A dental cleaning is a routine dental procedure that helps prevent oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. In recent years, many studies have reported the link between oral health and other health issues such as cardiovascular diseases and dementia. Other research has studied the link between poor oral health in pregnant women and premature birth or low birth weight. With time, more emphasis is put on the importance of regular checkups at a dental clinic near you, not only to improve your oral health but to prevent other systemic conditions.
Why do you need a dental cleaning?
The reason why you should undergo dental cleanings in Dryden is to remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a film of bacteria that grows on the surface of your teeth. These bacteria can degrade the sugars in your mouth and produce acid which erodes the outer layer of your teeth, called the enamel. This is how dental cavities are formed. Also, plaque causes gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Plaque can be removed by constantly brushing your teeth and flossing. However, when these habits are not practiced regularly or when your technique is not correct, the plaque is not removed and it turns into tartar. This is a hard substance that can’t be removed by simple brushing, but only by having dental cleanings near you.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
The first step of a dental cleaning is a thorough examination of the oral cavity for your dentist to find any specific areas where plaque and tartar are more abundant, as well as any indications of gum disease or tooth decay. Then, they will apply a numbing cream on your gums to prevent you from experiencing pain during the procedure. Once the cream starts to work, your dentist will use a dental instrument called a scaler to remove the plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth and your gumline.
Afterward, they will brush your teeth with a special toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste. This will remove the rest of the plaque that your dentist might have missed the first time, and it will also polish your teeth which helps remove some superficial stains. Finally, your dentist will provide a fluoride treatment. This consists in most cases of a gel or foam which is applied with a tray. Fluoride is very beneficial for your teeth since it helps restore the minerals on the surface of your enamel, and it also protects your teeth from bacteria. Thus, it is a great tool that dentists have to prevent tooth decay.
Aftercare
After having a routine dental cleaning at a dental clinic in Dryden, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for the next 30 minutes after the procedure to maximize the effect of your fluoride treatment. Also, dentists often recommend abstaining from eating anything acidic or hot for the rest of the day. Furthermore, your gums might be a little bit sore so you should avoid foods like popcorn, which could lodge between your teeth or hurt your gums and cause some discomfort. Finally, it is expected to experience some mild gum bleeding immediately after the procedure and when brushing your teeth. However, this will go away the next day.
When should you come back?
Generally, dentists recommend having routine dental cleanings every 6 months. However, this period could be shorter for people who have a higher risk of tooth decay or gum disease. In any event, you should follow your dentist’s recommendation between visits, by having excellent oral health habits.