A Comprehensive Guide to Teeth Cleanings

A teeth cleaning, also called teeth scaling, is for everybody. It does not matter who you are or where you are from. Plaque and calculus build up in every mouth if you do not take care of your oral health. Some people build up plaque faster than others, and that is very common. But plaque build up will happen to all of us.

A teeth cleaning takes off plaque and tartar. Tartar is also called calculus. Here is how they are different.

• Plaque: Plaque is a soft, sticky film. It forms on your teeth, along the gum line and below it. It holds millions of bacteria. After you eat or drink, these bacteria make acids. The acids can harm tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your tooth. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. If plaque is not cleaned off often, it can harden into tartar. We suggest you brush twice a day, floss each day and see your dentist for regular check-ups. These steps keep plaque under control and your mouth clean.
• Tartar (also called Calculus): Tartar is plaque that has turned hard. It forms on your teeth and along the gum line. Plaque turns hard when brushing and flossing do not clean it off. Then minerals set into it. Tartar is rough and full of tiny holes. It can trap stains. It also gives new plaque a place to grow. This can cause cavities and gum disease. Unlike plaque, you cannot brush tartar away, no matter how well you brush. A dentist or dental hygienist must clean it off. Regular dental visits help you control tartar and keep your mouth healthy.

Teeth cleanings help keep your mouth healthy. Here is why:

• Prevent Cavities: Plaque has bacteria in it. The bacteria make acids. The acids wear away tooth enamel and cause cavities.
• Avoid Gum Disease: Plaque buildup can cause gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. If it is not treated, it can turn into periodontitis. This is a more serious condition. It starts with bone loss and could lead to tooth loss.
• Prevent Tartar Formation: Plaque that is not cleaned off can harden into tartar. Tartar is hard to remove. Only a dentist can clean it off for you.
• Improve Aesthetics: Tartar can cause stains and discolouration. This changes how your smile looks.
• Reduce Bad Breath: Bacteria in plaque can cause bad breath that does not go away.

Gum health is sorted into three main types. We will walk you through them here:

• Healthy or Within Normal Limits: This means your gums are healthy and in good shape. There are very few signs of swelling. People with healthy gums usually come to the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
• Gingivitis: This is the medical word for gums that are red and swollen. Plaque and tartar start to build up. Your body fights the bacteria and tries to get rid of them. Blood flow goes up and germ-fighting cells rush in. This makes the gums swell and bleed.
• Periodontitis (also known as Gum Disease): Plaque and tartar may not be removed. Then your body keeps fighting the bacteria and the build up all the time. This long-lasting problem causes bone loss between the teeth. Gum disease cannot be reversed. The gums cannot go back to being healthy. If it is left alone for a long time, so much bone can be lost that the teeth get loose in their sockets. Sometimes the teeth need extractions, which means taking them out.

Your gum health is generally checked before a teeth cleaning, and here is why. A cleaning is not like getting a hair cut or having your nails done. It is a medical procedure and a medical treatment. Without a check, the right kind of cleaning cannot be done for you.

A person with healthy gums needs different care from a person with severe gum disease. Without x-rays and a clinical exam, these key facts can be missed. We will explain each step as we go.

A teeth cleaning has more than one step. We will walk you through each one:

• Initial Examination: Your dentist or hygienist starts by looking at your mouth. This usually means x-rays and a clinical examination. In a clinical examination, the dentist checks by hand and by eye for signs of cavities, gum disease or other dental problems.
• Plaque and Tartar Removal: Your hygienist uses scalers and ultrasonic tools. These remove plaque and tartar around your gum line, below it and between your teeth. Brushing and flossing can stop plaque from building up. But only a professional cleaning can remove tartar. Tartar is too hard to remove with care at home, so please do not feel bad about it.
• Teeth Polishing: After the cleaning, your teeth are polished with a gritty paste. It is called prophy paste. This step takes off any plaque and tartar left behind by the scalers and ultrasonic tools. The gritty paste gently scrubs your teeth. It leaves them smooth and shiny.
• Application of Fluoride: Sometimes the hygienist may put on fluoride, such as fluoride varnish. The varnish sticks to your teeth. It lets the fluoride soak into your teeth. This helps stop cavities.

Regular teeth cleanings are key to good oral health for you. They help stop cavities. They lower your risk of gum disease. They take off stains. They also let your dentist find dental problems early and deal with them with you.

Most dentists say to get your teeth cleaned every six months. But your dentist may ask you to come more often. This depends on the state of your oral health, and we will talk it over with you.

Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth healthy at home:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Brush for two minutes each time. We suggest an electric toothbrush like this Sonicare. It has a pressure sensor and a timer. They help you brush for the right length of time. They also help you use the right amount of pressure.
• Floss Daily: Remove plaque and bits of food from between your teeth.
• Rinse with Mouthwash: Try an antibacterial mouthwash to cut down bacteria.
• Healthy Diet: Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks to prevent cavities.

Regular professional cleanings and good care at home are key to a healthy smile. Want advice just for you, or want to book your next cleaning? We would love to hear from you. Contact Carlton Dental today.