Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning is usually performed during a complete or recall exam. It includes scaling and polishing to remove plaque, tartar, and debris. This procedure is done by a dental professional like a dentist or dental hygienist and helps maintain oral health, prevent cavities and gum disease, improve tooth appearance, and freshen breath.
Cleaning Procedure:
Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)
Special tools, including curettes and ultrasonic instruments, are used to remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Tartar is calcified plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Polishing
After scaling, teeth are polished with a rotating instrument and polishing paste to smooth the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to adhere.
Oral Hygiene Advice
The dental professional will provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including effective brushing and flossing techniques.