The Truth about Teeth: Dental Cleaning

Regular teeth cleaning is a fundamental part of good oral hygiene. But for many people, going to the dentist can be a stressful experience. And that’s valid! Even a quick teeth clean requires a lot of unfamiliar stuff going into your mouth. 

The best way to take the fear out of a regular dental visit is to know exactly what the professionals are doing, and why it’s important for your dental health. 

1. Physical Inspection

Most teeth cleanings are handled by a dental hygienist, but sometimes there may be concerns that require a dentist’s advice. 

To inspect your teeth and gums for serious concerns, your dental hygienist uses a special kind of mirror that can be adjusted to several angles. This way, they can spot problems in any corner of your mouth.

2. Plaque and Tartar Removal

Next, your dental hygienist uses a mirror and scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. The scaler looks pretty intimidating, with both sides of the tool ending in pointy hooks, but the process itself is harmless aside from a mild scraping sensation. 

This is most people’s least favourite step, which is understandable since it can be long and uncomfortable. The best way to get this step over with quickly is to prevent plaque buildup with regular brushing and flossing. Speaking of which:

3. Brushing and Flossing

To get rid of any loose tartar bits, your dental hygienist will use an electric toothbrush on your teeth. You’ll hear a grinding noise, and the toothpaste won’t taste like any you’ve ever used, but that’s okay! The special gritty toothpaste is meant to polish your teeth for extra sparkle. 

Afterwards, your dental hygienist will perform a deep floss. There’s nothing you won’t recognize here. 

4. Rinsing 

Once all is said and done, your dental hygienist will give you water to rinse out toothpaste or debris. Some dentists offer a fluoride rinse instead using a foamy liquid that you hold in your mouth for a minute, then spit. It can help protect your teeth from cavities for several months, and usually comes in several flavours.

And that’s it! Now that you know what’s going on, consider booking a teeth cleaning appointment with a Dentist in Toronto to keep your mouth healthy without the extra stress.