What is a Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleanings are professional teeth cleanings performed by a registered dental hygienist.  Dental cleanings are usually done twice a year.  Registered dental hygienist are licensed oral health care professionals who work closely with the general dentist and dental assistant to provide preventative dental care.  They are primarily responsible for performing dental cleanings and dental examinations.

What happens during a Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleanings are very important for your oral health care as they assist in preventing oral diseases, tooth loss, and cavities. When you visit The Smilist Dental for your regular check-up you can expect the following:

1. Dental examination – The dental hygienist will thoroughly exam your teeth and gums for any signs of gingivitis, cavities, or other oral health concern. If they detect major issues, they may call in the general dentist to give their opinion and make sure it’s fine to proceed.
2. Dental cleaning – The dental hygienist uses a small mirror and scaler to get rid of the plaque and tartar around your teeth, gum line, and in between your teeth. The more tartar there is, the longer it takes to clean.
3. Professional toothpaste cleaning – The dental hygienist uses a high-powered electric toothbrush and professional toothpaste to clean the tartar that’s left from cleaning your teeth with the scaler. The toothpaste has a gritty consistency which helps scrub your teeth and polishes them.
4. Expert flossing – The dental hygienist flosses your teeth and educates you where the trouble spots are so that you can target those areas when you floss your teeth.
5. Rinsing – You rinse your mouth with liquid containing fluoride and spit out any debris from the dental cleaning.
6. Fluoride treatment – The dental hygienist will apply a fluoride varnish that is used as a protectant for your teeth to help fight against cavities. This treatment last for several months until your next dental cleaning.