According to a study published in 2019, a multidirectional toothbrush provides a 64.61% reduction in plaque scores, an ultrasonic toothbrush offers a 52.58% reduction in plaque, and manual toothbrushes remove 29.18% of plaque.
A study published in 2007 analyzed two dental floss devices to determine their effectiveness in removing plaque. The study determined that the two products remove 19.4% and 15% of plaque respectively.
The two studies mentioned above prove that neither brushing nor flossing removes 100% of the plaque in our mouths. This is what makes professional teeth cleaning extremely vital.
Most people, however, dread professional teeth cleanings. Unfamiliar noises, incidental but rare jaw discomfort and prodding are some of the reasons behind this fear. However, for many, professional oral cleaning is a painless – not to mention simple – process.
If you are new to professional cleaning, understanding what to expect can eliminate your dental anxiety. Straight Teeth Invisible will take you through the steps followed by dentists during a professional cleaning.
A Step-by-Step Guide on Professional Teeth Cleaning
Step #1: Physical Exam
Professional cleanings are handled by dental hygienists. Before initiating teeth cleaning, the hygienist will invest some of his/her time in evaluating the condition of your mouth.
Your dental hygienist will check your mouth for symptoms of dental cavities, gingivitis, and other problems. If your hygienist discovers any issues, he/she will call your dentist to confirm that it is still okay to continue with professional cleaning.
Step #2: Tartar and Plaque Removal
When bacteria stay on the teeth for an extended period, they form a film known as plaque. With time, this plaque film hardens, turning into tartar. Tartar can spread below the gum line, making your teeth harder to clean.
According to the CDC, tartar is a major risk factor for periodontal disease, a condition that affects 47.2% of adults above the age of 30 years and 70.1% of adults aged 65 years and above. While it is impossible to remove tartar at home, a professional cleaning can clear the hard film from the gums.
During tartar and plaque removal, your dental hygienist will use a small mirror for guidance. Using a scaler, the hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque between the teeth and on the gum line.
You may hear some scraping. However, this should not worry you. The amount of tartar on your teeth and gum line will determine the time your hygienist will need to finish this vital step.
Step #3: Cleaning with a Gritty Toothpaste
After ensuring your mouth is tartar-free, your dental hygienist will turn to an electric toothbrush. During brushing, you may hear some grinding noise. The brushing ensures a deep clean and gets rid of any tartar and plaque that the scaler may have missed.
Dental hygienists use special toothpaste that tastes and smells like the toothpaste you use at home. The toothpaste, however, is gritty and scrubs the teeth gently.
While it can be tempting to use the gritty toothpaste at home – say, to whiten your teeth – this is not a good idea. When performed by a dental expert, this type of teeth polishing is considered safe to perform two times per year.
For this reason, even if you are trying to make your teeth cleaner before getting dental braces or invisible teeth aligners, try working with other safer solutions. Being extra harsh with your oral maintenance routines while at home can wear down your enamel, making your teeth sensitive.
Step #4: Expert Flossing
During this step, your hygienist will get between your teeth, taking all the necessary steps to remove the plaque sitting in the hardest-to-reach corners.
Step #5: Rinsing
After brushing and flossing, you will rinse your mouth – this will help you eliminate any debris in your mouth. The hygienist will provide a rinsing liquid that contains fluoride.
Step #6: Fluoride Treatment
This is the final step in the professional teeth cleaning process. This procedure is extremely vital for the numerous oral health benefits offered by fluoride.
According to a research study published in 2016, fluoride is the most effective way of preventing dental caries. Fluoride treatment, when applied by a professional, can fight cavities for a couple of months.
Your hygienist will place the foamy fluoride gel – or sticky paste – into a special mouthpiece that matches your teeth arrangement and fits perfectly. This mouthpiece will remain on the teeth for about 60 seconds.
In addition to the foamy gel, the hygienist may also paint a fluoride varnish onto your teeth. The fluoride varnish hardens immediately – this allows you to drink and eat immediately after your professional cleaning procedure.
Don’t Stop After Professional Teeth Cleaning: Straighten Your Teeth with Invisible Teeth Aligners
Professional teeth cleaning is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, if you have misaligned or crooked teeth, professional cleaning won’t fix your problem. Transparent teeth aligners, on the other hand, will straighten your teeth, giving you a flawless appearance that makes everyone go “wow” every time you smile.
Straight Teeth Invisible has helped thousands of clients regain confidence in their smiles. Taking their time to understand their clients’ problems, the orthodontists at Straight Teeth Invisible ensure everyone is getting the best care.
Rather than force their clients to use a specific teeth-straightening solution, Straight Teeth Invisible helps its clients understand the benefits offered by different options. For example, if you are torn between transparent teeth aligners and veneers, the orthodontists will help you understand the benefits offered by each option before recommending a solution – this will help you make an informed decision.
Are you tired of having to hide your smile every time you are in a public space? Would you like to wow everyone with a perfect smile? The orthodontists at Straight Teeth Invisible are ready to help you. Book your FREE e-consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I invest in professional teeth cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning should be done twice per year – that is, once every 6 months. Even if your teeth feel extra clean, don’t skip professional cleanings. Regular professional cleanings will keep plaque from hardening and turning into tartar.
How long do professional teeth cleanings take?
A professional teeth cleaning takes 30 minutes to one hour. During this period, you will be relaxing on a comfortable dental chair while a dental hygienist works on your teeth.
What other benefits does professional cleaning offer besides removing plaque and tartar?
Before initiating the cleaning process, your dental hygienist will perform a physical exam. This ensures that dental health problems are caught early enough. What’s more, the fluoride treatment performed at the end of the cleaning procedure protects your teeth from cavities.
What monetary benefits do professional teeth cleanings offer?
Helping you avoid cavities and reducing the risk of tooth loss, professional teeth cleaning allows you to sidestep complicated dental procedures. Compared to professional cleaning, treating cavities, replacing lost teeth, and dental fillings are costlier.
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