Dental Cleaning in Westborough
Our teeth are often overlooked. While most of us brush and floss regularly, not all of us see the dentist on a regular basis. If you’re missing this important step, your mouth is not as clean as it should be. Bacteria and plaque accumulate at a rapid pace, and at-home hygiene habits can only do so much.
That’s why it’s important to see your dentist on a regular basis – every six months, to be exact. A professional teeth cleaning done twice a year can make your teeth cleaner and healthier. It can even get rid of discoloration, making teeth brighter.
You can’t make your teeth as clean as your dental hygienist can. If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth, it turns into a hard substance called tartar, which can only be removed by your dental hygienist’s special tools.
If not removed, tartar can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, infections and other serious oral health issues. Our teeth affect the way we eat and speak. A healthy smile is important for self-confidence.
Are you due for a teeth cleaning? If so, schedule an appointment with the team at Family Dental Westborough. Call our office at (508) 366-7450.
What is Involved in a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings are typically done in the same way. They are typically performed by a hygienist, who is highly trained in dental care. They will work to effectively clean your teeth by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Before starting the cleaning process, though, the hygienist will take quick look in your mouth to see if there are any issues. If he or she has any concerns, the dentist will take a look.
If everything looks OK, the cleaning process will start. The procedure consists of a tool called a scaler to scrape away the buildup. This process should be fairly easy if you are diligent about cleaning your teeth at home. If you haven’t kept on top of your oral hygiene, however, you may have significant plaque buildup, and this may be a little uncomfortable. Your hygienist can help you improve your at-home dental care by advising you of proper brushing and flossing techniques.
After cleaning the teeth, the hygienist will use an electric toothbrush with gritty toothpaste to polish the teeth. They may also be able to remove minor stains. You will then rinse out your mouth and you may get a fluoride treatment. This is done more for children, who are more prone to tooth decay. However, adults who have a history of cavities may benefit from it as well.
Your dental hygienist may also take X-rays of your mouth. X-rays are typically done every 1-2 years help the dentist identify any potential oral health issues.
At the end of the appointment, a dentist may come and examine your teeth. The dentist will check your bite and tooth alignment. They will also assess your mouth for cavities, grinding issues, sores and other areas of concern. If there are any issues, you may need to make a follow-up appointment.
What to Expect
Dental cleanings are generally not painful, especially if you perform good oral hygiene at home. Some people even enjoy the process, as a professional cleaning can make their teeth feel super smooth and shiny.
However, if you haven’t seen the dentist in years, you will likely have a significant amount of bacterial buildup. Therefore, a cleaning can cause soreness or bleeding in the gums, which can be painful. If you experience this, you should see your dentist more often for regular cleanings. You should also stay on top of oral health care at home by brushing and flossing daily. Mouthwashes are also a good idea, as they can also keep bacteria and plaque at bay.