What is ‘dental cleaning?’

Dental cleaning should form part of an overall oral hygiene routine. If you want to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy then regular brushing, flossing and antiseptic mouthwashes will certainly help.

These can be done at home but if you want to completely ensure that you teeth are looked after then combine this with a professional clean.

This clean is known as a ‘scale and polish’ and involves the dentist (or hygienist) removing the build up of plaque and tartar from your teeth. These form on your teeth over a period of time and if left untreated, can result in gingivitis (gum disease).

The scale ‘bit’

Your dentist will use a handheld ultrasonic device which can dislodge large amounts of tartar. It will feel like a tickling vibration and can sound very similar to an electric toothbrush.

Once this has been done the dentist will use hand scalers to fine tune this cleaning. These will enable him/her to remove small deposits as well as smoothing the surface of the teeth. He or she will use this to gently scrape the surface of your teeth.

The polish ‘bit’

The scale is then followed by a polish: the dentist will use a small handheld tool which has a soft rubber cup on the end. A gritty type of paste is placed into this cup and spun around on the teeth. This gives them a smooth appearance.

Your dentist may add fluoride although this is optional. Fluoride can help to strengthen your teeth and is seen as an additional measure. It can take the form of a gel which is placed into small trays. These trays fit over your teeth. You will be asked to wear these trays for around 30 seconds, before spitting out this gel.

Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth.

Do not rinse or eat/drink anything for at least 30 minutes following this.

General Dentistry Guide Index:

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Medic8® Guides

© Medic8® | All Rights Reserved
We have updated our cookie policy to reflect new guidelines. I agree I want to learn more