Dental Cleanings in Ogden, Utah
Dental cleanings are an important way to keep your teeth healthy. For good oral hygiene at Laurence Palmer DDS, we recommend a combination of at-home care and in-office care. We recommend visiting Laurence Palmer DDS every six months for a dental cleaning and exam for in-office care. In this post, we will discuss the process of dental cleanings and how it can help you. For more information, keep reading.
The Dental Cleaning
Here are a few of the steps in the dental hygiene process. Your dental hygienist will perform this procedure.
Removing Plaque and Tartar: After looking at the overall structure and health of the teeth, the dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth. This is done with a small mirror and scaler. These tools will remove the plaque and tartar by scraping them away. Bacteria first develop as plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that you can remove with brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed through at-home cleaning, it will harden and become only removable by a dental professional.
Brushing The Teeth: Next, the hygienist will brush your teeth. However, they will not use the toothpaste that you have at home. They will use a more gritty or abrasive toothpaste to scrape off any extra debris. Although this is strong toothpaste, it is unavailable for at-home use because constant use can break down the enamel, the protective layer of the tooth. Further, they will use a high-powered toothbrush to ensure they get in the tooth’s crevices.
Flossing and Rinsing: The next step is flossing. It does not matter if you floss before or after you brush at home, as long as you floss each time you brush your teeth. This flossing session will get between your teeth in hard-to-reach areas. Last, the dental hygienist will rinse your mouth.
Fluoride or Sealants: Finally, your dentist may ask you if you would like to take advantage of fluoride or sealants with your treatment. Many people do not know the difference between these two treatments. Fluoride uses a chemical reaction to strengthen the outer layer of your teeth, the protective layer, called the enamel. Sealants are made of a composite resin, similar to the material used to fill cavities. This composite resin is made into a liquid painted into the grooves and crevices in your back molars. Food and debris are often collected in these crevices. The food and debris can then attract bacteria which can grow into plaque and eventually tartar. To prevent this, the composite resin makes it hard for the food and debris to collect on the tooth, reducing the chance of developing decay.
Benefits of Dental Cleaning
Bacteria buildup on the teeth can cause many problems such as tooth decay and tooth loss. Not only does the bacteria on the teeth and gums cause tooth decay, but it can also cause periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease has two main parts. The earlier part of gum disease, gingivitis, can be reversed, while the advancement of periodontal disease, periodontitis, cannot be reversed. This is why early treatment is essential. Further, bacteria on the teeth can also enter your bloodstream and cause systemic problems to your entire body. These concerns include heart disease or stroke.
Dental cleanings are a great way to improve your oral health. Our dental hygienists’ professional dental cleanings at Laurence Palmer DDS can prevent further disease and decay. They can prevent diseases of the mouth and the entire body, such as heart disease and stroke. For more information about dental cleanings, call our office.
We look forward to hearing from you.
