Professional dental cleaning

Main thing

Professional dental cleaning is a thorough process that ensures your teeth and gums are in the best possible health. It involves several steps, each designed to tackle different aspects of oral hygiene.

1. The process begins with an initial oral examination. A dental hygienist uses a small mirror to inspect your mouth, looking for signs of potential issues such as inflamed gums or tartar buildup. If they spot any major concerns, they might consult with a dentist before proceeding.

2. Next comes scaling, a crucial part of the cleaning. The hygienist uses a tool called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from around your gum line and between your teeth. This might produce a scraping sound, but it's a normal part of the process.

3. After scaling, the hygienist uses a high-powered electric brush and a special toothpaste to polish your teeth. This step, known as air-flow, helps remove any remaining plaque or tartar and gives your teeth a smooth, clean finish.

4. Flossing follows polishing. The hygienist uses dental floss to clean between your teeth, removing any leftover particles that the scaler or electric brush might have missed.

5. The final step is a fluoride treatment. The hygienist applies a fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth, which strengthens them and helps prevent cavities.

Imagine you're preparing for a big event, and you want to look your best. You wouldn't just pick out a nice outfit; you'd also take a shower, style your hair, and maybe even put on some perfume or cologne. Professional dental cleaning is like that, but for your mouth. It's a comprehensive process that leaves your teeth looking and feeling their best.

Terms

• Professional dental cleaning - A thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums performed by a dental professional. Example: Going for a professional dental cleaning twice a year can help maintain good oral health.

• Scaling - The process of removing plaque and tartar from the tooth's surface and in the gum pockets. Example: The dental hygienist performed scaling to get rid of the tartar buildup on my teeth.

• Air-flow - A step in the dental cleaning process where a high-powered electric brush is used to polish the teeth. Example: After scaling, the hygienist used air-flow to give my teeth a smooth, clean finish.

• Flossing - The act of using dental floss to clean between the teeth. Example: Flossing after meals can help remove food particles stuck between your teeth.

• Fluoride treatment - The application of a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth to strengthen them and prevent cavities. Example: The fluoride treatment at the end of my dental cleaning gave me an extra layer of protection against cavities.

An analogy

Think of professional dental cleaning like a car wash for your mouth. Just as a car wash involves several steps - pre-wash, soap, rinse, wax, and dry - to get your car sparkling clean, dental cleaning involves steps like scaling, air-flow, flossing, and fluoride treatment to get your teeth and gums in top shape.

A main misconception

A common misconception about professional dental cleaning is that it's not necessary if you brush and floss regularly at home. While home care is crucial, it can't remove the hardened plaque (tartar) that can build up on your teeth. Only a professional cleaning can do that. It's like trying to clean a burnt pot with just water and a sponge; you'll need something stronger to get it really clean.

The history

Professional dental cleaning, as we know it today, has its roots in the 1700s when Pierre Fauchard, often called the "Father of Modern Dentistry," introduced the concept of scaling. Over the centuries, the process has evolved and improved with advancements in technology and understanding of oral health. Today, it's a standard procedure performed worldwide to maintain oral health and prevent dental diseases.

As Pierre Fauchard once said, "A dentist is only a doctor of the teeth. In all matters relating to the mouth, we must be physicians."

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Regular Maintenance: Let's say you're someone who brushes twice a day and flosses regularly. Even then, getting a professional dental cleaning twice a year can help maintain your oral health by removing tartar and addressing any potential issues early. The main benefits of using this knowledge are improved oral health and prevention of dental diseases.

2. Before Dental Procedures: If you're about to undergo a dental procedure, such as getting braces or a dental implant, a professional dental cleaning beforehand can ensure a clean environment and reduce the risk of infection. The main benefits of using this knowledge are a smoother procedure and reduced risk of complications.

3. Cosmetic Reasons: If you're someone who's conscious about the appearance of your teeth, getting a professional dental cleaning can help. It can remove stains, leading to brighter teeth, and contribute to fresher breath. The main benefits of using this knowledge are enhanced aesthetic appeal and boosted self-confidence.

Interesting facts

1. The first dental hygienists were trained in 1913, and they've been making our smiles brighter ever since.

2. Tartar, which is removed during scaling, is actually plaque that has hardened over time.

3. The high-powered electric brush used during air-flow spins at over 20,000 RPM.

4. Flossing can reach 40% of your tooth surfaces that your toothbrush can't.

5. Fluoride, used in the final step of professional dental cleaning, is a natural mineral that can help rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or even reverse tooth decay.