Most people are aware of the dental problems caused if they do not keep their teeth clean like cavities and loss of teeth. Hence people usually will brush and floss their teeth regularly. However, experts still recommend that people go for teeth cleaning at the dentist periodically for a number of reasons.
Unlike dentists, people have limited tools and equipment for cleaning their teeth at home, so they cannot examine their teeth properly or clean the teeth and this may cause problems at a later date. So it is better to go to a dentist who has specialized equipment especially mirrors for cleaning the teeth properly.
Like other visits to a Digital Smiles dentist, it is advisable to brush the teeth before visiting the dentist for a cleaning. It is also better to eat something before the dental appointment since the dentist will sometimes tell the patient, not to eat for one hour or more after the cleaning is complete.
For cleaning, the dentist will first examine the teeth of the patient to check if there is any plaque, debris in the teeth. Then using specialized cleaning tools, the dentist will remove all the plaque or debris on the teeth and gums. In some cases, the dentist will also whiten the teeth and polish them.
Removing any debris or plaque on the teeth and gums allows the dentist to examine the teeth better. He will be able to detect cavities at the initial stage, cracks in the teeth, and gum problems like tartar.
He can then initiate corrective action to treat these dental problems before they can cause much damage. The decay of teeth is a gradual process, and if it is detected at the early stage, it is easier to fill the cavity and prevent further decay. Similarly, if the damage to the gums is detected, remedial measures can be taken to stop the gum damage which can lead to teeth loss.
There are some areas of the mouth, which a person cannot reach while brushing with conventional toothbrushes. This is a severe problem for those whose teeth are bent or not properly formed. It is also difficult to reach the rear teeth while brushing to clean them. The accumulated food particles can decay, resulting in bad breath.
This unpleasant smell can adversely affect the social and professional life of a person. When the dentist is cleaning the mouth, he has the tools to reach all parts of the mouth and can apply pressure to remove all the debris which is causing an unpleasant smell.
Perfect white teeth can create the right impression on people. Some food and drinks can cause stains on the teeth, disfiguring the teeth. During the cleaning, the dentist will use whitening materials available to remove the stains, for perfect teeth.
Many people already have some dental treatment to their teeth done, like cavity filling, root canal, dental caps or bridges. Since the teeth are used extensively, they will decay or get damaged over a period of time. During the cleaning, the dentist will usually check the condition of the existing dental fillings, and offer advice to the client.