Every six months, it’s recommended that you see a dental professional for a teeth cleaning. In addition to promoting overall oral health, these professional cleanings also help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease and other serious medical conditions.
A professional cleaning begins with a thorough examination of your mouth and surrounding areas by a dental hygienist. Next, a special tool removes hardened deposits called plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and in between your teeth. Contact Teeth Cleaning Las Vegas now!
Bits of food and other debris cling to the teeth and gums. Over time, these particles can form a sticky film called plaque that, if not removed, hardens into tartar. Regular brushing helps remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. But if you have built up a lot of tartar, your only option for removing it is to visit the dentist for a professional cleaning. During a dental cleaning, the hygienist uses a small mirror to guide them as they use a tool called a scaler to remove the hardened plaque and tartar from around the gum line and in between the teeth. You will hear scraping as this is done, but you should not experience any discomfort.
The hygienist may also use an air/water syringe, which is a handheld device that sprays water, air or mist onto the teeth and gums to rinse away any remaining debris from the mouth. This is particularly useful if you have had trouble brushing certain areas of the mouth.
When you brush your own teeth, position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet. Make a circular motion with short strokes to scrub the outside surfaces of the teeth. Gently brush the insides of the front and back teeth as well. Finally, scrub the chewing surfaces of the teeth, as well as the pits and grooves. Be sure to brush your tongue, too.
If you have questions about proper brushing technique, talk with your dentist or hygienist. They will be able to give you specific tips and recommendations for your personal situation. And remember to replace your toothbrush regularly – every three to four months – and to choose a toothbrush that fits your hands and mouth (both adult and child brushes are available).
You can help reduce the amount of plaque bacteria in your mouth by using an interdental brush daily and eating a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. In addition, you can reduce the number of cavities and periodontal (gum) disease by visiting the dentist for regular teeth cleanings.
Flossing
The gaps between teeth can be hard to reach with a toothbrush. This is why flossing is a vital part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps remove food particles, bacteria and plaque from areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.
Flossing involves using a piece of thin, thread-like material to clean the spaces between your teeth and along the gumline. It can be used in place of or in conjunction with a dental pick or interdental brush. Depending on your personal preferences, you may choose string floss or ribbon floss that is either waxed or unwaxed.
When you’re flossing, it’s important to take your time so that all surfaces of each tooth are cleaned. You also want to be sure that you’re targeting the gum line, as this is a common area for plaque deposition. To do this, anchor the floss between your thumb and forefinger and carefully navigate it between each tooth, moving in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid abruptly snapping the floss against the gums, as this can irritate them.
Once the floss reaches the gap between teeth, a “C” shape should be made with it to ensure all sides are clean. Then, gently scrape each side of the tooth to remove any food debris. Be careful when removing any plaque from the sides of teeth, as it can cause damage to the enamel. After each tooth, move on to the next and repeat the process. When the floss becomes soiled, use a fresh section.
Incorporating flossing into your daily oral health routine can help you maintain a healthy smile for life! If you have questions about flossing, you can always consult a professional dentist or dental hygienist.
Aside from flossing, eating a well-balanced diet, and visiting your local dental office on a regular basis, it’s important to get regular professional cleanings. The dental professionals at Maple Dental Health can provide you with the high-quality care and services that you need to enjoy a long, healthy and vibrant life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Plaque Removal
Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up on teeth. It contains bacteria, leftover food particles and saliva. When a person brushes their teeth properly after every meal, plaque usually dissipates into saliva and does not remain on the teeth. However, if oral hygiene is neglected, plaque may harden into a yellow-brown substance called tartar. If tartar is not removed, it may damage tooth enamel and cause gum disease.
During a dental cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist uses a specialized tool called a curette to remove the hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth. This curved tool has a hook-like tip that allows the professional to scrape below the gum line and between teeth. This helps to prevent gum disease and ensure that the roots of the teeth are clean.
While it is normal for teeth to develop plaque, it is not normal for this to build up for long periods of time. When the buildup is allowed to stay on the teeth, it can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and other health issues.
To prevent plaque from building up, a person should brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. They should also floss daily and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that causes gum disease.
People should also visit a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. A dental hygienist can remove any hardened plaque or tartar that has developed, and they can also help a person improve their brushing technique to reduce the chances of developing cavities and gum disease.
To remove the most amount of plaque, a patient should schedule visits to their dentist every six months. However, people who build up plaque and tartar quickly or those who have poor oral hygiene habits may need to visit more often for a cleaning. A dental hygienist will be able to recommend the best teeth cleaning schedule for an individual based on their unique needs.
Sealing
Sealants are thin plastic coatings that dental professionals paint on the biting surfaces of molars and premolars with deep grooves (called pits and fissures) to prevent tooth decay. More than 75% of dental decay starts in these deep grooves on teeth, which are hard to clean with a toothbrush. When a tooth is sealed, the deep grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. Dental sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth after their permanent molars come in, but they can be used on adults’ teeth as well. A tooth that has been sealed can remain protected for many years, but a dental professional will evaluate it at regular checkups and may reapply the sealant as needed.
A dental sealant is a painless and non-invasive procedure. Before applying a sealant, the chewing surface of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to remove any bacteria or food debris. The tooth is then dried and a bonding agent is painted onto the tooth to help the sealant adhere. After the teeth are dry, the dentist will apply the sealant to the grooves of the tooth and use a curing light to harden it.
While the majority of sealants are made from resin, some are created from glass ionomer materials that release fluoride over time to strengthen teeth. Patients with sensitivities to chemically-derived sealants should ask their oral care provider about a glass ionomer option.
Despite their name, sealants do not actually’seal’ the teeth but rather block the deep grooves from food particles and bacteria. Think of it as a raincoat for your teeth. When cavity-causing bacteria and leftover food meet they produce acids that can erode the enamel of your teeth, forming holes in the tooth (caries). Sealants block these grooves to stop bacterial buildup and acid from damaging the teeth. While the teeth are protected, brushing and flossing are still recommended as part of a comprehensive oral health routine.