Most Asked Questions About Professional Dental Cleaning

Although brushing and flossing at home is crucial in maintaining excellent oral health, these practices aren’t enough to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. If you want a bright and healthy smile that dazzles everyone you meet, you shouldn’t look further than professional teeth cleaning in Denver. We’ve pulled together the answers to the most common questions asked about this routine procedure.

What You Should Know About Professional Dental Cleaning  

What Exactly Is It?

Professional dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is an essential preventive dental service that eliminates stubborn plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and along the gumline. It also freshens breath and prevents oral health issues, such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Moreover, a dental hygienist or dentist performs the procedure, which typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour.

How Does It Work?  

Throughout the dental cleaning procedure, the hygienist or dentist uses a mirror to help them see all areas of the mouth and ensure that all plaque and tartar are eliminated. Although the procedure is generally painless, they may apply a numbing gel to help reduce tooth sensitivity and make you feel more comfortable. Dental cleaning involves a series of steps, including assessment, scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment.  

• Assessment

The assessment is a critical part of the dental cleaning procedure because it allows the dental hygienist or dentist to assess your overall health and detect underlying issues that require immediate attention. During the process, they’ll examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to identify signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems.  

The dental hygienist or dentist performs a thorough dental exam and reviews your dental history to identify underlying dental issues that may require immediate attention. Conducting a dental assessment before cleaning your teeth helps them create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. For instance, if they identify signs of tooth decay or gum disease, they may recommend additional treatments, including fluoride application or deep cleaning.  

In addition, dental assessment helps your dental hygienist or dentist identify potential risks that may impact your oral health in the future while ensuring that your dental cleaning is as effective as possible. For example, they may identify areas in your mouth that need extra attention during your regular brushing and flossing routine.  

• Scaling

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar, leading to various oral health problems. Since brushing and flossing alone won’t get rid of tartar buildup, dental professionals scrape these impurities away from the surface of teeth and around the gumline via scaling.

Furthermore, they use a specialized tool called an ultrasonic scaler and other special hand-held instruments. Scaling is a critical part of a teeth cleaning procedure because it prepares teeth for polishing.  

• Polishing

The scaling process leaves teeth with a rough surface due to the removal of tartar buildup. Consequently, the dental professional polishes your teeth using a rotating brush and an abrasive toothpaste. They’ll make your teeth look brighter and smoother by smoothing out the rough surface and eliminating remaining stains. It’s important to note that polished teeth can make it more challenging for plaque and bacteria to stick to their surface.  

• Flossing

The dental hygienist or dentist will floss your teeth after polishing them to remove any remaining food particles or plaque between your teeth and gums and along the gumline in hard-to-reach areas.  

• Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral known for its protective effect on teeth. Moreover, fluoride treatments are a safe and effective way to strengthen the tooth enamel, prevent tooth decay, and reduce tooth sensitivity. After flossing their patients’ teeth, most dentists apply a highly concentrated fluoride gel or foam for a few minutes to ensure the enamel absorbs the fluoride.  

How Often Should I Get Professional Dental Cleaning?

Dental health experts generally recommend getting professional dental cleaning twice a year. However, it’s worth noting that individualized recommendations may vary based on the patient’s oral health needs and risk factors. For this reason, your dentist may consider your age, oral hygiene practices, medical history, and lifestyle habits when determining how often you should get your teeth professionally cleaned.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Regular Professional Dental Cleaning?

• It Prevents Cavity Formation

Certain groups of patients are at a higher risk of cavities due to factors increasing their susceptibility to tooth decay. These patients include children and teens, older adults, individuals with poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain medical conditions, or those who regularly consume sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

• It Prevents Gum Disease

Without regular teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and other complications. Gum disease is a severe oral health condition that affects the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place.

• It Helps Freshen Breath

Plaque, tartar, decay, and cavities can all contribute to bad breath. When bacteria in the plaque break down food debris, they produce a foul-smelling gas that causes bad breath. Tartar or dental calculus, decay, and cavities cause bad breath by trapping bacteria and food particles on and in between teeth and creating a suitable environment in which bacteria can thrive. Professional dental cleaning helps freshen your breath by addressing these concerns.

• It Ensures Early Detection of Oral Health Problems  

Regular dental cleanings allow dentists to identify early signs of dental health concerns, including oral cancer. Early detection prevents these problems from getting worse because it ensures prompt treatment.  

• It Helps Save Money

Since regular dental cleanings help prevent problems before they become severe, they can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for costly treatment in the future. Additionally, dental insurance typically covers preventive services, such as dental cleanings.

• It Boosts Overall Oral Health

Did you know that poor oral health is associated with several medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections? Getting regular dental cleaning helps you steer clear of oral health problems that can lead to overall health improvement.

Do You Need Professional Dental Cleaning in Denver?

Makowski Dental has provided high-quality dental care to individuals across Colorado since 1983. Since our skilled and experienced team has developed a comprehensive understanding of dentistry, we’ve successfully treated countless patients. Contact us today to make an appointment.