Professional dental cleaning in Seaford: Know the critical steps 

Your oral health is linked to your overall health in numerous ways. While regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day can protect your teeth and gums, you must be just as particular about seeing your dentist often. Dental appointments should be spaced six months apart, and the chances are high that your Seaford dentist will suggest a dental cleaning session. Many patients have an innate fear of professional dental cleaning, which is why it is necessary to know what happens during the procedure. In this post, we have explained the steps in detail. 

1. Oral exam: Typically, dental cleanings are performed by dental hygienists. Before they start the work, the dentist will do a physical exam. Dentists usually use their standard mirror to check the current condition of teeth and gums. They will also look for signs of decay, gum disease, and other concerns. 
2. Removal of plaque and tartar: If there are no immediate issues, your dentist will ask the hygienist to continue with cleaning, and the second step is to remove plaque and tartar using an instrument called the scaler. You may hear a lot of sounds, but this is normal, especially if you have significant tartar buildup. Certain spots are also harder to scrape. Brushing and flossing can get rid of plaque, but if plaque hardens into tartar, only a dentist or dental hygienist can do the cleaning. 
3. Further cleaning: Once the tartar is gone, your hygienist will then use a special toothpaste and an electric brush to clean your teeth. The sounds at this point may sound scary, but the step helps deep clean your teeth and remove tartar that wasn’t cleaned with the scaler. Think of this as more like scrubbing your teeth. While you may find gritty toothpaste options at the supermarket, do not use them. Only your dentist should do the cleaning. 
4. Flossing: Just like regular care at home, it is important to follow brushing with a flossing session. The dentist will use a special device that will help deep clean the spaces between your teeth, including areas that are hard to reach otherwise. After this, you will be asked to rinse your mouth to get rid of debris and cleaning products, and the rinsing product usually has liquid fluoride. 
5. Fluoride treatment: While not always necessary, most dentists recommend a fluoride treatment, which works as a protectant for the teeth and helps avoid cavities. You will usually have flavor options. The gel is usually put on a mouthpiece that goes over your teeth, and you will need to have it inside the mouth for a minute. In some cases, dentists also recommend dental sealants if some of the molars have crevices or bigger holes that aren’t cavities. 

Other things to know

Professional dental cleaning shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to an hour. However, if you haven’t seen your dentist in a long time or have a significant tartar buildup, you may need more time at the clinic. Dental cleanings should be a part of your oral care, and depending on how effectively you brush and floss at home, your dentist may recommend these sessions once or twice a year. Because professional dental cleaning is preceded by a standard oral exam, the appointments also help detect many dental diseases early. For instance, if you have a cavity that isn’t deep, your dentist may recommend getting a filling before there is damage to the pulp. 

Check online to find a reliable dental practice in Seaford that can offer care for your entire family. Even your kids need dental checkups and cleanings regularly to protect teeth and gums.