What Do Dentists Use to Clean Teeth? A Comprehensive Guide to Professional Dental Cleaning
Maintaining optimal oral health requires regular professional cleanings alongside diligent home care. But what exactly do dentists use to clean your teeth? It's more than just a quick brush! This comprehensive guide will delve into the tools and techniques dentists employ to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning.
The Essential Tools of the Trade
Dentists utilize a variety of instruments to provide a superior clean compared to what you can achieve at home. These tools are specifically designed to reach all areas of your mouth and remove plaque and tartar effectively.
1. Scalers and Curettes:
These specialized instruments are the workhorses of professional dental cleaning. Scalers are used to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth surfaces. Curettes are designed to reach below the gumline, cleaning the root surfaces and helping to prevent periodontal disease. Different types of scalers and curettes exist, catering to various tooth surfaces and accessibility needs. Some are ultrasonic, meaning they use vibrations to break up and remove calculus, while others are hand-held and require more manual dexterity.
2. Ultrasonic Scalers:
These high-frequency devices utilize vibrations to break up and remove tartar more efficiently than manual instruments. The vibrations also create cavitation, which helps disrupt bacterial colonies. While effective, they can generate some noise and vibrations that may feel slightly uncomfortable to some patients.
3. Polishing Tools:
After scaling and removing tartar, dentists use polishing tools and paste to smooth the tooth surfaces. This helps to remove any remaining stains and leave teeth feeling smooth and clean. These tools can be rubber cups, bristle brushes, or specialized polishing points.
4. Air Polishers:
Air polishers use a stream of pressurized air mixed with a fine abrasive powder to remove surface stains and plaque. This technique is gentle yet effective and can be particularly useful for removing coffee or tea stains.
5. Dental Mirrors and Explorers:
These are essential diagnostic tools used to examine the teeth and gums thoroughly. Mirrors allow the dentist to see hard-to-reach areas, and explorers are used to detect any irregularities or decay on the tooth surfaces.
Addressing Common Questions
Now let's address some frequently asked questions surrounding professional dental cleanings:
What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, extends below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces. This procedure is necessary for individuals with periodontal disease or significant gum inflammation.
Do dentists use bleach to whiten teeth during a cleaning?
While some dentists may offer in-office whitening treatments, these are separate procedures from routine cleanings. Cleanings primarily focus on removing plaque, tartar, and stains, not on chemically altering the tooth color. The polishing aspect of a cleaning may remove some surface stains, improving the brightness of your teeth, but it doesn’t provide the dramatic whitening of a bleaching treatment.
How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?
The American Dental Association recommends professional dental cleanings at least twice a year, or more frequently if advised by your dentist based on your individual needs and risk factors.
Does it hurt to get my teeth professionally cleaned?
Most people find professional cleanings to be comfortable. Some minor discomfort or sensitivity may occur, particularly during scaling, but this is typically temporary and easily managed. Your dentist will use local anesthetic if needed, especially for deep cleanings.
What should I do to prepare for a dental cleaning?
Before your appointment, be sure to inform your dentist about any medications you are taking or any health concerns you may have. Brushing and flossing thoroughly before your appointment is also recommended.
By understanding the tools and techniques used in professional dental cleanings, you can better appreciate the importance of regular visits to maintain optimal oral health. Remember to communicate with your dentist about any concerns or questions you may have to ensure a comfortable and effective experience.
