Dental Cleanings Procedure Q&A

A teeth cleaning involves removing built-up plaque and other oral detritus, improving the overall health and cleanliness of the oral cavity. While the exact specifics of the procedure can vary from one practice to the next, they typically follow a general guideline that looks something like this:

A Physical Exam: Most teeth cleanings are performed by a dental hygienist, and before starting the actual cleaning process, they typically conduct a physical exam of the entire oral cavity, including the teeth, gums and mouth. Part of this cleaning process involves using a small mirror to check around the patient’s teeth and gums for any signs of gingivitis (gum inflammation) or other potential concerns.

Removing Plaque and Tartar: Using the small mirror for guidance, the dental hygienist uses a scaler, which is an abrasive tool used to scrape off excess plaque and tartar around the gumline and in between the teeth.

Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning: After cleaning the patient’s teeth of plaque and tartar, the hygienist will then brush the patient’s teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush. This is a highly efficacious way to remove leftover tartar from the scaler.

Expert Flossing: While it is important to floss regularly at home, dentists are highly trained at removing the hardest to reach plaque and tartar built up between the teeth.

Rinsing: The final stage of the dental cleaning is a thorough rinsing of the mouth to remove any residual debris.

There are several signs that indicate when you should get a teeth cleaning, such as signs of gum disease, discolored or stained teeth, accumulation of plaque on teeth, foul breath, bleeding or sensitive gums, and tooth sensitivity. Depending on the state of your everyday oral hygiene and how often you visit your dentist, you might need a regular or a deep cleaning, which vary in severity. A teeth cleaning is a standard procedure that should be performed twice a year, although there are certain situations that may warrant a more frequent need for cleanings, including:

– People who smoke
– People with diabetes
– Those under significant stress
– People taking medication that causes dry mouth
– Those affected by HIV/AIDS or cancer
– People experiencing orthodontic issues
– Women who are pregnant
– Those with a history of gum disease

A dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dental professional to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris from the surfaces of the teeth. The purpose of the cleaning is to clean away any plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. It is important to visit the dentist for a regular dental cleaning every six months in order to maintain good oral hygiene, as it is a preventative procedure. During the cleaning, the hygienist may take x-rays or perform other treatments if necessary.

A dental cleaning includes several parts, such as a physical exam, plaque and tartar removal, flossing and rinsing. It provides the following benefits:

– Prevents gum illnesses
– Keeps your teeth clean
– Accomplishes a whiter smile
– Prevents foul breath
– Eliminates plaque accumulation on teeth
– Catches symptoms of oral illness early on
– Enhances general oral health

The cost of a teeth cleaning can vary from one practice to the next and is also dependent upon several factors, such as insurance coverage, the age of the patient, and the severity of the problems being addressed. In most cases, a dental cleaning can range from free (with insurance) to a few hundred dollars.

Come to Real Smile Dentistry for your next dental cleaning! Call us today to book an appointment for a dental cleaning procedure, or visit one of our two clinics! We have two locations to serve you better: one in Miami Beach, FL; and one in North Miami, FL. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Miami Beach FL, North Miami FL, Greater Miami FL, Midtown FL, Miami Shores FL, Aventura FL, Wynwood FL, Little Haiti FL, Dodge Island FL, Pinewood FL, and surrounding areas.