Spring (Teeth) Cleaning

With the approach of spring often comes some much need cleaning. Maybe you’ll take some time to clean out your attic or reorganize your garage. Maybe you’ll finally get around to some of the dusting you’ve been putting off. There’s no better way to welcome the fresh new season then with a little cleanliness! But who says the cleaning has to stop with your house? What can you do for yourself this spring to get the season started right? Consider the last time you had a professional teeth cleaning done. If it’s been more than or around six months, your teeth could use another! Has it been much longer, maybe even years? Don’t be afraid to make a change and visit your dentist for a cleaning. Your teeth and overall health will thank you for it!

What To Expect From A Routine Cleaningdental myths, truth, dental

Dental cleanings are routine, very simple and nonpainful procedures. Although every dentist office goes about a cleaning in a different way, most hygienists will at some point:

  • Check teeth for cavities or any other abnormalities. Some cavities are easy to spot, even without the use of an X-ray, but most dentists will order an X-ray just to be sure. Although you may not feel entirely comfortable doing so, you should always ask your dentist about oral cancer screenings, especially if you are at high risk (e.g. are a smoker).

  • Scrape plaque and tartar buildup off the teeth. This is done using a scaler, a metal tool that resembles a small hook. The time spent performing this task depends on how much tartar buildup you have. Remember that plaque left on the teeth for three days can harden into tartar. Although this may be an uncomfortable portion of the teeth cleaning process it is in no way painful. If you find your mouth tiring, you can ask your hygienist to take small breaks as needed.

  • Polish your teeth with an electronic polisher. A polishing device is really just a fast-spinning brush that is used to buff out surface stains and remove any leftover plaque buildup. While these polishers may sound intimidating, they can be compared to an electric toothbrush. Hygienists will often apply a small amount of polishing cream, many of which come in different flavors, and then use the polisher on each individual tooth so that your teeth, when finished, are shiny and beautiful! If the brush of the polisher touches your gums it will do no more than tickle them.

  • After scraping or polishing teeth hygienists will often have you rinse with a device that shoots a stream of water into your mouth.

  • Speak with you about your oral hygiene habits, and health. Remember that it is a dentist’s and hygienist’s job to clean teeth. They see hundreds of patients just like you each month. Be honest about your oral hygiene and open to suggestions that are intended to help make oral health easier on you. If you are someone who brushes and flosses regularly and are still experiencing a high amount of plaque buildup speak with your dentist about more frequent cleanings.

Call Dr. Bosse of Greenspoint Dental today and welcome spring with a big, bright smile!