Many people dread teeth cleaning appointments, as odd sounds and sensations can accompany them. However, a thorough dental cleaning can help prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Before the actual cleaning begins, your dentist or hygienist will perform a brief examination of your mouth. They will check for signs of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and potential cavities.

First Step

During your teeth cleaning Rockaway Beach NY, appointment, your dental hygienist will begin by performing a thorough oral exam. This step can help detect cavities or gum diseases that you may not even know you have.

The hygienist uses a small mirror to inspect your entire mouth and check for any signs of severe health issues. They will notify the dentist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment for any pains or concerns.

Once the examination is complete, your dental hygienist removes any plaque and tartar from around your gum line. It can be noisy as they scrape away the tar.

Your dental hygienist will then brush your teeth with a type of toothpaste called prophylaxis paste. It has a grainy consistency that helps scrub and polish your teeth. They may also give you a fluoride rinse.

Dental Scaling

Regardless of how often you brush your teeth or floss, food debris and plaque can still collect in areas of your mouth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This buildup can lead to serious oral health issues, including gum disease (periodontitis).

A dental procedure known as scaling removes hardened plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and any pockets that may have formed below the gum line between your teeth and gums. This process is a more intense deep cleaning than you’ll receive during a typical six-month checkup.

Your dentist will use hand-held instruments and ultrasonic tools to remove this plaque during scaling. The ultrasonic devices use a vibrating metal tip that chips away plaque and a water spray to clean it off your teeth and keep the tips cool.

Flossing

Flossing is an essential part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy. It removes food debris, plaque, and bacteria your toothbrush can’t reach.

During a regular dental cleaning, your hygienist will floss between each tooth to remove any built-up food and plaque. It can also help to reduce gum disease and prevent future visits to the dentist for more severe issues.

Plaque builds as a sticky biofilm made of food particles and bacteria on the surface of your teeth and gums. It can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that is preventable with proper oral hygiene.

Rinsing

Rinsing your mouth is a great way to get rid of leftover toothpaste. It also helps re-stimulate saliva production and remove plaque from teeth and gums.

There are a few different rinses, including the saltwater variety. A salt water rinse can help remove stains on your teeth and leave your mouth feeling fresh.

Proper rinsing can be tricky, so it’s worth getting the details right. Keeping your strategy on track is the key to minimizing water usage and waste and keeping your process smooth for a long time.