Having your teeth professionally cleaned is about more than a bright & shiny smile. Getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist on a regular basis may be the most important way we help you prevent oral health problems. A professional clean at atristry dental is the only way to remove the stuck-on plaque & tartar that is left behind even after you brush. In addition to flossing & brushing two times a day (for two whole minutes), visiting us at least twice a year for your teeth clean helps us catch & prevent common tooth problems, such as tooth decay (cavities) & gum disease. A teeth clean is part of a routine preventive visit to our practice. Our trained dental hygienist will remove tartar & plaque from your teeth by scraping them gently with a hand scaler or using an ultrasonic scaler. Next, we will use a special polisher & paste to remove stains & smooth the surfaces of your teeth. The polisher uses a small rubber cup that spins as it applies a mildly abrasive paste that is similar to regular toothpaste but a little thicker. As a final step, we will floss your teeth using standard dental floss to remove any polishing paste that may be left behind. Once your teeth are nice & clean, we’ll typically move on to an examination, in which we’ll look at your teeth, gums, tongue & the rest of your mouth.
At your clean appointment, we can also give you tips on your at-home oral care routine, your diet & anything about your smile that you may be concerned or have questions about.