What To Know about Teeth Cleaning...

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Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDSMedically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDSTeeth cleaning, also known as dental cleaning or dental prophylaxis, is when a dentist or dental hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends getting a dental cleaning at least once a year.Seeing your dentist about every six months helps prevent tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health conditions. (Some people might need to see their dentist more often.) Getting a teeth cleaning from a dental hygienist is usually one of the first steps of a dental exam before a dentist examines the health of your teeth and gums.PurposeThe purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth, in between your teeth, and on your gums.Dental plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar, also known as calculus. Your annual dental cleaning removes plaque that may have been missed while brushing, flossing, and rinsing at home.Too much plaque buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Mild gum disease can advance to periodontitis, which can cause your teeth to fall out in its most advanced stage.Tooth decay is a process that happens over time. Cavities form when the enamel of your tooth starts to break down, and a hole forms in your tooth that can eventually cause the tooth to decay completely. It can be difficult to diagnose tooth decay at home without seeing a dentist since it often does not show any signs or symptoms.Losing teeth to decay or gum disease can also affect more than just your oral health. Although rare, an infection caused by tooth decay can lead to other health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.TypesMost people who get their teeth cleaned will undergo what is known as a prophylaxis dental cleaning. However, dentists also offer several other types of teeth cleanings depending on the plaque buildup on your teeth.Prophylaxis Dental CleaningProphylaxis dental cleaning is the most common type of teeth cleaning. Dental hygienists perform this type of cleaning during routine dental exams to prevent tooth decay or gum disease.Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing are used together when you need deep teeth cleaning below the gum line. Scaling is usually done as part of a routine dental cleaning to scrape plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. During scaling, dentists remove plaque and tartar above and below your gum line.Root planing is most commonly performed on people with periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Periodontitis occurs when pockets of plaque are too deep into your gums to be removed with regular brushing. A healthcare provider—usually a dentist or a periodontist (gum disease specialist)—will usually put you under a local anesthetic (medication that blocks any feeling or sensation) for root planing.If you have gum disease, your healthcare provider will start root planing after scaling. Root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar deep into your gums and smoothing out the roots of your teeth so your gums can reattach to them. This procedure may require more than one visit to your dentist or periodontist.Full Mouth DebridementFull mouth debridement is another type of teeth cleaning used to remove excess plaque and tartar from your teeth after a prophylaxis cleaning. This procedure is typically performed on people who have not had a routine dental exam for a significant amount of time or have inflammatory periodontitis.Your dentist or periodontist will first administer local anesthesia to numb your gums to minimize pain and discomfort. Next, your provider will use an electrical tool to remove large amounts of tartar from your teeth. In some cases, they may also perform scaling and root planing afterward.PreparationNot much preparation is needed to get your teeth cleaned, though it is best to avoid eating before seeing the dentist. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene regimen at home and seeing the dentist about every six months generally makes cleaning a quick and easy process. (Some people might need to see a dentist more often.)If you have heart problems or a compromised immune system, you may need to take an antibiotic before your dental visit. If this is the case, discuss it with your provider beforehand, and they will prescribe them to you.If you fear going to the dentist, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider before your visit. They may be able to offer suggestions on how to make dental exams more comfortable.How Does It Work?Teeth cleaning is a routine procedure that usually lasts less than two hours. You will first see a dental hygienist to get your teeth cleaned before a dentist examines your teeth.During CleaningAt the beginning of your exam, the dental hygienist will examine your teeth and may even take a few X-rays. This helps your dentist get a more detailed image of your bite and tooth structure. An X-ray can also show more detailed signs of oral health conditions or cavities.For an X-ray, a healthcare provider covers your upper body with a heavy lead apron to protect you from radiation. Next, they tell you when to bite down on a piece of plastic so that the scanner can take images of your teeth.To clean your teeth, a dental hygienist will first have you rinse your mouth out. Next, they use small metal tools to scrape off the tartar and plaque on the surface of your teeth. Finally, hygienists polish your teeth using an abrasive toothpaste called prophy paste and an electric toothbrush. They may also floss your teeth and apply fluoride as a final step. Applying fluoride to your teeth helps to prevent tooth decay.After CleaningOnce your cleaning is complete, the dentist may examine your teeth for decay, gingivitis (inflammation in your gums), and other oral health conditions. They will also review any X-rays, check your bite, and examine you for oral cancer.Your dentist might also check your face and neck for bite or jaw alignment changes. A change in your bite or jaw alignment can be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) or malocclusion (teeth misalignment). Once your dental exam is complete, they may offer tips on improving your oral health or recommend additional procedures if you have cavities, gingivitis, or other health conditions.RisksWhile many people may fear going to the dentist, getting your teeth cleaned is relatively painless. Still, having sensitive teeth may make receiving a cleaning a more stressful experience. Let your healthcare provider know if you have sensitive teeth or any other oral health conditions before they begin cleaning.Inflamed or irritated gums may bleed or feel sensitive after a cleaning. If you regularly take blood thinners or aspirin, you should let your dentist or dental hygienist know before your teeth cleaning. This may make your gums and teeth more prone to bleeding.If you have a heart condition, a prosthetic heart valve, or a history of infective endocarditis (inflammation in the lining of your heart valves)—your provider might recommend taking antibiotics before a dental exam to reduce the risk of bacteria getting into your blood.ResultsOnce your teeth cleaning is complete, your dentist will likely discuss anything they noticed about your oral health. If your dentist finds a cavity, they may recommend a follow-up visit for a cavity filling or suggest certain mouth rinses or oral hygiene practices for cavity prevention.A Quick ReviewAn annual teeth cleaning from your dentist is an important part of maintaining your oral health. Keeping your teeth and gums clean lowers your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other chronic health conditions.If you have concerns about seeing your dentist, communicate with them beforehand so that they can find ways to make your visit more comfortable. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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