If you ever wonder that every time you visit a dentist whether it’s your regular dental checkup or you have a dental problem that requires immediate attention, you are always advised to go for a dental cleaning then this blog is just what you need to read.

All dentists insist it’s the first step to a healthy oral cavity and a healthy smile but with all the strange noises and occasional pricking and even some minor jaw discomfort patients do not usually prioritize getting a bi-annual dental cleaning.

Here is a line-up of the steps done in a routine dental cleaning at Smilex International Dental Centre, the best clinic in Pune, to help you understand the procedure and to help you be at ease during the appointment and maybe even look forward to it.

Thorough Check-up

  • The first step in dental cleaning is a complete overview of your oral cavity.

  • All teeth are evaluated as well as your gum health is assessed. The Dentist will use a mirror to check any deviation from normal which might then be brought to the patient’s attention.

  • Usually signs of early cavities and inflammation of gums are detected, and early intervention saves the patient time and money.

Removal of plaque or tartar

  • The next step is removal of the soft yellowish deposits called plaque from between the teeth and gums or between two adjacent teeth using a scaler.

  • In some patients where the plaque has hardened into tartar the process of dental cleaning may take longer.

  • Patients who do not follow proper brushing technique or do not floss regularly show such tartar build up.

Rinsing

The Dentist will then ask you to rinse to wash off any loose particles of tartar or debris in the mouth using a fluoridated antibacterial mouthwash.

Polishing the teeth

  • The next step in the dental cleaning procedure is polishing the teeth with a polishing paste and a high-power brush which may make an uncomfortable sound, but it easily removes any stains or tartar left behind after using the scaler so it’s a helpful procedure and must be done.

  • The polishing paste smells like your regular toothpaste and may contain fluoride to prevent further decay of teeth. If done at a dental clinic, cleaning and polishing can be safely done twice a year to improve oral health.

Fluoride Application

  • The last step in dental cleaning is fluoride application which is done to protect your teeth from cavities for the next couple of months.

  • A pleasant flavored Fluoride gel is applied on the teeth using a soft U-shaped dental tray for a specific amount of time. Once done the excess gel is wiped off from the tooth surfaces and you might be advised to avoid taking food or water for a few hours post the treatment.

Additional steps

Dental cleaning is usually done twice a year and X-rays are done once a year to screen all the teeth. In young children sealants maybe advised post cleaning to prevent decay in molars. Depending on what the Dentist observes you might be advised additional procedures.

And that’s the entire line up of a dental cleaning. The easiest and best way to keeping those pearly whites bright and shiny, your gums pink and healthy and your smile absolutely dazzling.