5 Facts About Dental Cleaning You Should Know
There are too many myths about the dental cleaning procedure. We know that visits to the dentist are usually associated with some kind of discomfort, however, thanks to technological advances and new procedures, visits to the dentist are no longer as they were once thought to be. Here are 5 facts about dental cleaning you should know.
Dental cleaning, also called dental prophylaxis, helps prevent and restore good dental and gum health by removing dental plaque and tartar between the teeth and below and above the gums.
In addition, it removes stains caused by tobacco, coffee, wine, etc. It prevents and treats problems such as gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontitis (dental bone problems) and halitosis (bad breath).
It is painless and helps us to improve the smile and dental aesthetics, strengthening and protecting the enamel of the teeth through the final application of dental fluoride.
Tartar favors the proliferation of bacteria that attack the teeth and if it is not treated effectively, it can lead to the loss of dental pieces.
For this reason it is of great importance to periodically perform dental cleanings, to improve and maintain the conditions of your oral health, and to show off a beautiful smile.
1. Dental cleaning does not hurt
Due to advances in dentistry procedures, this type of procedure is completely painless. It consists of removing tartar and stains on the teeth and, if there is no dental disease, the patient will only feel a slight friction on their teeth.
Only in some cases in which there is more tartar than usual and the gums are inflamed, this cleaning is somewhat painful or uncomfortable.
Although it may seem so, this procedure is painless as long as it is performed correctly and by a specialist. The duration of the cleaning depends on how much plaque or tartar you have accumulated, but it usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.
It is normal for some dental sensitivity to appear after a cleaning. The gums may be uncomfortable and the teeth may become more sensitive than normal.
In this case, you can take an analgesic and give it some time, because the discomfort usually subsides. If we see that this discomfort does not disappear, it is important to contact your dentist to assess the case.
2. Dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar.
Using an ultrasonic instrument, the larger pieces of tartar are removed, so you will only feel slight vibrations while your teeth are sprayed with water, which is somewhat refreshing.
To remove the smaller pieces of tartar, the dentist uses a “scaler”, which is a metal instrument with a tip, however, and although it sounds painful, when this instrument is used correctly, it does not generate any pain, because it runs completely through the tooth from the base of the gum.
3. Polish teeth
Using a power tool and a soft tip, the dentist runs the front and back surfaces of the teeth in conjunction with a special paste, which may even be flavored, to make them look shiny and feel smooth.
4. Apply fluoride
Some dentists use this procedure by using a dental protector along with a gel for approximately 30 seconds. Fluoride helps strengthen teeth after the acids from bacteria found in tartar and plaque have weakened the surface of the teeth.
If you receive this treatment, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after it has been applied.
It is possible that, during the cleaning, you may have some kind of injury or even swelling of the gums, which could cause some discomfort.
If this happens, we recommend that you tell your dentist as soon as possible, so that he or she can be more careful and, if necessary, do something about it.
5. How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
The time will depend on each patient and their history of dental disease. If the patient has a neutral record, it is advisable to perform 2 cleanings per year, that is, a cleaning every 6 months.
In cases of previous dental conditions, they should be done every 3 months to avoid complications. How often we should have a dental cleaning will depend on what the dental professional stipulates.
Your Dental Clinic in San Francisco de Dos Ríos
As mentioned above, teeth cleaning should always be a priority to prevent dental diseases. A good tip to get into the habit is to schedule your cleaning appointment every 6 months.
Remember that there is a relationship between oral health and overall health. Oral health is essential to good overall health. And specifically for women, studies have linked gum disease to a variety of health problems that affect women.
Since gum disease is a bacterial infection, it can enter the bloodstream and can be a causal factor in other health complications.
If you are in Costa Rica, more specifically in San Francisco de Dos Rios or Curridabat, you can schedule your dental cleaning appointments in advance at Lamicq Dental Care and maintain excellent oral health.