For many people, the process of teeth cleaning is shrouded in mystique and evokes uncomfortable emotions. Knowing exactly what happens during the teeth cleaning process helps to ease such fears and promote better dental hygiene.

1. Oral Examination

• First, the dentist visually inspects your mouth’s current state. Using a mirror, they check for any issues of concern. Some signs the dentist will look for to ascertain the presence of any dental problems will include:
• Patches, lumps, or sores: The presence of any of these symptoms might indicate a possibility of oral cancer. The dentist will pulsate them to assess any degree of tenderness.
• Cavities: The tooth cavity is the first and most common issue most dentists look for. Soft areas in teeth (identified using a probe) are the classic indicator of a possible cavity.
• Visual pointers of bite problems: Any problems with your jaw or bite manifest themselves in specific physical indicators. The dentist will look for any sign of damage from grinding your teeth. They will also test to make sure your bite pattern aligns correctly.
• Poor gum spacing: Another common issue is gum disease. The space between your teeth and gum shows whether periodontal disease is present or not.

2. Scaling

• Plaque forms in your mouth, and brushing and flossing regularly help eliminate it. When plaque sits for a long time; it hardens and forms tartar. The latter is only removable by dental scaling.
• The dentist will use a scaler to scrape tartar off. When a manual scaler is used, you may hear sounds indicating scraping, but that should not alarm you. The dentist can also opt to use an electronic type called an ultrasound scaler. It creates soft vibrations that cause tartar to break up. Water then washes it off.

3. Scrubbing and Polishing

• After scaling removes the tartar, the dentist will use a powerful electric brush and abrasive toothpaste to smooth out your teeth, eliminate any lingering tartar, and remove minor enamel stains as well. Smooth teeth attract fewer oral bacteria and less plaque. Note that abrasive polishing isn’t recommended for daily home use as it will wear the enamel out.

4. Fluoride Treatment

• The dentist, most times, will finish off with a fluoride treatment. It helps combat bacteria for several months post-cleaning. They will put a mouthpiece filled with fluoride gel or paste on your teeth for 60 seconds. Alternatively, they can paint fluoride varnish over your teeth, which will become hard when it reacts to saliva.