Dental Cleanings are Essential
Most people need their teeth cleaned once or twice a year. Teeth cleanings are an essential part of maintaining excellent oral health and maintaining your overall health. There are several steps involved in professional teeth cleaning at our Chicago office.
Why Are Teeth Cleanings Important?
Professional teeth cleanings are important because they provide a whiter, brighter smile. A healthy smile can help you feel more confident, which may help promote a higher quality of life. However, the benefits of dental cleanings go far beyond a beautiful smile.
Oral cancers can be detected early during routine cleaning examinations. Around one in 60 men and one in 140 women will be diagnosed with oral cancer during their lifetime. When caught early, oral cancers can be successfully treated.
Teeth cleanings protect your oral health by preventing cavities and gum disease, like gingivitis. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and be painful, making eating certain foods difficult.
Physical Exam
Dental cleanings are usually done by a hygienist at Signature Smile Arts and start with an exam. The hygienist uses a small dental mirror to examine your teeth and gums to ensure they’re healthy. If there are concerns, the hygienist may want to consult with our dentist at Signature Smile Arts before moving forward.
Plaque Removal
The hygienist will begin cleaning by removing any plaque or tartar built up along the gum line or between the teeth. They’ll do this using a special scraper tool. You may hear scraping noises during this part of the cleaning. This is normal and nothing to cause you concern.
Brushing Teeth
Once the hygienist has removed plaque and tartar, they will brush your teeth using a powerful electric toothbrush and special toothpaste. This toothpaste may taste and look similar to the kind you use at home but has a gritty texture that gently scrubs and polishes your teeth. Some people in Chicago become anxious when they hear the grinding noise during this part of the cleaning, but this is a normal part of the dental procedure.
Expert Flossing
The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove debris once brushing is complete. Even if you floss regularly at home, this is an important step. Not only does expert flossing thoroughly clean your teeth, but it can pinpoint any spots on the gums where bleeding may occur.
Rinse
After the expert flossing, you’ll need to rinse your mouth to remove any leftover debris. The rinse used usually contains liquid fluoride. Sometimes, the hygienist will remove excess liquid and rinse with a special suction tool.
Fluoride Treatment
Your dental professional at Signature Smile Arts may apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth after cleaning. This treatment helps protect your teeth against cavities in Chicago for several months. The hygienist will place foamy fluoride into teeth trays and place them over your teeth. This foam rests on teeth for about a minute before removal and rinsing.
Schedule Regular Teeth Cleanings
Having your teeth cleaned once or twice a year can help keep you healthy and provide you with a bright smile. If you haven’t had your teeth professionally cleaned recently, now is the time to schedule an appointment. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our dental team.
