Dental Cleaning in Costa Rica:
Where, How and When
Thinking about getting your teeth cleaned in Costa Rica? If so, there is no reason to worry! We want to make sure you feel as prepared as possible so here are the tips and each of the steps you can expect during a dental cleaning in Costa Rica.
Before we go into detail about the process, tips after a dental cleaning and more, we should understand a little more about what it is all about.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a preventive procedure performed by a dental specialist to maintain or achieve optimal oral health.
In a dental cleaning procedure, the dentist seeks to remove dental plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth to protect them from tooth decay or cavities, as well as other tooth and gum problems.
Although teeth cleaning can be done at home with a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, each person still needs a deeper and more thorough cleaning that can only be provided by a dentist.
This is because regular brushing and flossing cannot completely remove plaque and tartar that tend to adhere to the surface of the teeth.
How long can a dental cleaning take?
A dental cleaning can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on how thorough the cleaning needs to be.
During this time, you will lie in a dental chair while we examine your teeth prior to starting the cleaning and then remove plaque and tartar before polishing your enamel with a mild abrasive paste.
Dental Cleaning Process
1. Initial Examination
As a first step, the dentist uses a small mirror to examine the inside of your mouth to determine the complexity of the cleaning.
If they detect minor problems, the cleaning proceeds unimpeded. However, there may be times when a more serious dental condition is discovered, so it is likely that other treatment more appropriate to your specific situation will be needed if required.
2. Plaque and tartar removal
This is the most time-consuming step of the process as the specialist uses a tool called a scaler to remove plaque from the teeth.
The dentist can get into tight places between the teeth and toward the back of the mouth. But plaque is not the only buildup that can develop on the teeth. Tartar develops when plaque is not completely removed.
Plaque is a film that is always growing on the teeth. It is colorless, but sticky. It can accumulate on any tooth surface, but is especially prevalent around the gum line. Plaque is colorless and you probably won’t notice it’s there.
However, it contains bacteria that can cause cavities, gingivitis and other dental conditions. You may notice symptoms of dental problems without realizing you have plaque.
When plaque remains on your teeth, it combines with saliva to harden into tartar or calculus. Tartar is much harder than plaque. It is also yellow or brown.
3. Tooth polishing
Next, a gritty tooth polish and a special high-powered brush are used to polish your teeth. Before you begin, the dentist will ask you to choose your favorite flavored tooth polish or a standard one is used.
Dental cleanings should never hurt. So there is no need to be alarmed by the buzzing of the toothbrush.
4. Flossing between teeth
This is one of the last steps of the cleaning and, if you have already arrived here, there are only a few minutes left to finish.
As a last step, it is time to floss between the teeth. This will remove any plaque that may have been left between the teeth.
Flossing can cause some bleeding if the gums are not healthy. For this reason, regular dental cleaning is so important in order to maintain good tooth and gum health so that you can always be proud of your smile.
5. Mouthwash
At this time, your dentist will squirt water into your mouth and ask you to rinse. When you are ready, suction will be used to remove the water from your mouth. The rinsing phase helps remove any remaining tooth enamel.
How often should you have your teeth cleaned?
Determining the length of the frequency interval of dental cleaning depends on the presence or absence of inflammation in the mouth. If you go for a cleaning every 6 months and there is no bleeding and very little tartar, then you can continue with this interval.
A short interval of 3 or 4 months is recommended for patients with bleeding and tartar build-up.
Your dentist should be able to give you a recommendation of the interval as analyzed, however, we leave you with some simple questions that may help you determine the interval for yourself.
If any of these are affirmative, it is recommended that you have your teeth cleaned at a shorter interval until the problem is solved:
- Do you floss less than 3 times a week?
- Do you notice bleeding gums when flossing?
- Has it been mentioned to you that you have swollen gums?
- Do you suffer from bad breath?
- Do you smoke or use tobacco?
- Are you unable to perform complete oral hygiene at home due to a health problem?
4 tips after the dental cleaning
1. Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
This waiting time gives the fluoride treatment a chance to adhere to the tooth enamel. Drinking acidic or carbonated beverages will remove the fluoride before it takes effect with the minerals that form the surface of the teeth.
2. Avoid hot foods and beverages for 4 hours after cleaning.
Hot foods and drinks can dissolve the fluoride before it has a chance to permanently set. Heat may also be uncomfortable for the patient who experiences sensitive gums and teeth after cleaning.
3. Gentle brushing before bedtime
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean the teeth, making sure to be gentle on the teeth and gums.
You may be tempted to skip nighttime brushing, but go ahead and brush your teeth unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
4. Watch for warning signs
Tooth sensitivity and gum tenderness are normal after a dental cleaning. People who go a long time without flossing may also experience some bleeding.
Dental cleaning in Costa Rica
At Lamicq Dental Care we always seek to provide the best of dental services and dental treatments. We are happy to be able to contribute and help you have a healthy and amazing smile forever.
Our dental clinic is located in San Francisco de Dos Rios, very close to the areas of Zapote, Curridabat, Tres Rios, Ayarco and San Jose.
To schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us at our WhatsApp and we will be happy to assist you as soon as possible.