A Guide to Getting a Cleaning from a General Dentist

General Dentist Columbus, OH

Routine dental cleaning from a general dentist is a necessity, not a luxury. Plaque and tartar will wreak havoc on the teeth and gums if allowed to remain in the mouth for too long. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the dentist for a professional dental cleaning twice a year, preferably.

The dental cleaning procedure as explained by a general dentist

Plaque and tartar in the mouth contain millions of bacteria and routine brushing and flossing are usually not enough to eliminate them. Tartar is hardened plaque and can only be scraped off using special tools. Home oral hygiene is important, but it is equally important to have a dental professional clean the teeth regularly in order to maintain optimal oral health.

Professional teeth cleaning removes stains, plaque, and tartar that may have accumulated on the teeth and gums. Dentists typically recommend cleaning every six to 12 months to reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. In between appointments, good oral care at home is important for dental health.

The first step of the cleaning process is an examination. The dentist will use a dental mirror that functions as a magnifying glass to check the parts of the gums and teeth that contain plaque and tartar. The dental professional will focus on these areas specifically during the cleaning.

Removing plaque and tartar

After this, some dentists use ultrasonic vibrations to loosen plaque and tartar. They will adjust the frequency of the vibration for the patient’s comfort. Then, a scraper will be used to scrape off the plaque and tartar from around the teeth and gums. This process may be disconcerting, but there is no need for concern. It is often described as more of a discomfort than pain, due to the noise from the scraping.

The dentist may opt to smooth the teeth with a scaler, eliminating smaller deposits around the teeth. After this, the mouth will be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove any tartar residue that remains after the scraping process. The next stage involves brushing and flossing.

For this process, the dentist will use a mildly abrasive toothpaste and a powered toothbrush to brush the teeth. The brushing will be hard and thorough to remove any germ present on the teeth. The dentist will also perform professional flossing to clean in between the teeth.

Afterward, the dental professional may decide to give a fluoride treatment. The fluoride will be applied to the teeth and allowed to remain there for a minute or so before the patient spits it out. The fluoride treatment serves two main purposes. The first is to kill any remaining germs in the mouth and prevent plaque from forming on the teeth and gums for a while. Secondly, fluoride makes the teeth look brighter.

When was your last dental cleaning?

The teeth cleaning process is quick and straightforward. It falls under one of the preventive care provided by a general dentist to ward off oral health issues. Contact our dental office today to book an appointment for a dental cleaning and checkup.

Request an appointment here: https://www.trilliumdental.us or call Trillium Dental at (614) 343-0227 for an appointment in our Columbus office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Columbus, OH.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry Options For Treating A Damaged Tooth

General dentistry is responsible for addressing all routine things relating to the teeth, including damage that occurs. Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear and tear, or cavities. Whatever the reasoning may be for a damaged tooth, there are a lot of treatment options available in general…

General Dentistry Restoration Options For A Damaged Tooth

General dentistry includes the restoration of damaged teeth, which may refer to cavities or aesthetic issues, such as staining, chipping, or cracking. Thankfully, there are many ways to restore teeth that have become damaged.The type of damage that occurs will determine what type of restoration is needed. General dentists can identify this as soon as…

What Preventive Treatments Can General Dentistry Provide?

General Dentist refers to the primary dental and oral care provided by dentists to patients of all ages. Routine care is performed, which includes cleanings, examinations, and preventive treatment. Preventive treatments are necessary in order to combat gum disease, cavities, and dental damage. Modern-day general dentistry has allowed for the creation of a number of…

General Dentist FAQ: Do Chipped Teeth Grow Back?

 Wondering if dental patients should ask their general dentist questions about their overall oral health? Dentists have undergone many years of education and training, making them the go-to professional when patients have questions, such as whether or not chipped teeth grow back.A general dentist is a great resource to utilize when looking for information on…

Recent Posts

Ask A Dentist: How Do I Prepare For A Dental Bridges Procedure?

Ask A Dentist: How Do I Prepare For A Dental Bridges Procedure?

When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find the best solution for your problem. There are a few things that you can do in preparation for this procedure. This blog post outlines some of the steps you should take before going in for dental bridges surgery.Make a list…

What Happens If Gum Disease Goes Untreated?

What Happens If Gum Disease Goes Untreated?

Gum disease is a common oral health issue that dentists treat. You may focus more on cavity prevention, but gum issues can be just as critical to your wellness. Putting off treatment can cause more serious issues. You should first recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition and then seek your dentist’s help right…