Teeth Cleaning

How Do Dentists Clean Your Teeth - Scaling and Polishing or Teeth Cleaning Process

Do you want to get your teeth cleaned but you are scared or curious about the procedure then sit back and relax I'll explain every detail to you

Teeth cleaning is a layman term which is used by common people but when you enter a dental clinic your dentist or hygienist will use a term called as scaling and polishing or oral prophylaxis for the same process, Don't panic they will only clean your teeth and nothing else.

Now let's discuss the procedure

Teeth cleaning can be done by an authorized dental hygienist or a dentist in a proper controlled and sterile environment of the dental clinic.

When you reach dental clinic, First you will be questioned about your health history and other dental and medical health problems.

If they see no health related problem which is related to the outcome of the procedure then they will make you lie down on a dental chair with semi supine or supine position.

There are two type of methods to clean your tooth

1. Manual instruments- These are hand held stainless steel instruments with minute heads for cleaning various surfaces and interdental reas of tooth. These instruments are called as Perodontal scalers.

2. Ultrasonic scaler- this is an advanced way of cleaning teeth, this equipment have interchangeable tips which vibrates and causes dislodgment of any debris on the teeth.

What ever is the method objective of teeth cleaning is same:

Removal or plaque, calculus and food debris from the tooth surface and interdental area.

1.Hand instruments-

If your dentist is using hand held periodontal scalers then it will take more time, He will adapt the instrument on the tooth surface and then give a stroke to remove the plaque or calculus, He will repeat this process on all the teeth and on all the surface of the tooth. even between the interdental area of teeth. He may irrigate the area with chlorhexidine mouth wash. This process is usually painless if done properly. 

After Scaling is completed he will use a prophylaxis paste to clean and polish the tooth surface, this paste is loaded on a rubber cup which is mounted on a handpiece like device. The polishing cup will rotate and polish the tooth surface.

2.Ultrasonic scalers-

If your dentist is using ultrasonic scalers then you may find the process done faster, Ultrasonic scaler is a kind of machine which produces vibrations at a controlled frequency, This vibrations are transmitted to the tip of the instrument. when this tip comes in contact with the tooth surface it removes any kind of calculus or palque from the tooth surface.

    

This machine is much easy and fast to handle. If done correctly it will produce no pain and no side effects or harm.

Polishing is done after teeth cleaning in same manner as above mentioned.

If you have lots of debris and if your oral hygiene condition is bad then dentist may take multiple visits for the teeth cleaning.

Teeth Cleaning - Chennai Dental Centre

 Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning, and dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning. Those with dentures and natural teeth may supplement their cleaning with a denture cleaner. Brushing, scrubbing and flossing Brushing Careful and frequent brushing with a toothbrush helps to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria on the teeth. Electric toothbrushes were developed, and initially recommended for people with strength or dexterity problems in their hands, but they have come into widespread general use. The effectiveness of electric toothbrushes at reducing plaque formation and gingivitis is superior to that of conventional manual toothbrushes. Flossing and interdental cleaning In addition to brushing, cleaning between teeth may help to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria on the teeth. This may be done with dental floss or interdental brushes. 80% of cavities occur in the grooves, or pits and fissures, of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Special appliances or tools may be used to supplement toothbrushing and interdental cleaning. These include special toothpicks, oral irrigators, and other devices. Scrubbing Teeth can be cleaned by scrubbing with a twig instead of a toothbrush. Plant sap in the twig takes the place of toothpaste.[citation needed] In many parts of the world teeth cleaning twigs are used. In the Muslim world the miswak or siwak is made from twigs or roots that are said to have an antiseptic effect when used for cleaning teeth.