What Happens When I Get My Teeth Cleaned?

Healthy teeth and gums are essential. A component of dental maintenance and care is teeth cleaning. The standard for most people is to have their teeth cleaned every six months. Dental teeth cleaning removes the sticky plaque from teeth, as well as tarter build-up. The goal of regular teeth cleanings is to clean the surface of the teeth to prevent bacteria from adhering to them. That bacteria can lead to cavities, as well as periodontal disease. What happens when you get your teeth cleaned is fairly standardized.

Ultrasonic Treatment

• As the dental hygienist or dentist starts cleaning your teeth, she begins with an ultrasonic instrument. It rotates and vibrates on the teeth, which loosens tarter. During the process, cold water sprays onto the teeth, washing away debris. This is not a painful procedure. There is light pressure on the teeth.

Scaler

• Once the largest deposits are removed from the teeth, the dentist or hygienist removes the smaller deposits of tarter and plaque. He uses fine, curved hand tools to do so. The dental worker gently scrapes the buildup off of the teeth. Depending on the buildup, there is mild to moderate pressure. This is not painful, but may feel odd or uncomfortable.

Polish

• After all harmful substances have been removed from the teeth, they are polished so that they have a smooth, shiny surface. The dentist or hygienist uses a hand piece that has a rubber cup on the end. A gritty paste is applied, called prophylaxis paste, to the hand piece. The hand piece rotates the paste onto the teeth, which polishes them right up.

Fluoride

• Depending on your age or tooth condition, the teeth cleaning appointment may include a fluoride treatment. The purpose of the treatment helps prevent cavities. The procedure is typically done on children and teens. The hygienist, and in some cases the dental assistant, applies the fluoride gel to the teeth. The gel is often a tasty flavor such as grape or cherry. After the gel sits on the teeth for up to five minutes, the hygienist rinses it off with cold water.