You’ve probably heard time and again that regular dental exams and cleanings are vitally important to your oral health. Most individuals agree that dental exams and cleanings are simple and painless, even though someone is poking around in their mouths and there are strange noises throughout the process. It can certainly help to understand exactly what is occurring, and why.
Understanding the Exam and Cleaning Process
Every time you visit your dentist for a routine cleaning (which should be at least every six months), they will begin by:
- Mouth examination,
- Use of small mirror to check all angles of the teeth and gums,
- Look for signs of gingivitis, cavities, or other oral health issues,
- In some cases, these issues will need to be resolved before your teeth cleaning, but in other cases your teeth cleaning may be completed first.
- One important thing to note is that your dentist may be able to detect issues long before you do,
- By catching them early he may be able to help you resolve such issues without much difficulty.
Once examined it’s time to proceed with cleaning, your dentist will address any plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth. This is accomplished with the use of a dental tool called a scaler. It is used to scrape in between your teeth and around your gum line. Obviously, this process takes as long as is needed to remove all plaque and tartar. If your dentist spends a lot of time removing plaque and tartar, he will advise you about the things you can do at home to reduce this buildup from occurring. This includes brushing and flossing every day with the right tools and techniques.
Following plaque and tartar removal, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth with a gritty toothpaste. The slightly abrasive nature of the toothpaste and the power of the dentist’s electric toothbrush helps to remove all bacteria, food particles, plaque or tartar that remains on your teeth. It is important to note that while abrasive toothpaste can have its benefits during these cleanings, it should only be used by your dentist. Cleaning is done twice yearly so it doesn’t wear down the tooth enamel.
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Cleaning Steps-
Once your teeth have been brushed, they will be thoroughly flossed. Even if you floss religiously at home, this part of the procedure can have immense benefits.
- First of all, your dentist may floss more deeply and thoroughly than you do despite your very best intentions.
- Second of all, your dentist may notice potential trouble spots while flossing, especially if your gums bleed during the flossing process.
- Third of all, it’s the final step in fully cleaning your teeth. This helps to remove any plaque or toothpaste that was left behind in the prior steps.
Finally, your dentist will direct you to rinse your mouth so as to remove any remaining debris. They may use water, a rinse that contains fluoride, or some combination of the two. The clear goal here is to ensure that your oral cavity is as clean as it can possibly be.
In addition to the basic exam and cleaning steps listed above, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment. This treatment acts like a protective shield, guarding your teeth against the acids that would seek to destroy tooth enamel and cause cavities. This treatment is usually administered by placing a fluoride gel or paste in a mouthpiece, and then placing the mouthpiece over your teeth for about one minute.
Once a year, or more based on your oral health condition, your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth and mouth. This helps them to see what is occurring beneath the surface. This is also important for detecting problems before they become extensive.
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For more information about dental exams and cleanings or to schedule your appointment, Contact Todays Dental Now.
