Teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning is the practice of maintaining oral hygiene by removing dental plaque from teeth to prevent dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Regular teeth cleaning (often by a dental hygienist) is important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Overview

Teeth cleaning involves several steps. The process begins with an examination of the mouth, followed by the removal of plaque and tartar. The teeth are then polished and flossed. The final step is a fluoride treatment, which strengthens the teeth and protects against decay.

Importance of Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is crucial for preventing oral diseases and maintaining overall oral health. Regular teeth cleaning by a dental professional can remove plaque that may develop, even with careful brushing and flossing. This is particularly important for areas that are difficult to reach during routine tooth brushing.

Methods of Teeth Cleaning

There are several methods of teeth cleaning, including:

• Tooth brushing: This is the most common method of teeth cleaning and involves using a toothbrush and toothpaste. It is recommended to brush at least twice a day and after meals.

• Flossing: Flossing can remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach.

• Dental scaling: This is a professional cleaning procedure where a dental professional will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth surfaces.

• Tooth polishing: This is a procedure that smooths the surface of a tooth. It can remove stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is a procedure performed by a dental hygienist. During a routine cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces. This can be performed using either hand instruments or ultrasonic scalers.

Prevention of Dental Diseases

Regular teeth cleaning, along with proper oral hygiene, is the most effective way to prevent dental diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. These diseases are caused by the buildup of plaque, which can be effectively removed with regular cleaning.

See Also

• Oral hygiene
• Dental plaque
• Dental caries
• Periodontal disease
• Dental hygienist