Professional Dental Cleanings

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The Basics: Routine Teeth Cleaning

Your dental hygiene can significantly contribute to your health. Practicing proper dental care keeps your smile clean, but some studies suggest that it can also prevent serious illnesses. The lack of proper dental hygiene can be linked to numerous medical ailments including:

• heart disease
• dementia
• respiratory infections
• diabetic complications

 

How often should you get a professional dental cleaning?

Keeping your regular teeth cleaning appointments can help you avoid the consequences associated with these health issues.

It’s a common misconception that you only need a professional teeth cleaning once a year. However, the ideal frequency of routine teeth cleanings is entirely dependent on each individual’s daily dental hygiene routine and lifestyle. You should arrange to have a professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year assuming you are consistent and thorough with your oral hygiene habits and have a healthy mouth.

 

How much does a professional teeth cleaning cost?

Just as the frequency of your professional teeth cleaning appointments varies based on the individual, so does the cost. Dental clinics often bill teeth cleaning patients per unit - fifteen-minute increments. Patients who get regular teeth cleaning will use approximately 2 - 3 units. However, because each patient is different, some might require more or less.

 

Other benefits of routine dental cleaning include:

• avoiding gum disease
• preventing tooth decay and cavities,
• detecting oral infections or diseases
• saving money on restorative dentistry
• improving oral hygiene and overall health

 

The Process Of A Routine Teeth Cleaning

Examination: new patients are generally required to get a full dental exam. During this process, the dentists examine your teeth and gums for any oral health concerns. This helps the dentist or dental hygienist better understand the condition of your oral health and determine the appropriate dental procedures to follow.

Scaling: brushing and flossing frequently reduces the amount of plaque and tartar in your mouth, but this process allows our dental hygienists remove the remaining build-up in the creases of your teeth that your toothbrush and floss could not reach.

Polishing: the surface of the teeth are polished with an abrasive compound that acts as a form of wax, smoothening and shining the tooth’s surface. This protects the teeth from surface stains by making it harder for plaque to accumulate on the tooth surfaces.

Rinsing: you are provided with a liquid fluoride rinse, which helps remove anything that may have been left behind from the previous steps.

Fluoride: this optional treatment works to strengthen the outermost layer of the teeth - the enamel, which allows it to resist acid attacks that contribute to tooth decay. During this process, the dental hygienist will apply a fluoride solution in the form of a gel, rinse or varnish in the flavour of the patient’s choice. Fluoride solutions come in various flavours including mint, cherry, strawberry, and chocolate.

 

What To Expect After A Routine Teeth Cleaning?

Following your professional teeth cleaning appointment you should expect for your mouth to feel cleaner. Don’t be alarmed if you experience some gum sensitivity, this is common for patients who have a lot of build-up removed.

 

Caring for your teeth after professional teeth cleaning

• Brush gently and regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use wax-coated floss after every meal or snack.
• If experiencing swelling or injuries, use a warm salt-water rinse after heavy meals.
• Maintain a healthy balanced diet.
• Get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.

 

Contact Us

Preventative care is the way to go with your dental hygiene. Regular visits to your NE Calgary dentist will keep your teeth healthy and save you time, money and discomfort in the future. At our Calgary dental clinic, we look to understand your concerns and assign you the best dentist to meet your needs. Make an appointment for your professional teeth cleaning today.