Teeth Cleaning in Calgary
You are told as a child to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to maintain optimal oral hygiene. However, floss and a toothbrush can only get so much. Most dentists recommend a teeth cleaning at least twice a year or more often as needed. Regular dental cleanings with a dental hygienist should be a part of your yearly dental care and can help you avoid problems with your teeth down the road. Regular cleaning visits allow your dentist to spot possible problems before they need major treatment.
We know that it takes more than just regular teeth cleanings to protect your oral health. An unhealthy mouth increases your risk of developing health issues related to your rather body systems. Gum disease has been linked to many other health concerns such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. At Inglewood Family Dental, our goal is to ensure your preventative oral health care schedule is maintained.
We understand that most of our patients have a very busy lifestyle which is why we encourage you to pre-schedule your next dental checkup and teeth cleaning visit with us at least every 6 months or as often as necessary.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
A teeth cleaning is a treatment procedure typically performed by a dental hygienist. The goal is to remove plaque and tarter that deposits on your teeth over time. Plaque is the sticky film you may feel on the surface of your teeth and it is packed full of bacteria that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Tarter is the hard, calcified deposits that can form on teeth and contribute to tooth decay. During a dental cleaning, hygienists use specialized tools that gently remove these deposits. Once all deposits are removed, the teeth are polished, and a fluoride treatment is often applied to the strengthen and protect the teeth.
Two Types of Teeth Cleanings
There are two main types of teeth cleanings: a basic cleaning and a deep cleaning treatment. During a basic cleaning, plaque and tarter are removed and the teeth are polished. These are recommended at least twice a year. A deep cleaning is recommended when a healthy pocket (the area between a tooth and surrounding gum tissue) measures 5mm or more, indicating gum disease. A deep cleaning may also be advised if it has been a while since your last teeth cleaning. A deep cleaning targets heavy scaling around the gum line as well as the removal of heavy plaque.
What Should I Expect at a Dental Cleaning?
For teeth cleaning, the hygienist will begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, looking for areas of plaque buildup, signs of gum disease or irritation, or evidence of tooth decay. If they notice a major problem, such as a badly decayed tooth, they may have the dentist come and take a look before proceeding. The hygienist will start with either hand-held scaler instruments or ultrasonic instruments that vibrate in order to remove the plaque and tarter buildup. Once the plaque and tarter is removed, the hygienist will polish the teeth with a low-speed polishing instrument. As a final step, they may choose to apply a fluoride solution to the surface of the teeth.
In addition to cleaning your teeth, a teeth cleaning appointment can include other beneficial information. The cleaning process can help treat stained or discolored teeth. Sealants can be applied for children. If the hygienist notices problems with your at-home dental care, she can recommend better tooth brushing and flossing practices, and even teach children the proper way to brush and floss. Nutrition and tobacco-cessation counseling can also be offered as a way to improve your oral health.
If a deep cleaning is required, the same steps above will be used, but the focus is on removing the plaque, tarter, and bacteria from the pockets of your teeth. A deep cleaning can often require two separate cleaning sessions to complete.
When Should People Start Getting Regular Teeth Cleanings?
It is recommended that a child see the dentist for the first time around their first birthday, but regular dental cleanings do not begin until around the third birthday. Starting regular dental cleanings at this age help a child become more comfortable in a dental chair and with dental work. Starting teeth cleanings early allows the dentist to identify early problems with brushing that could contribute to dental decay. The hygienist will work with the child to develop better brushing and flossing techniques. This is also a good time to discover and prevent possible habits that could contribute to dental issues, such as thumb sucking.
Teeth cleanings should never take the place of daily, at-home oral care. Keeping your teeth healthy requires regular brushing and flossing, along with teeth cleanings every six months or as directed by your dentist. Regular daily care also helps to avoid the need for deep cleanings and reduces the risk of tooth decay.
If you suspect you may have Periodontal Disease, we recommend regular teeth cleanings and dental checkups. Simply contact Inglewood Family Dental today at (403) 265-5888 to schedule your visit with Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh!
Call us at (403) 265-5888 to request your free consultation at Inglewood Family Dental today!