What to expect during a dental cleaning

Maybe it’s that time again for a routine dental cleaning and your child asks what is done in a dental cleaning. Maybe you haven’t been to the dentist in a while and you know you need to start coming back regularly. He tries to remind himself that there is nothing to worry about.

Whether it’s trying to jog your child’s memory or calm their pre-appointment jitters, here’s a breakdown of what a typical teeth cleaning procedure looks like:

Step 1: A physical exam of the mouth

Teeth cleaning is likely to be done by a dental hygienist, not a dentist. The first part of the dental cleaning appointment will involve a complete examination of the teeth and gums. It is during this step that the hygienist may poke and prick your teeth and gums, scrape your teeth, and take x-rays (if it is his first appointment at that dental office). They look for cavities, tooth abscesses, tooth misalignment, and gum disease.

If they come across something concerning, they can call the dentist to have it checked out.

Step 2: Plaque and tartar removal

After the initial exam, the dental hygienist will move around with a small mirror and the infamous scaler to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up along the gum line. It is this step that can cause accidental punctures and bleeding gums and the notorious scraping sound.

Step 3: Cleaning with toothpaste

After the hygienist has removed all the tartar from your teeth, the dental cleaning will begin. Often a high powered toothbrush and gritty toothpaste will be used. Sometimes you will have the option to choose the flavor of the toothpaste. During brushing, it is common to hear a grinding sound. The sound comes from the toothbrush.

Combining the high power of the toothbrush and the grit of the toothpaste, this professional deep clean will be able to clean your teeth better than at home. While your dentist may be harsh on your teeth, brushing your teeth that hard at home every day is not recommended and you risk chipping away at your tooth enamel.

Step 4: Floss

When all of your teeth are brushed and clean, the dental hygienist will clean between your teeth using dental floss. Even patients who floss daily at home can benefit from professional flossing. The dental hygienist knows the proper way to floss and will be able to floss deep between the teeth. Some people get nervous during this step because their gums start to bleed. This is normal. Your dental hygienist will likely floss more thoroughly and thoroughly than you do at home, so your gums may be sensitive to flossing.

Step 5: Fluoride Rinse

You will then rinse the toothpaste out with water and then stir in a liquid fluoride solution. After rinsing with fluoride, your dental hygienist may apply a foaming fluoride gel into a mouthpiece that you will then bite down on for a minute. This final step will help keep your teeth cavity-resistant until your next dental cleaning appointment.

Your 6-month routine dental checkup and cleaning is also a good time to ask your dentist questions or express any concerns you may have.

The regular six-month teeth cleaning appointment is simple, quick, and often not very painful. There is nothing to fear and the more patients come, the less their anxiety.