Teeth Cleaning Before and After - A Complete Guide for Oral Health

Did you know that cleaning your teeth by a professional can eliminate years' worth of plaque, leaving your teeth sparkling and your mouth feeling new? Cleaning your teeth regularly makes your smile look better, but that's a bonus [1]. It's essential to keep your oral health in good shape, which is vital for your general health.

This guide thoroughly explains cleaning your teeth, including what happens before, during, and after your visit. We've gathered ideas from reliable sources such as UK government websites, tooth research papers, and medical studies to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The following article will answer all your questions and prepare you for a smooth and helpful experience, no matter how often you get your teeth cleaned or if this is your first time. So, find out how to get a better smile and mood!

Before Your Teeth Cleaning

If you're nervous before a meeting, knowing what to expect can help. The usual way to clean your teeth is broken down below:

• Consultation: You can expect to talk to a dental hygienist about your dental background, how often you brush and floss, and any worries you may have.

• Dental Exam: The hygienist will then carefully examine your gums and teeth, looking for signs of gum disease, plaque buildup, or other problems. If needed, X-rays could be added [2].

• Scaling: Now, we'll break down the plaque! The hygienist will use a special scaler to carefully remove tartar and plaque that have formed on your teeth, especially near the gum line.

• Polishing: A rough paste and a polishing tool will eliminate surface marks after scaling. This will leave your teeth smooth and shiny.

• Flossing: The dentist will carefully floss your teeth to remove any food or plaque stuck between them.

• Fluoride Treatment: In some cases, fluoride treatment may be suggested to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Preparing for Your Appointment

• Brush Your Teeth: It shows that you care about your mouth health and should brush before the dentist, but it won't remove tartar buildup.

• Inform Your Dentist: Tell your doctor about any health problems or medicines you're taking and any worries about pain or sensitivity.

• Relax and Breathe: Cleaning your teeth is a normal thing to do. Take deep breaths and calm down during the meeting. The cleaner will be kind and will always make sure you're okay.

Common Concerns

• Discomfort and Sensitivity: Scaling can be painful or sensitive for some people, especially with tender teeth or gingivitis. If this happens, let your hygienist know so they can change how they do things.

• Will it Hurt: No, it shouldn't hurt to clean your teeth. Talk to your dentist ahead of time about any fears you have.

The Teeth Cleaning Process (Before & After)

Before Cleaning: Visual Examination

Your dental hygienist will become a tooth detective before the cleaning starts! During this step, your mouth will be carefully examined to see its health. What you can look forward to is this:

• Shining a Light: A bright light will help the cleaner see your teeth and gums. They will be looking for any changes in colour, cracks, or chips in the teeth.

• Gum Check: Using a small probe, they'll gently check your gums for any signs of inflammation, redness, or bleeding. This helps assess gum health and identify potential gum disease.

• Probing Pockets: They will also measure the deep holes between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are usually only about 3 mm deep. More oversized pockets could be a sign of gum disease.

• Plaque Patrol: Plaque growth is easy to see because it resembles a transparent, sticky film on the teeth, especially near the gum line.

Plaque and Tartar Removal: Scaling to the Rescue!

Now that the hygienist has a picture of your mouth, it's time to remove the plaque and tartar that have formed. This is where the scaling tools come in:

• The Scaler: This is your plaque's worst nightmare! It's a small, ultrasonic or hand-held instrument with a vibrating tip that gently scrapes away plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, even reaching below the gumline.

• Ultrasonic Advantage: The ultrasonic scaler uses sound vibrations to loosen and remove plaque. This makes the process faster and more comfortable.

• Manual Maneuvers: The hygienist might use a hand-held scaler to scrape away tartar growth that won't go away carefully.

During the cleaning process

It's time to buff off any surface spots that are still there after the scaling is done. This will make your smile look great. That's why you should clean your teeth.

• Paste for polishing: A rough, gritty paste polishes your teeth.

• Tool for polishing: She will use a spinning brush or a device with a rubber cup to smooth the paste across your teeth.

• Smoother and brighter: Coffee, tea, wine, and other things can leave small spots on the surface. This process gets rid of them. It makes your teeth shiny and smooth. Plaque is also less likely to stick to your teeth if the surface is soft.

Flossing: A Helpful Tool

Some hygienists may offer to floss your teeth for you while they clean your teeth, even if you're good at it at home. This can help people who have trouble getting to where they usually brush their teeth.

Rinse Off and Check for Damage after Cleaning.

It's almost time to finish cleaning! In the last stages, you can expect the following:

• Last Rinse: You'll be given a cool rinse to remove any cleaning paste or dirt on your teeth.

• Visit to the dentist:  Most of the time, the dentist will do a final checkup to review what the hygienist found and discuss any worries or suggestions.

How to Take Care of Your Smile After Getting It Cleaned

The healthy shine on your teeth is essential to keep up now that they are clean. Here are some ideas:

• By brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time.

• Flossing Is Important: Daily floss to remove plaque and food stuck between your teeth that you can't reach with your toothbrush.

• Soothers for sensitivity:  If your teeth feel sensitive for a short time after brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Talk to your doctor if the sensitivity doesn't go away.

You can keep your smile bright, healthy, and sure of itself by doing these things and getting regular cleanings.

Advantages of Cleaning Your Teeth Often

Your oral health needs to clean your teeth regularly, not just for a quick scrub and a better smile. These cleanings are good for you because:

• Better oral health: Even though brushing and flossing are great, they can't clean every part of your teeth. Cleanings eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, especially in places that are hard to get to. If you don't do anything about it, this plaque buildup can turn into tartar (calculus), hurting your gums and worsening gum disease. Getting your teeth cleaned regularly keeps this buildup from happening, which is good for your gums and smile [3].

• Better Breath: Halitosis, or bad breath, is often caused by bacteria that build up on the tongue and teeth. Cleanings eliminate these germs, leaving your mouth clean and your breath smelling minty.

• Better Smile: Over time, coffee, tea, wine, and some foods can colour your teeth. These surface stains are removed by polishing during cleaning, showing a whiter and brighter smile.

• Health in General: A new study points to a possible link between healthy teeth and overall health. Studies have found a potential link between not taking care of your teeth and gums and a higher chance of some health problems, like heart disease and diabetes [4]. Cleaning your teeth regularly helps keep your oral health in good shape, which also helps your general health.

You can invest in a healthier, brighter smile and improve your general health by regularly cleaning your teeth. So, get your cleaning process back on track and make an appointment today!

In Conclusion

This guide has shed the teeth-cleaning experience, from the nerves you feel before you visit your dentist afterwards, that cleaning your teeth by a professional isn't just a nice thing to do; it's necessary to keep your oral health in good shape.

Cleanings every six months get rid of plaque and tartar buildup that your toothbrush can't reach. This keeps gum disease and tooth decay from happening. They also clean your teeth well and make your breath smell good. Keeping your smile healthy is even more critical now that there may be a link between good oral health and general health.

Don't worry about cleaning your teeth regularly; look forward to the benefits. Make an appointment today to take the first step towards a better, brighter you!

FAQs

Q: How Do I Clean My Teeth? 

A: The Secret Weapon of Your Smile. Cleaning your teeth twice daily is a great way to keep your mouth healthy, 

Q: How often should I brush and floss my teeth?

A: Most dentists say you should get your teeth cleaned by a professional twice a year or every six months. However, people with gum disease or a higher chance of getting cavities might do better with cleanings every three months. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get your teeth cleaned.

Q: Does it hurt to brush your teeth?

A: No, it shouldn't hurt to brush your teeth. Some people may feel pain, especially with sensitive teeth or gums. Let your hygienist know if anything hurts, and they can change how they do their job.

Q: What should I do if my teeth hurt?

A: Don't stress out! Tell your doctor ahead of time that you are sensitive. They can clean your teeth more gently and suggest toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It can also help to use a soft-bristled brush at home.

Q: Will getting my teeth cleaned whiten them?

A: When you get your teeth cleaned regularly, surface stains from coffee, tea, and other things are removed, showing a whiter smile. But they aren't the same as getting your teeth whitened by a professional. Talk to your dentist about whitening choices if you want to make a significant change.

Q: What can I do to get ready for my cleaning?

A: Of course! You should brush your teeth before bed, but that won't eliminate tartar buildup. Being honest with your doctor is the most important thing. Tell them about your health problems, the medicines you take, and any worries about your teeth or gums.

Reference

1. "Dental Check-ups," NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-check-ups/

2. "Professional Teeth Cleaning," British Dental Association, https://bda.org/advice/teeth-cleaning

3. "Guide to Dental Procedures," Dental Health Foundation, https://dentalhealth.ie/dental-procedures/

4. "Oral Health Guidelines," UK Government Health Publications, https://gov.uk/oral-health-guidelines