Teeth Cleaning – How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
Regular teeth cleaning is an important part of keeping your smile healthy. It helps remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and from below your gum line to protect your gums from damage and disease. This prevents cavities and tooth decay as well as reducing the risk of other oral health issues such as periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer.
A dental hygienist will start by checking your mouth for signs of gingivitis or other gum disease and any other problems that may need to be addressed before they begin their teeth cleaning process. If they find any serious problems, they will call the dentist to set up a specialist appointment.
They will then apply a topical anesthetic to your teeth, which helps keep you comfortable and numb during the procedure. The hygienist will use a rotating brush to clean your teeth, then floss and polish your teeth with a special toothpaste that helps keep them feeling smooth and looking shiny.
Once the brushing is complete, your hygienist will give you some guidance on how to properly care for your teeth and gums. They might recommend avoiding certain foods that can be harmful to your mouth, such as acidic or sugary beverages and snacks, and give you tips on how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques.
The next step is to rinse your mouth with water, which helps get rid of residual plaque and bacteria that cant be removed with brushing alone. Oftentimes, the hygienist will also tell you when to schedule your next routine cleaning or specialist appointment, if needed.
Flossing is the best way to eliminate food particles between your teeth and under your gum line that your toothbrush cant reach, which prevents tooth decay and gum disease. You should floss at least once a day.
Brush your teeth twice a day with an appropriate toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Try to brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of every tooth using gentle scrubbing motions. You can also brush your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush to help remove bacteria and keep bad breath at bay.
You can also use a disclosing solution to check if you are brushing effectively, which will highlight any spots that arent as clean as youd like them to be.
A lot of patients feel that teeth cleaning is painful, but this is usually not the case. Many dental hygienists offer a topical anesthetic before the cleaning, which can help make it more tolerable.
After the hygienist has completed their dental cleaning, you can enjoy a fresh, minty-fresh mouth. You can even suck on some mints to help you relax, but remember to drink plenty of water afterward to rinse your mouth and get any remaining toothpaste and plaque off of your teeth.
To learn more about teeth cleaning and to find out how to schedule your next appointment, contact Brooklyn Heights Dental today!
Its recommended that you visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional teeth cleanings. Your dentist will also provide you with tips on how to maintain your oral health and how to avoid future dental problems.
