Brushing and flossing are good for your oral health, but unfortunately, they are not enough to
attain optimal results. The oral cavity has vulnerable areas like pits, grooves, and inter-dental
spaces where the toothbrush and flossing thread fail to reach. As a result, plaque accumulates
and hardens into tartar. Plaque and tartar deposits house bacteria and cause gum infections. If
ignored, it ends in inevitable tooth loss and gum recession.
Professional dental cleaning is performed to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the
surface of teeth and interdental areas, using special dental tools. It is a vital dental service
that one must avail at least twice every year.
What are the steps involved in a professional dental cleaning?
Below is a step-by-step guide to professional dental cleaning:
1. A thorough physical examination
A professional dental cleaning begins with a thorough physical examination of the
oral cavity. The first step is diagnostic in nature and includes the following:
● Analyzing and updating previous medical records to determine overall health.
One should not be suffering from heart problems, diabetes, and other severe
health issues. Women receiving treatment should not be pregnant.
● X-ray examination to determine decay, fractures, and pulp infections.
● Oral cancer screening.
● Bite assessment to determine orthodontic health.
● In the case of complications, referral to a specialist.
2. Removing plaque and tartar
After updating your current oral health, the dentist moves to the next step.
A mirror is used to identify areas with plaque and tartar accumulation and a scaling
the tool is used to scrape away these deposits from the surface of teeth and around the
gum line.
Tartar is the hardened form of plaque and can only be removed via professional dental
cleaning.
3. Gritty toothpaste cleaning
After the surface of teeth has been rendered free of tartar, gritty toothpaste is used to
scrub the surface of teeth. It removes any remaining traces of the unhealthy deposit.
4. Expert flossing
Expert flossing is different from regular flossing at home. The dentist or hygienist
accesses all the deep and vulnerable areas present on and between the teeth and
removes plaque.
After expert flossing, the surface of teeth and the inter-dental areas are left squeaky
clean.
5. Rinsing
Next, you rinse your mouth to remove any trace of debris left in the mouth due to the
previous steps.
6. Fluoride treatment
Then, a fluoride gel is painted on the surface of the teeth and left to dry or harden.
Fluoride remineralizes or strengthens the tooth enamel and protects it against cavities
and bacterial infestation.
7. Dental sealants
Teeth have many vulnerable areas like grooves and pits where plaque and food
particles lie entrapped. It is difficult to reach these areas with a toothbrush or dental
floss. So, the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars are coated with a plastic-like
material to close these vulnerable areas.
This plastic-like material is called a dental sealant, which shields and protects teeth
against decay and cavities.
8. Counseling
Finally, the last step. This is when the dentist or hygienist educates you on the
following matters:z
● Correct ways to brush and floss teeth.
● Nutrition and healthy eating for optimal oral health.
● Tobacco-cessation.
At Ayoub Dental we employ the practices of modern dentistry to systematically repair damage
and enhance the appearance of your smile. We design a custom plan for each patient to meet
their individual requirements. For further doubts and queries, book an appointment with us or
visit our office today.
