A dental cleaning is the best way to keep your teeth clean and healthy. It also gives your dentist and hygienist the opportunity to spot any oral health issues before they develop.
At home, brushing and flossing can remove a lot of plaque from your teeth. However, there will always be a bit of residue left behind.
Scaling and Root Planing
A Robina Dental entails removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial build-up that your daily oral hygiene habits may not be able to reach. When gum disease is present, these bacteria can wreak havoc on your smile and overall health.
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes bacterial debris from spaces between your teeth and gums called periodontal pockets. These spaces are a sign of advanced gum disease that could lead to bone and tooth loss.
Your dentist uses a small tool called an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque, tartar, and calculus from your teeth. It also creates tiny air bubbles (cavitation) that dehydrate and destroy harmful bacterial cells.
The resulting smooth surfaces of the treated tooth roots make it easier for your healthy gums to reattach to them. Bacteria and plaque are less likely to stick to these surfaces, reducing inflammation and preventing future infections.
Flouride Treatment
Fluoride treatments are a great way to strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay. They can be applied at the dentist’s office or in the form of toothpaste, mouth rinses, supplements and fluoride gels or foams that are often found in over-the-counter products.
When you consume foods and beverages with sugars and starches, bacteria in your mouth release acids that erode your tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities. Fluoride helps your enamel rebuild and strengthen, while also helping to reverse early signs of tooth decay, or demineralization.
Professional fluoride treatments are recommended at three-to-twelve-month intervals for most patients, but can be given more frequently if needed for patients with a high risk of decay. They may be particularly useful for older patients who have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene, for people with crowns or bridges that put their teeth at an increased risk of decay, and for those who are receiving orthodontic treatment such as braces.
Periodontal Scaling
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health issue that can lead to serious problems. This is a result of bacteria getting into the gums and slowly destroying them. The infection can cause a number of issues, including bad breath and gum inflammation.
Regular brushing and flossing can help remove most plaque and bacteria, but some may be more difficult to reach. In those cases, your dentist can use a special instrument, such as a scaler or curette, to clean the surface of your teeth and roots.
Your mouth will be numbed during the procedure. Your dentist will then use a scaling tool to remove plaque, tartar and calculus from the surface of your teeth and root surfaces.
Your gums will be swollen, tender and bleed for a few days after the scaling. These symptoms will usually subside when you return for a follow-up appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will then examine your gums and look for areas that need additional treatment.
Tooth Whitening
During your dental cleaning, your dentist will also whiten your teeth. This is an important part of preventing gum disease and promoting tooth health.
Your dentist will remove stains from your enamel using a professional-grade whitening gel. This will make your smile look whiter and brighter.
Before whitening, your dentist will clean all surfaces of your teeth to prevent food particles from getting stuck in between them and blocking the whitening process. This will ensure your teeth will whiten evenly and effectively.
After whitening, you should avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for at least 48 hours to prevent staining. If you can’t resist a delicious cup of coffee or a glass of wine, use a straw to keep the liquids away from your teeth and ensure your teeth remain whiter for longer.
During this time, your dentist will recommend a desensitizing toothpaste that is designed to reduce sensitivity for those who are prone to it. This will help you enjoy a whiter, brighter smile for as long as possible.
