What is a Prophylaxis Cleaning

Preventative dental care is critical to a healthy mouth and a long-lasting, beautiful smile. Your dental hygienist is able to provide these services. Preventive care helps to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease, dental plaque and tartar are removed from teeth during this procedure. Dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) that can be prevented by brushing and interdental cleaning on a regular basis.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning

Initial Mouth Exam

The dental hygienist first examines your mouth with a tiny mirror. Any noticeable problems will be sent to your dentist if they are found. However, if they discover anything significant, the cleaning might be put on hold. They would then speak with one of your dentists to determine the best course of action for their situation.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Cleaning your teeth at home using a toothbrush and floss is a fantastic technique to get rid of dental plaque. However, it might be difficult to get to the plaque that hides between teeth or along the gum line.. Only a dental expert has the tools and training necessary to remove tartar, which forms as plaque hardens. Professional tooth cleanings are more comprehensive than those done at home. In order to get rid of plaque and tartar, your dental hygienist uses specific instruments. Some called Scalers and Currettes. Your dental hygienist may also use an ultrasonic scaler or some will call “Cavitron” to remove the plaque and tartar. This instrument uses water to help keep the instrument cool, and irrigate/flush bacteria out of the gums.

Polishing Teeth

Next, your dental hygienist uses a high-powered brush and a gritty tooth polish to clean your teeth. Sometimes they ask you what flavor paste you want. This helps to remove the layer of biofilm on your teeth and helps remove extrinsic stains like tea and coffee.

Flossing Between Teeth

Congratulations! If you’ve made it this far, your dental cleaning is almost complete. The hygienist will floss your teeth as the last stage in the procedure. It’s a great way to get rid of any plaques that could be hiding in between your teeth.

Rinsing

Your dental hygienist might next inject water inside your mouth & instruct you to swirl it around in your mouth. When you’re ready, we’ll vacuum the water out of your mouth using suction. As part of the rinsing process, any remaining tooth polish is removed.

Your Colorado Springs Dental Hygienist is able to provide this teeth whitening service. A dentist is not required to perform this service.

 

Your Colorado Springs Dental Hygienist is able to provide this teeth whitening service. A dentist is not required to perform this service.

Benefits of teeth cleaning

It brightens your smile

Certain foods and beverages may discolor your teeth (Teeth whitening can help with this.).Plaque and tartar are removed during a dental cleaning, leaving teeth looking their best. Cleaning your teeth at the dentist’s office is the best approach to improve the appearance of your smile.

Bad breath is reduced

Clean teeth are the greatest defense against bad breath. Besides brushing and flossing on a regular basis, receiving a dental cleaning helps keep your mouth healthy and your breath fresh. The cleaning moves the bacteria that causes bad breath. If you still notice bad breath after a cleaning ask your dental hygienist about other possible causes.

 Cavities are prevented

One cause of cavities is having plaque and tartar on the teeth. Cavities can be prevented by dental cleanings and consistent brushing and flossing.

 Tooth loss is prevented

When you have a buildup of plaque on your teeth, your gums become infected and can lead to boneloss around your teeth. Gum disease is the most common cause of loss of teeth because of this. To avoid tooth loss, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene at home and to get regular dental cleanings.

Your overall health is boosted

It’s no secret that your physical well-being and your dental health are intertwined. Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine reduces your chances of developing diabetes & heart disease. Dentists and dental hygienists may also discover several medical issues during an oral checkup.

In conclusion

Preventive dental cleanings are crucial to maintain overall health. A dental hygienist will remove tartar from your teeth, polish biofilm and stain off your teeth, and floss the residual plaque from between the teeth. Regular dental cleanings will help maintain your health, decrease bad breath and cavities. The Importance of Good Dental Hygiene cannot be understated. So continuing to see a dental hygienist several times a year will benefit you and your health in the long run. A dental hygiene membership plan may be something to consider. It will ensure you get the proper care at regular intervals without having to worry about scheduling or payments.   

If you are interested in learning more, then be sure to check out our FAQ pertaining to dentists, dental hygiene, and oral care.