Teeth Cleaning
The key to a healthy smile is regular preventative care. Brady Dental Group is dedicated to providing that care. An important piece of any preventative dental care is a professional teeth cleaning. The hygienists at Brady Dental Group work hard to offer the best, most comfortable cleaning experience possible. Utilizing the latest technology and procedures guarantees your teeth will look and feel great when you leave the office.
Professional cleanings are designed to remove tartar, or mineralized plaque, from your teeth. Tartar builds up on certain parts of your teeth despite your best cleaning efforts at home. As tartar builds up, bacteria grows and begins to invade the gums. This decay can lead to terrible problems including the eventual loss of your teeth. During a cleaning, your hygienist will gently remove the deposits of tartar from the surface of your teeth. Polishing paste is then used to clear away stains and leftover plaque. Once your cleaning is completed, your teeth will be smooth and shiny.
Many people can be reluctant to get their teeth cleaned due to the prodding, noises, and discomfort. The process is really very simple and painless. To begin, the hygienist will carefully examine your entire mouth. They will use a small mirror to check teeth and gums for gingivitis and other problems. During this process, if the hygienist finds anything of concern, they will call the dentist to be sure it is safe to proceed.
The next step is the plaque and tartar removal process. A scaler is used to scrape plaque and tartar around the gum line and between your teeth. Keep in mind that brushing and flossing at home can prevent plaque from building into tartar, but once tartar forms, it can only be removed at the dentist’s office. After the tartar is removed, the hygienist will brush your teeth with an electric brush. A special, gritty toothpaste is used during this process to help remove any plaque left behind after the scaler. The gritty toothpaste gently scrubs your teeth clean, leaving a smooth surface. This process also helps remove and reduce staining of your teeth over time.
Even if you floss regularly at home, nothing beats a flossing from your hygienist. They will get deep between your teeth. They can locate any trouble spots where you might bleed at the gums. This flossing is also a final opportunity to remove leftover plaque and paste from earlier in the cleaning process. After flossing, you will rinse your mouth to get rid of any debris.
A final step of adding a fluoride treatment is included in a cleaning. Fluoride helps protect teeth and fights against cavities. Hygienists paint or brush fluoride onto the teeth and leave it there for about one minute. After the fluoride treatment, you could expect the dentist to consult with you about further treatments. Sealants are often recommended to prevent cavities in hard-to-brush areas.
The final step will be scheduling your next cleaning visit, about six months later. Regular preventative care, including cleanings, ensures your smile will be beautiful for years to come. Call Brady Dental Group today to keep your mouth happy.
