Regular professional cleans are key for maintaining your oral health
We recommend that our patients come in for a professional clean & fluoride application every six months for optimum oral health. What many people don’t realise is that even with a high level of dedication to oral hygiene at home, regular professional cleans are still incredibly important. The soft-bristled tooth brush that you use to brush your teeth at home is designed to remove soft debris (plaque) from your teeth, but it can’t do anything about tartar. Tartar is a hard, calcified build-up caused by small amounts of plaque being left on the teeth. Saliva sticks to the plaque and over time the minerals in the saliva build up and harden. If allowed to build up without being removed, tartar can cause decay and periodontal gum disease. The specialised instruments used during your professional clean are designed specifically for the removal of tartar.
Knowing exactly what is going on during the process of a professional clean can help ease your stress and allow you to enjoy the overall process. You will firstly undergo a physical exam, where your teeth and gums will be assessed for any signs of gingivitis or other concerns. Plaque and tartar will then be removed from your teeth with a scaler, before a gritty toothpaste is applied to your teeth and a high-powered electric toothbrush is used to deep clean your teeth. You will then undergo flossing, before you rinse and have fluoride applied to your teeth.
Your professional clean can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the state of your oral health.
Fluoride is used as a protectant for your teeth to help fight against the threat of cavities for several months.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us today!