Tooth cleaning is a professional service carried out by teeth hygienists or dentists to clean your teeth thoroughly. This exercise is performed on your teeth and gums to remove plaque or tartar and help prevent diseases and infections. Many people may be tempted to overlook this necessary procedure because they brush their teeth regularly. But that is not enough. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that every person have their teeth cleaned at least once a year, depending on their predisposition to gum diseases and infections.
According to dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic Kenya, children below the age of 16 should have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year because they have actively developing dental formulae, which are more prone to developmental problems. Regular teeth examination and cleaning will help keep such diseases and infections at bay.
This article shall discuss the different kinds of teeth cleaning, what happens during the exercise, and the various advantages and disadvantages of the activity. Keep reading through the article to gain the best information about this topic.
Types of Tooth Cleaning
According to the ADA, there are four main types of tooth cleaning. These are:
1. Prophylaxis cleaning
Prophylaxis teeth cleaning is the most common form of dental cleaning. It is usually done to prevent diseases and infections. Tooth decay and gingivitis are the main issues controlled by this kind of cleaning. A prophylaxis cleaning will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth’s front, back, and sides. Most people will only need this type of dental cleaning provided that they observe proper dental hygiene and visit a dentist once or twice a year.
2. Scaling and root planing
The other primary type of dental cleaning is scaling and root planing. These cleanings are also called deep cleaning. They clean the teeth and gum pockets to treat gingivitis and periodontitis. This kind of cleaning is comprehensive and intense, and it requires numbing agents to keep the patent comfortable. Deep cleaning for gingivitis is done in a single sitting or appointment, whereas periodontitis requires several appointments and anaesthetics depending on how severe the infection is.
Tooth scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth’s surface and the gum pockets underneath the gum line, which are formed due to gum infections. It helps remove bacteria and reduce gum inflammations. On the other hand, root planing involves smoothing the tooth’s root so that the tooth can reattach to the gum and eliminate gum pockets that harbour bacteria.
3. Periodontal cleaning
Periodontal cleaning is another type of tooth cleaning that focuses on removing tartar and plaque. This kind of cleaning is tailor-made according to every patient’s needs to treat gum diseases. The difference between periodontal cleaning and scaling is that whereas scaling (deep cleaning) is done to prevent gum diseases, periodontal cleaning is done to treat gum diseases. Periodontal cleaning is therefore done on more occasions than deep cleaning. That is because gum diseases develop slowly and need to be treated before they fully develop.
4. Gross debridement
Gross debridement cleaning is the most thorough of all tooth cleaning methods. It is carried out on individuals who have not seen a dentist for a long time and those who have neglected their oral health. It can be said to be cleaning extreme tartar from the surface of the teeth. To loosen this tartar, the hygienist or dentist will use special electrical tools. Once the tartar loosens, a routine cleaning (prophylaxis) is carried out.
The Process of Teeth Cleaning
Once you book teeth cleaning appointment, the following is what you should expect:
1. Oral Examination
The first step when you sit on the dentist’s hair is for the dental hygienist to have a physical look at your mouth, teeth, and gums. The hygienist will use a small mirror to examine the inside of the mouth. If they observe any issues or problems, they will notify the dentist, who will, in turn, have a look to determine how severe the problems are and if they need any immediate attention. In case of any severe issues, the dentist may opt to stop the cleaning first to investigate the problems.
The investigations may include dental x-rays depending on the damage spotted. After the dentist is satisfied with the results of any investigations carried out, you will now proceed to the next step, plaque and tartar removal.
2. Removing plaque and tartar
Plaque and tartar removal is the next stage in teeth cleaning. Regular brushing of teeth at home may remove some plaque, but it is ineffective against plaque hidden between the teeth. According to experts at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic Kenya, a dental hygienist will use a unique instrument called a scaler to remove tartar from places that a toothbrush will not reach. The hygienist can see the whole mouth, and therefore, they are better placed to scrub those hidden areas of the teeth, especially between teeth.
3. Teeth polishing
The next step is to polish your teeth. Teeth polishing can, to some extent, be called teeth whitening. The dental hygienist will use a gritty tooth polish and an electric brush to bring shine to your teeth. The tooth polish is available in many flavours, and you will be able to select your favourite. Many people may be afraid of this stage because of the whirring of the electric toothbrush. But the process is harmless, and other is no pain involved. But for children, you may need to appease them to feel free with the exercise.
4. Teeth flossing
Teeth flossing is the other step involved in teeth cleaning. The dental hygienist will use a potent flossing agent to remove any plaque hidden between the teeth. This is a crucial step since any plaque left will become the beginning of a new tooth decaying process. Flossing will also help the hygienist know the part of the gums that are bleeding.
5. Mouth rinsing
The dental hygienist will then ask you to rinse your mouth. This is achieved by using water and swishing it around the mouth and then spitting the residue. This is to get rid of any tooth polish that may be left in your mouth.
6. Final check-up
The final step in teeth cleaning is a check-up by a dentist. Once the dental hygienist has finished professionally cleaning your teeth, you will be handed over to a dentist who will assess the whole exercise and ensure that it has been done well. The dentist will also check for any after-cleaning effects like gum bleeding. If the dentist is satisfied with the process, you will be required to book the next appointment for teeth cleaning, and then you will be released.
Advantages of Teeth Cleaning
The following have been sighted as the top benefits of regular professional teeth cleaning:
1. Stopping the advancement of gum diseases
Since it has been established that gum diseases like gingivitis advance in stages, thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums will disrupt the advancement process. Teeth cleaning will also reduce the chances of future diseases and infections attacking your gums and teeth since it will remove all the disease-causing bacteria from the gum pockets.
2. Helps in gum healing
Deep teeth cleaning will remove any bacteria from the gums, leaving them healthier and promoting their healing if diseases have infected them.
3. Stops plaque and tartar build-up
Teeth cleaning will remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth. Since the space between the gums and teeth is significantly reduced by deep teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar will have no build-up places, and hence their presence will be reduced considerably.
4. Protecting the teeth’s roots
Deep teeth cleaning will remove any plaque and tartar from the gum line, which will help prevent the roots from being infected. That will strengthen the roots and prevent them from loosening, leading to loss of teeth.
5. Prevents loss of teeth
Since dental cleaning helps prevent gum diseases, it is also a way to prevent future teeth loss. Gingivitis has been known to be the number one cause of teeth loss in adults. Cleaning your teeth will prevent any gingivitis attack, which means your teeth will be safe.
6. Fights bad breath
Deep cleaning is also the most effective way to fight breath. Many people will still experience bad breath even after brushing their teeth. Many experts have associated this phenomenon with tartar build-up in the teeth. Therefore, deep teeth cleaning will eliminate any tartar from the teeth and eliminate bad breath, leaving you with a confident smile.
Disadvantages of Teeth Cleaning
According to dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic in Nairobi, Kenya, the following are the shortcomings of deep teeth cleaning:
1. Gum pains
After a deep tooth cleaning exercise, the gums may bleed for some time, depending on the intensity of the exercise. This will lead to some pain in the gums, making it necessary for the patient to be careful and gentle when brushing their teeth for a week or two.
2. Increased tooth sensitivity
Scaling and root planing involve scrubbing the enamel to eliminate tartar. That may increase tooth sensitivity in some people, with the discomfort expected to disappear within five days. If the pain lasts more than a week, you are advised to consult your dentist.
3. Risk of nerve damage
In sporadic cases, deep teeth cleaning has been known to tamper with the nerve endings found in the teeth. That will lead to signals to the brain from the affected tooth being stopped. It is important to note that this rare occurrence happens to people with other immune-deficiency conditions. You should disclose all your medical conditions to the dentist before the exercise.
FAQs About Teeth Cleaning
Is tooth cleaning painful?
People ask if a tooth cleaning exercise is painful. The answer is NO. For deep dental cleaning, which might be painful to the patient, the dental hygienist will use numbing agents for the duration of the exercise. That eliminates any pain involved, and the patient will not feel anything.
What is the difference between regular and deep cleaning?
There are those who wonder if there is a difference between regular and deep teeth cleaning. Regular cleaning will involve a little scaling and polishing of the teeth. It is meant for maintenance purposes and those with no known dental issues. On the other hand, deep cleaning involves intense scaling and root planing. It is intended for those with existing teeth and gum diseases. The dental hygienist also uses numbing agents during a deep cleaning as the process can be a little painful for the patient.
How often should teeth be cleaned?
Some ask how often they should have their teeth cleaned. The ADA recommends that healthy adults who have no existing dental diseases have routine teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) once a year. Those with pre-existing periodontal diseases can have their teeth cleaned as often as the dentist advises. For children below the age of sixteen years, dentists recommend teeth cleaning exercises at least twice a year because of their rapidly developing dental formulae.
How much is the cost of teeth cleaning?
Some people will ask about the cost of teeth cleaning. According to the Finance Department at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic Kenya, teeth cleaning costs between Kshs. 7,500 and Kshs. 20,000 depending on the type and intensity of the exercise. However, some insurance schemes will cover the cost of a dental cleaning, so you are advised to check with your insurer if the costs of dental cleaning are covered in the insurance cover.
How long does a teeth cleaning exercise take?
Some will ask how long it will take for teeth cleaning appointment. Dentists estimate that a routine dental cleaning exercise will take between 30 minutes and one hour, while a deep cleaning appointment will take several hours, depending on the intensity of the cleaning required.
Are there home dental cleaning options?
Many will want to know if there are options for cleaning their teeth at home. The answer is YES. Although many dentists will not recommend such methods due to the risks involved, there are home remedies that can clean your teeth. A mixture of baking soda and salt, gently scrubbed on the teeth using a toothbrush, is said to be able to clean your teeth, albeit not effectively. Dentists don’t recommend home cleaning remedies because you will not be thorough at home, and some plaque and tartar will be left on some parts of your teeth and gums. For those with dental diseases like gingivitis, you will not be able to know the extent of their damage without professional help.
Final Thoughts
Teeth cleaning is an essential exercise for the maintenance of good oral health. Depending on the extent of plaque and tartar in your teeth and whether or not you have teeth and gum diseases, the dentist will recommend a routine or a deep dental cleaning. Dental hygienists will use numbing agents during deep cleaning since there is a little pain for the patient. A healthy adult will need a dental cleaning at least once every year, while children need their teeth cleaned at least twice a year.
For the best dental services in Kenya, book an appointment with the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, and all your dental issues will be quickly and professionally solved. Hopefully, this article will help you plan your next appointment for a dental cleaning exercise.