Teeth Cleaning 101: Procedure, Advantages, Disadvantages, Cost

Although regular brushing of teeth can prevent decay and cavities, there are times when the dentist will recommend professional dental cleaning. The American Dental Association recommends teeth cleaning at least once a year. However, you may need teeth regularly cleaning if you have bleeding gums, loose teeth, or at risk of developing cavities. While it is a regular procedure, deep cleaning offers both pros and cons. Here is what you need to know about teeth cleaning near you.

What is Dental Cleaning and What Can You Expect?

Professional deep teeth cleaning is the removal of tartar and plaques that have accumulated on the teeth, between the gums, and on the gum line. While brushing can remove plaques, the sticky film can still accumulate and if you don’t remove it increases your risk of decay and gum disease.

Teeth cleaning is often done during your routine dental checkup, but you can get the procedure separately. It is done in several steps, which include:

• • Physical exams

A physical exam is different from a comprehensive one as it involves assessing the gums and teeth using a small mirror. The dentist will check the gums for signs of bleeding or infection.

• • Removing tartar

Using a scaler and small mirror as a guide, the hygienist will get rid of the plaques found around the gum line and in between the teeth. Although the tools can have a scrapping sound, you will not experience any pain or discomfort.

• • Expert brushing and flossing

The dentist will apply gritty toothpaste to the teeth to scrub the teeth. Expert flossing will help to remove any plaques that may be remaining between the gums. Lastly, the teeth are rinsed and polished for a final look.

• • Fluoride treatment

Fluoride treatment is applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities. The dentist will apply a fluoride gel, foam, or varnish on the teeth. And, the procedure can be done three, six, or twelve months or as advised by the dentist.

What Are the Pros of Getting Regular Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning can offer great benefits that may include:

• • Prevents decay and gum infection

When plaques accumulate on the gums, it can increase the risk of gum disease and decay. Regular brushing cannot remove the tartar that has hardened on the gum line, and only teeth cleaning can solve the problem. During your deep cleaning, the dentist in New Westminster may perform root planing. This is the reattachment of the gums to the teeth and works to reduce gum pockets.

• • Reduces bad breath

Sometimes when we are brushing, we tend to forget the palate and the tongue, which can accumulate food particles. Plaques, a sticky film, can also form on the teeth, and this also causes bad breath. Our dentist in V3M 5T5 will use a tongue scraper as part of the teeth cleaning to remove any debris.

• • Brightens your teeth

Regular consumption of coffee, tea, and other staining foods can cause the teeth to develop brown or yellow stains. Through teeth cleaning, the dentist will remove the stains and leave the teeth looking bright. It is, however, important to note that if you have deep discoloration, the dentist may recommend teeth whitening.

What Are the Disadvantages of Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning is safe, but it does come with a few risks. One of the problems that you may experience is nerve bruising if the dentist accidentally injures the soft tissues. Furthermore, the gritty toothpaste used for scrubbing the teeth can affect the enamel a little bit and cause sensitivity. The tooth sensitivity is, however, transient and only lasts for a couple of hours or days. But, you can ease the discomfort with tooth-sensitive toothpaste.

Avoiding hot and cold foods and beverages can, for a few days, ease the discomfort.

How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost?

The cost of teeth cleaning will differ based on the type of cleaning and whether you have an insurance plan. On average, though, you can expect to spend between $ 75 to $ 400.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Asante Dental Centre in New Westminster for more information about dental cleanings.