What is Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleaning is a non-surgical dental procedure that thoroughly cleans your teeth to remove plaque, stains, and tartar buildup. Dental plaque and tartar in particular can cause various complications if left to build up on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria, saliva, and food debris, which forms as bacteria break food down. Tartar is hardened, calcified plaque that cannot be removed except through dental cleaning.
Dental cleaning can reach areas that are usually difficult to clean using a toothbrush and floss, which helps to maintain your dental health. Routine sessions may help prevent long-term damage that could arise from the gradual accumulation of plaque, tartar, food debris, and other substances. With routine dental cleaning, you may decrease the risk of dental conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and halitosis (bad breath).
Types of Dental Cleaning
Prophylaxis (Scaling & Polishing)
This procedure is a routine, preventive cleaning to help maintain healthy teeth and gums and is the most common dental cleaning method. It primarily involves scaling and polishing: scaling focuses on removing plaque and tartar using manual tools or other dental equipment, while polishing gently removes residual stains to keep your teeth shiny, clean and smooth. While the procedure helps to clean your teeth, it may also clean the area close to the gum line to maintain your gum health as well.
Scaling & Root Planing
Also known as a deep dental cleaning, scaling and root planing is a thorough cleanse of your oral environment that reaches beneath your gum line and the teeth roots to remove plaque and tartar. It may also treat mild to moderate periodontitis (gum disease) and allow the gum to heal and reattach to the teeth (where applicable).
For this procedure, deep scaling targets the deep periodontal pockets in between the teeth and gums to remove tartar and reduce the bacterial count. Meanwhile, root planing smoothens your teeth roots to remove plaque and tartar buildup below your gum line to help the gums heal and reattach to the root surface.
Fluoride Treatment
This optional treatment uses a topical application of fluoride to your teeth after a dental cleaning. It requires careful application at the correct dosage to help strengthen the tooth enamel and allow it to better resist tooth decay. This process is done for individuals at high risk of dental cavities
Dental Cleaning Procedures
Initial Examination
A preliminary examination will assess your overall dental health to identify plaque or tartar on your teeth or gums.
Dental Cleaning
Once the examination is complete, the dentist will perform the dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup in your teeth and gums. They may also perform additional procedures to remove stubborn stains or buildup, ensuring your dental health is in check. The entire procedure is also gentle on your teeth and gums, minimising pain and discomfort.
Fluoride Treatment
If necessary, the dentist will perform a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth and improve their resistance to decay.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Your dentist will provide home care oral hygiene instructions after the procedure to maintain your dental health. Following these instructions can help to reduce the risk of dental complications in the future.
Follow-up Checks
You will need to attend 6 monthly regular check-ups with your dentist to monitor your dental health. These may also include follow-up dental cleaning sessions to maintain your dental health and prevent future dental complications.
Why Regular Dental Cleaning is Essential
Regular brushing and flossing your teeth is vital for your dental health; so is dental cleaning by a qualified dentist!
Tooth Decay Prevention
Over time, both plaque and tartar buildup can potentially increase the risk of tooth decay, as they can lead to increased cavities and other tooth-related complications. Regular dental cleaning ensures that this buildup is thoroughly removed to prevent these complications from worsening.
Protects Against Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar may also lead to gum disease due to their long-term adverse effects. Dental cleaning sessions, especially scaling and root planing, (for gum disease patients) remove accumulated bacteria, plaque, and tartar beneath the gum line to protect your gums from gradual damage that could impair your quality of life.
Long-term Preventive Care
With a regular dental cleaning schedule, you allow yourself to stay ahead of your dental care needs, minimising the risk of dental complications and maintaining your overall quality of life.
Improve Self-Esteem
Your self-esteem may be impacted if your teeth are stained or if you are suffering from bad breath due to plaque or tartar buildup. Regular dental cleaning helps to maintain your oral health and ensure your smile remains shiny, bright and unaffected by dental issues. This in turn boosts self esteem!
How Often Do You Need Dental Cleaning?
The frequency of dental cleaning sessions will vary from person to person based on their dental health requirements. A commonly suggested duration is once every four to six months, which equates to two or three visits per year. By doing so, you may reduce the risks of dental complications that arise from significant bacterial, plaque, or tartar buildup.
Cost of Dental Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings can help you save on additional dental procedures that may arise when you experience various dental conditions. Dental cleanings typically cost between SGD 100 and 250, depending on the type and extent of dental cleaning needed.
FAQs on Dental Cleaning at An Dental
1. Do senior citizens also require dental cleaning?
Yes, even senior citizens may opt for regular dental cleanings to maintain their oral health even in their later years. This regular schedule may help to maintain their quality of life, ensuring they can still enjoy their favourite food and drink while reducing the risk of dental complications with thorough dental cleanses.
2. Does dental cleaning hurt?
Dental cleaning is generally very comfortable. For deep cleaning sessions, topical or local anaesthesia may be provided to help with managing pain or discomfort you might feel when cleaning beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar deposits.
3. How long does dental cleaning take?
A single dental cleaning session may take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the type and the extent of dental cleaning you require.
4. Can I eat and drink after a dental cleaning?
Yes, you can. In general though, as a lifestyle choice, do avoid eating or drinking anything dark colored like that can leave stains on your teeth or gums. This includes coffee, tea, wine and blueberries. Do check with your dentist if you have any other questions!
