A Short Overview of Professional Teeth Cleaning: Insights from a Harwood Heights Dentist
Even if you are the most disciplined ‘brusher’ and ‘flosser,’ you are still going to have a pretty tough time keeping plaque at bay. Sure, regular brushing and flossing can go a long way when it comes to reducing plaque build-up on your teeth, but can it keep them completely free of it? Not really.
In addition to maintaining the best oral hygiene practices at home, you should consider getting your teeth professionally cleaned to ensure they stay sparkling white and in good shape. Without further ado, here is everything you’ll need to know about having your teeth cleaned by your Harwood Heights dentist:
Why should you think about professional teeth cleaning?
The initial yellow stains you notice on your teeth are the first signs of plaque, which is caused by food particles that are left behind as you eat. If not brushed away properly, plaque can lead to tartar. Over time, the increasing levels of plaque react with the saliva in your mouth to form tartar. All you need to do to halt its progression is brush and floss thoroughly after every meal.
Once tartar takes hold, it is a small step to gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Even this can be treated, to a large extent, without much discomfort or pain by a dentist. However, if you leave gingivitis untreated, it can soon lead to periodontal disease, which is something you do not want to deal with.
Periodontal disease can cause loss of bone that supports your teeth, and subsequently, the loss of the tooth itself. Your oral health is in your hands! If you practice good dental hygiene and keep a close watch on your teeth, you will most likely only need a professional cleaning twice a year.
What does a professional teeth cleaning appointment involve?
Teeth cleaning procedures have made huge strides in the past few years, and the procedure can typically be completed comfortably in one sitting. You will find ultrasonic equipment used in most dental offices, which expedites the teeth cleaning process and does a more effective job than most manually operated instruments. It not only cleans your teeth, but also the areas between the teeth and below your gum line.
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning equipment, as the name implies, produce very gentle ultrasonic vibrations at high speed. You won’t need a local anaesthetic, as it is a painless procedure. However, if there is some level of gum damage, then your dentist may give you a shot to numb the area.
After the initial dental cleaning, a rotary toothbrush and a gritty type of toothpaste is used to remove the plaque that may still remain. To prevent any future plaque build-up, it also polishes the outer teeth thoroughly. Lastly, your dentist will floss between the teeth to remove any hard-to-reach plaque.
Upon the completion of the teeth cleaning process, you will be able to see immediate results. There are no side-effects to getting your teeth cleaned. The only thing that could happen is the loosening of your crowns or fillings, which is rare. And besides, the only reason that could happen is if your fillings are already weak.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Harwood Heights, Illinois?
If you live in Harwood Heights, Illinois and would like to discuss your professional teeth cleaning options with a trusted local dentist, then Dr. Gordon J. Ziols is here to help.
We would love to have you join our practice! Contact our Harwood Heights dental office at (773) 763-1000 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations.