Teeth Cleaning

Did you know that oral cavity and pharynx cancer accounted for 2.9% of all new cancer cases in America in 2017 alone? That was 49,670 people. Furthermore, around 1.1% of men and women are predicted to have oral cavity and pharynx cancer. Oral hygiene is, therefore, a critical part of overall health and wellness and as such calls for the same care as other medical concerns.

To maintain an excellent level of oral health, it is incumbent upon you to continually focus on these essential items:

• Daily brushing: It is recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. When you clean in the morning, you remove the bacteria that forms overnight while you sleep. Night brushing just before you sleep is essential because at this time saliva production and flow is low. As the primary cleaning agent in the mouth, a reduction in saliva levels leaves your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Cleaning your teeth helps bolster hygiene and protects against potential decay.
• Best brushing technique: Brushing your teeth using the proper technique is also important. Dentists recommend brushing in circular motions for two to three minutes. It goes without saying that you should only use toothpaste that contains fluoride when brushing your teeth.
• Fluoride content: Different age groups require different levels of fluoride in their toothpaste. For young ones, age three years and below, use toothpaste whose fluoride levels are 1,000 parts per million (ppm). For anyone older than three years, the recommended fluoride level in toothpaste they use should be between 1,300 to 1,500 parts per million.
• Brush type: Ensure you use brushes with firm but not hard bristles for best results. Replace your toothbrush after every three months.
• Best time to brush: When you brush your teeth is just as crucial a factor in how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Anytime you have a meal your mouth takes approximately forty minutes to neutralize any present acids completely. During this period your enamel is weaker. If you brush before the complete neutralization of acids in the mouth, you risk brushing away part of this weak enamel. Dentists recommend a waiting period of one hour after a meal before brushing your teeth.
• Appropriate flossing: Flossing your teeth regularly is another important aspect of home dental hygiene. Pass the floss through your teeth moving from side to side. Doing this will help you eliminate food particles that get caught between the teeth where a brush can’t reach. If left unchecked, such food particles cause tooth decay over time.
• Visiting Your Dentist Regularly: It is imperative to see your dentist every six months for an oral examination. Consistent check-ups will identify and help address more complex dental problems that brushing and flossing alone cannot. Daily brushing and flossing can’t help you monitor the collection at the subgingival area for example.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Regular visits to your dentist can result in getting professional teeth cleaning. But why is this necessary?

Professional Teeth Cleaning Prevents Major Dental Problems

A primary advantage of professional teeth cleaning is its ability to assist prevent major dental problems. When your dentist regularly looks into your oral health, not only are you able to catch oral health issues early on and address them, you can also prevent them altogether.

Professional Teeth Cleaning Helps Monitor Overall Body Health

Certain medical conditions are linked to your oral health. Their symptoms are at times initially evidenced by your dental health before the rest of the body presents them. Such conditions can include leukemia, diabetes, certain infections, cardiovascular diseases and even strokes. Regular visits to your dentist and teeth cleaning helps to notice such conditions at the early stages.

What to Expect During Teeth Cleaning

For many people, the process of teeth cleaning is shrouded in mystique and evokes uncomfortable emotions. Knowing exactly what happens during such a process helps to allay such fears and promote better dental hygiene.

Oral Examination

The first step the dentist takes is to inspect the current state of your mouth visually. Using a mirror, they assess your mouth to see if any issues of concern are present. Some signs the dentist will look for to ascertain the presence of any dental problems will include:

• Patches, lumps or sores: The presence of any of these symptoms might indicate a possibility of oral cancer. The dentist will pulsate them to assess any degree of tenderness.
• Cavities: The first and most common issue most dentists look for is any tooth cavity. Soft areas in the mouth (identified using a type of probe) is the classic indicator of a possible cavity.
• Visual pointers of bite problems: Any problems with your jaw or your bite manifest themselves in specific physical indicators. The dentist will look for any sign of damage from grinding your teeth. They will also test to ascertain if the pattern of your bite aligns correctly.
• Poor gum spacing: Another common issue the dentist will look for is gum disease. The space between your teeth and gum shows whether there might be periodontal disease present or not.

Scaling

Plaque forms in your mouth and brushing and flossing regularly help to eliminate it. When present plaque sits for a long time, it hardens and forms tartar. The latter is only removable by teeth cleaning through scaling.

The dentist will use a scaler to scrape tartar off. When a manual scaler is used, you may hear sounds indicating scraping, but that should not alarm you. The dentist can also opt to use an electronic type called an ultrasound scaler. It creates soft vibrations that cause tartar to break up. Water then washes it off.

Scrubbing and Polishing

After scaling removes the tartar, the dentist will use a powerful electric brush and abrasive toothpaste to smooth out your teeth, eliminate any lingering tartar and remove minor enamel stains as well. Smooth teeth attract fewer oral bacteria and less plaque. Note that abrasive polishing isn’t recommended for daily home use as you will wear the enamel out.

Fluoride Treatment

The dentist, most times, will finish off with a fluoride treatment. It will help combat bacteria for several months post cleaning. They will put a mouthpiece filled with fluoride gel or paste on your teeth for 60 seconds. Alternatively, they can paint fluoride varnish over your teeth which will become hard when it reacts to saliva.

Affordable Teeth Cleaning at a Dentist Near Me

Regular teeth cleaning is vital for good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth and flossing at home combine with professional teeth cleaning to remove bacteria and tartar. Frequent visits to your dentist are essential in preventing and managing dental issues. At Monarch Dental, we also offer financing and payment plans to keep your dental visits affordable. A better understanding of the professional teeth cleaning process helps dispel fear and promote oral health. Call 1-844-800-7645 today for an appointment or visit our “dentist near me” Zip Search tool and take charge of your oral health.