A lot of people are anxious when it comes to dental cleaning. Amidst the prodding, weird noises and jaw discomfort, it can be quite understandable why they are anxious. However, for most, teeth cleaning is a simple and painless process. Having an idea of what to expect during dental cleaning can greatly relieve anxiety.
So below are the things to expect when undergoing dental cleaning.
Physical Examination
Aside from Surrey dentists, dental hygienists do most teeth cleanings. Before everything else, a physical exam of your mouth will be initiated. Oral health professionals like those and Surdel Dental Centre will use a small mirror to assess your teeth and gums for any possible oral problems.
Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Using a scaler and a small mirror to guide them, plaque and tartar accumulation will be removed around your gum line and in between your teeth. You will be hearing scraping noises while this is done, which is normal. If there are more tartar deposits, the more time it will need to remove in that particular area.
Tartar formation can be prevented by proper brushing and flossing. Once there is a buildup of plaque, it will result to tartar formation and the only way it can be removed is by going to the dentist. So if you don’t want to undergo tartar removal, then brush and floss more often.
Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning
After all the tartar buildup has been removed, your dentist or hygienist will use an electric brush to brush them away. The sound of the electric brush may sound scary, but it’s a good way to really clean and removes remaining tartar left.
Toothpaste used in professional cleanings is like regular toothpaste when it comes to taste and smell, although options for different flavours are available. But, the consistency of this toothpaste is gritty, which helps in gently scrubbing your teeth. If you have professionals clean your teeth, it can be safely done twice a year.
Expert Flossing
Even if you regularly floss at home, nothing compares to having a professional flossing session. Oral health professionals can go through between your teeth and find any possible problem areas where you can easily bleed.
Also, having a professional floss will help remove any plaque or toothpaste that’s leftover from the earlier cleaning process.
Rinsing
Your dentist or hygienist will offer you a rinse that normally contains liquid fluoride to remove any remaining debris in your mouth.
Fluoride Treatment Application
The last part of the dental cleaning process is fluoride treatment. This will help in protecting your teeth fend off cavities for a number of months.
You can choose what flavour of the treatment you want. Your dentist or hygienist will then place the fluoride treatment in a mouthpiece that will fit over your teeth and leave it for over a minute. Fluoride varnish can also be applied to your teeth using a small brush. Fluoride varnish will harden easily once it gets in contact with saliva, so you can eat or drink after.