These appointments help set the tone for your entire oral healthcare plan, from what dental services you may need in the future to oral hygiene tips you should be practicing at home.

Dental Hygiene Cleaning: Keeping Your Teeth Clean and Gums Happy

Dental cleanings are one of the most important things that we do at Abra Dental (formerly ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles)! These appointments help set the tone for your entire oral healthcare plan, from what dental services you may need in the future to oral hygiene tips you should be practicing at home. We can tell a lot about your oral health from the moment you open your mouth and say, “ahh.”

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Physical Examination

Every dental cleaning appointment begins with a physical examination. One of Abra Dental’s dental hygienists will use their dental hygiene training to walk each patient or child through the entire process so everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy their appointment. Before the actual cleaning process begins, we will start with a physical examination of the entire mouth.

We use a small mirror to check the teeth and gums for any physical signs of gum disease or other potential concerns. If they notice anything of interest, they may inform your dentist, since this exam is part of preventive care, to ensure it is safe to proceed with the cleaning.

Remove Plaque and Tartar During Dental Cleaning

Using the same small mirror to guide them, your dental hygienist will begin the main procedures your dental cleaning includes: scaling and polishing each tooth as needed. This process focuses on tartar removal and the removal of plaque and tartar around the gum line and between the teeth. You may hear scraping, which can be scary to some children, but the process itself should not hurt. We do our best to distract children during the entire cleaning process to keep them from being uncomfortable.

The more tartar buildup that is present in your mouth, the longer this process will take. We recommend following Abra Dental oral hygiene instructions to help prevent cavities and maintain healthy teeth and gums healthy.

Toothpaste Cleaning and Polishing

After removing all the tartar from your teeth, your hygienist will brush them with a high-powered electric toothbrush as part of the teeth cleaning, since home brushing alone cannot polish away everything left after scaling. Again, this tool may sound scary due to its grinding noise, but the process itself is painless. This step allows us to polish each tooth and remove any plaque or bacteria that may remain after scaling.

Many patients enjoy this step because the toothpaste has a similar smell and taste to regular toothpaste used at home. The difference is that our toothpaste has a gritty consistency that gently scrubs the teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, you may notice mild short-term sensitivity afterward, but it usually fades quickly. As part of a professional teeth cleaning, this gritty toothpaste is completely safe. However, it is important that you do not brush too rough at home during regular cleanings, since gentle care helps maintain results but professional cleanings are still needed.

Professional Flossing

Professional flossing doesn’t replace flossing regularly at home. Your dental hygienist will floss deep between the teeth to remove any stuck food or debris, and flossing at home supports regular teeth cleanings by helping keep teeth and gums healthy between visits. Most patients experience bleeding during this process because they skip flossing at home. However, your hygienist will be extremely gentle and will provide you with the education you need to make flossing daily a part of your oral care routine.

Rinsing

Usually a short step in the dental cleaning process, rinsing helps complete the first few steps by quickly washing away any debris that remains.

Fluoride Treatment

The final step of the dental cleaning process is a fluoride treatment, which is designed to protect your teeth, fight against cavities, and add benefits as part of regular dental cleanings. Our fluoride treatments are foamy and will be inserted into a mouthpiece that you’ll wear over your teeth for just one minute. Afterward, wait to eat or drink until you feel comfortable, especially after a deep cleaning if your dentist gives you those instructions.

How Often Should I Schedule a Dental Cleaning?

Most dentists recommend scheduling teeth cleanings twice a year for both children and adults, and dentists recommend regular dental cleanings as part of regular dental care that supports oral health and overall health. There are a few reasons some patients may need more frequent cleanings or frequent cleanings, including a higher risk for gum problems such as periodontal disease. X-rays are usually only scheduled once per year and can be completed during one of our cleanings as part of regular dental visits.

The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit should occur around 12 months old. The earlier we can detect and fix problems while encouraging healthy habits, the better the preventive care benefits and long-term health success your child will have for a healthy smile. Please contact Abra Dental to schedule an appointment or ask questions.