Routine teeth cleanings are essential to oral health. Keeping your teeth pearly white and clean means more than simply brushing twice a day. The tools you have at home, while acceptable for maintenance, won’t clean your teeth as thoroughly as a trained professional can. Most dentists recommend that you visit a dentist at least twice a year for check-ups to ensure that your teeth are as healthy as possible.
Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?
Many individuals have an overwhelming fear of going to the dentist, which is why it may be hard for them to get their teeth professionally cleaned. However, a professional tooth cleaning is one of the most comfortable procedures to improve oral health.
Evaluation
Before anything else, your dental hygienist will perform a thorough evaluation of your entire mouth, including your teeth, tongue, and gums. They will examine your mouth for any potential concerns, such as inflammation and bleeding gums, among others. Your hygienist may also review your medical history and ask questions about your lifestyle. Some health conditions, like diabetes, can affect your oral health. Daily actions like smoking, regularly drinking coffee, or frequently drinking soda can also damage your teeth.
Tartar Removal
Your hygienist will then proceed to remove any built-up tartar. Tartar is layers of hardened mineral substances caused by plaque and is a major cause of several dental problems. Tartar is hard to see, so your dental hygienist may use stain tablets to identify the build-up. They will then use specialized tools to remove the tartar. You may find this part of the cleaning procedure uncomfortable as you might hear scraping sounds. However, this should not be painful.
Tooth Polishing
The next step is polishing. With the help of a polishing agent—a gel, paste, or liquid—and a high-powered electric brush, your dental hygienist will clean any stains from your teeth. This part of the teeth cleaning process removes stains, bacteria, and any other loose build-up in your mouth. Your hygienist may also floss the spaces between your teeth. This step feels like regular tooth brushing and flossing, except it is professionally done.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment is typically the last step in teeth cleaning and helps strengthen your teeth enamel and prevents decay and cavities. After your hygienist polishes your teeth, they will usually ask you to rinse with a fluoride-rich fluid to remove any remaining debris. Your hygienist will then apply a fluoride gel or paste to your teeth, which will be left on for a minute or two.
After that, you’ll rinse your mouth, again. Some procedures finish with fluoride varnish to ensure long-lasting protection.
Professional Teeth Cleaning in St. Paul, MN
Contrary to popular belief, teeth cleaning is almost painless. It is better to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year than spend money on expensive dental treatments when you have oral problems. Like many health professionals say, prevention is better than cure.
At Hagerman Dental Care, Dr. Steven Hagerman and our team are eager to provide solutions to any of your dental concerns. We offer a comprehensive list of oral health services, including dental cleaning in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. To get in touch with us, you may call (651) 646-2392, or request an appointment online. We hope to assist you in achieving the confident smile you have been waiting for!