How Dental Cleanings Work

Regular dental cleanings (known as prophylaxis) are an integral part of maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Performed every six months, prophylaxis helps prevent an accumulation of bacteria that could otherwise cause tooth decay and gum disease.

At a cleaning, the hygienist uses a small mirror and tool to gently scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth - including hard-to-reach areas like below the gumline.

Scaling & Polishing

Scaling, also known as calculus or tartar removal, and staining on tooth surfaces must first be mechanically removed using hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. Your dentist or hygienist may make some scraping noises; however, they should not cause pain.

Polishing teeth is an aesthetic procedure which enhances their brightness while simultaneously smoothing enamel surface to make adhering of sticky plaque more difficult.

Routine scaling and polishing by a Holland Landing Dental dentist can significantly decrease the risk оf periodontal disease, improve oral hygiene and enhance tooth appearance. It should not be seen as a replacement for daily brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride Treatment

Like your car, your teeth require periodic inspection and care. A dental hygienist will use fluoride treatments during routine teeth cleaning sessions as part of an effective preventative strategy to stave off tooth decay and ensure you maintain a healthy smile.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in food and water sources that is commonly added to toothpaste and mouthwash as a form of protection from cavities and strengthening of tooth enamel - the hard outer coating on every tooth.

Fluoride treatments involve applying a more concentrated form of the mineral directly onto teeth in a form such as rinse, foam, gel or varnish that's placed in a mouthguard tray and left for several minutes. Fluoride works to seal enamel against food and drink sticking to the surface that could otherwise lead to cavities; additionally it remineralizes teeth to protect them against decay.

Brushing & Flossing

Brushing is an effective way to keep your teeth clean, remove plaque and bacteria buildup, and help prevent cavities and gum disease - but it's not enough on its own; flossing should also be an integral part of the oral hygiene process.

Flossing removes food and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach between the cracks and crevices of your teeth, helping prevent gum disease and keeping breath fresh and healthy. It also improves overall oral hygiene.

Dental hygienists use hand tools or electric scalers to use in scraping the surface of your teeth and gum line, producing some scraping noises but should not cause pain. This prevents buildup of harmful plaque and tartar that could potentially lead to gum disease.

X-Rays

Like an oil change at your mechanic, regular dental cleanings are critical for optimal oral health. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that increases risk for cavities, gum disease and tooth loss; as well as giving dentists and hygienists the chance to spot potential issues early when treatment may be more straightforward.

Dental hygienists employ various tools to effectively clean your teeth, such as an ultrasonic instrument that uses tickling vibrations and cooling water mist to break loose larger pieces of tartar build-up; and scalers and curettes (curved pointed instruments used to scrape away hardened plaque) used to gently scrape away small deposits on tooth surfaces.

A hygienist will then floss your teeth to ensure no food or bacteria have crept between the gaps, before rinsing your mouth with water and applying fluoride as needed to help prevent decay.