What to Expect During a Professional Dental Cleaning

Initial Examination and Assessment

Before any cleaning actually starts, your hygienist or dentist will take a good look around your mouth. They use a tiny mirror to check out the back of your teeth and the health of your gums. They check for signs of inflammation, decay, or shifting teeth.

This is a great time to mention if you have noticed any new sensitivity or if your gums have been bleeding when you brush. It helps them know which areas might need a lighter touch or a closer look.

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Once the exam is done, the main cleaning process begins. The hygienist uses a tool called a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar. Plaque is that soft, sticky stuff that grows every day, but tartar is basically plaque that has hardened into a rock-like substance.

You cannot brush tartar off at home. The hygienist will carefully scrape it away from the surface of each tooth, focusing heavily on the gumline and the tight spaces between your teeth. You might hear a little scraping sound, which is perfectly normal as they clear the path for healthier gums.

Polishing Your Teeth

After all the tartar is gone, your teeth get a deep polish. This part of the deep cleaning feels a bit like a high-powered tooth brushing session. They use a rotating electric brush and a gritty kind of toothpaste. 

This does two things: it buffs away surface stains from coffee or food, and it makes your enamel very smooth. A smoother tooth is actually harder for new bacteria to stick to.

Flossing and Rinsing

Even after all that work, the hygienist will do a final, deep floss between every single tooth. This catches any tiny bits of plaque or polishing paste that might be hiding out in the gaps. 

Finally, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial rinse to remove any remaining debris.

Fluoride Treatment

If you are prone to cavities, your dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment at the end. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay.

It usually involves a quick varnish or gel that stays on your teeth for a few minutes to soak in.

What to Expect After the Cleaning

Most people leave the office with their teeth feeling incredibly slick and clean. If you had a lot of buildup, your gums might feel slightly tender for a few hours, but that usually goes away by the next morning. 

Your mouth might even feel a bit roomier now that all that hard tartar is out of the way.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy at Home

The best way to make your cleaning last is to keep up the momentum at home. Brushing twice a day and flossing every night keeps that soft plaque from hardening into tartar again. 

If you stick to this and come in for a professional clean every six months, you are in great shape.