rinse typically contains a fluoride solution to further strengthen your teeth.
 

Fluoride Treatment

As a final step, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help protect your teeth against decay. This gel or foam is placed in a mouthpiece and worn for a minute or two, or it may be brushed directly onto the teeth.
 

How Often Should You Get a Professional Cleaning?

For most patients, dental cleanings are recommended every six months. However, if you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or other oral health issues, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits Regular cleanings not only keep your smile bright but also support your overall health by reducing inflammation and bacteria in the mouth.
 

Ready to Schedule Your Next Cleaning?

Professional dental cleanings are an essential part of a proactive oral health routine. They help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues - keeping your teeth and gums in optimal shape.

Contact Woodbury Family Dentistry to schedule your professional dental cleaning and keep your smile healthy and bright! Visit our office in Orlando, Florida, or call (407) 502-5300 to book an appointment today.