Teeth Cleaning
Healthy oral care
Regular teeth cleaning is an important part of keeping a healthy oral care plan. If your teeth aren’t cleaned regularly, bacteria can quickly build up and cause cavities, gum disease and a host of other complications which can quickly lead to needing fillings, root canals, and even teeth extractions.
Ashfield Dental Centre provides high quality, reliable dental care. We love helping our community keep their teeth clean and healthy and our highly experienced team are fully trained and equipped to help keep your mouth clean and disease-free.
What to expect at your appointment
Your professional teeth cleaning will usually happen at your six month check-up. Your dental hygienist will do the check-up exam first, and will let you know if you’ve developed any cavities, gum disease, or signs of other oral health conditions. They’ll start cleaning once they’re sure they’ve given you a complete check-up.
Your hygienist will start by scraping away tartar above and below your gumline with a small, metal tool. If you have large or thick deposits, they may use another tool to grind it away. They may also use an ultrasonic vibrator to help dislodge plaque.
Next, your hygienist will use floss (or another tool) to clean in between your teeth and gums. Once they’ve cleaned between all your teeth, they’ll use an abrasive paste (similar to toothpaste) to clean and polish your teeth. This makes your teeth feel smooth and shiny and also makes it a little harder for plaque to stick to your teeth. You’ll then get to rinse out your mouth with a liquid fluoride solution and your hygienist may apply a leave-on fluoride treatment. After that, you’re free to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular teeth cleaning is important as it removes plaque which can lead to tooth decay if not properly cleaned. It also helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease by removing tartar that can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, as well as bad breath by eliminating bacteria and food particles. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis also helps prevent more serious health issues linked to poor oral health.
We recommend getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, depending on your individual oral health needs, we might suggest more frequent cleanings, especially if you have a history of gum disease or other dental issues.
Professional Teeth Cleaning:
- Performed by one of Ashfield Dental Centre’s highly experienced dentists who utilise specialised tools and techniques to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums.
- Removes tartar (hardened plaque) which can only be removed through professional cleaning.
- Cleans areas that regular brushing and flossing might miss, such as hard-to-reach areas.
- Polishes your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface.
Regular Brushing at Home:
- Helps remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.
- Essential for preventing plaque build-up and maintaining oral hygiene between professional cleanings.
- May not be able to remove all plaque, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and cannot remove tartar.
During a professional teeth cleaning appointment with a dentist in Ashfield, you can expect:
- Physical Exam: One of our dentists will examine your mouth, checking for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues.
- Scaling: The dentist will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line.
- Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished with a gritty toothpaste to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface.
- Flossing: The dentist will floss your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or debris.
Fluoride Treatment: Sometimes, a fluoride treatment is applied to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Professional teeth cleaning is generally not painful, but some people might experience discomfort, especially if they have sensitive teeth or gum disease. The level of discomfort can vary based on factors like the amount of tartar build-up, the presence of gum inflammation, and individual pain tolerance. If you experience pain or sensitivity during your cleaning, let your dentist know. They can adjust their technique or apply a local anaesthetic to make you more comfortable.
Yes, teeth cleaning in Ashfield can help prevent gum disease. Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, which are primary contributors to gum disease. By maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums through regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices at home, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) and more advanced periodontal disease.
Fluoride treatments during teeth cleaning offer several benefits:
- Strengthens Enamel: Fluoride helps remineralise and strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
- Prevents Cavities: Regular fluoride treatments can reduce the risk of developing cavities, especially in children and individuals at higher risk for tooth decay.
- Reduces Sensitivity: Fluoride can help reduce tooth sensitivity by strengthening the enamel and protecting exposed dentin.
Overall Oral Health: Enhances overall oral health by providing an additional layer of protection against the acids produced by bacteria in plaque.
Yes, teeth cleaning can help detect other oral health issues. During a professional cleaning with a dentist at Ashfield Dental Centre, Sydney, the dentist will examine your mouth for signs of:
- Cavities: Early signs of tooth decay that may require further treatment.
- Gum Disease: Inflammation, bleeding, or pockets around the gums that indicate gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Oral Cancer: Unusual sores, lumps, or discolouration in the mouth that might be signs of oral cancer.
Other Dental Problems: Issues such as broken fillings, cracked teeth, or misaligned teeth that might require attention.
To maintain your oral health between professional teeth cleanings, follow these tips:
- Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth for at least two minutes either once or twice daily (preferably twice).
- Floss between your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and freshen your breath.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products, as they can contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and keep your mouth hydrated.
Keep up with your regular dental check-ups and cleanings every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
If you’re due for a professional teeth cleaning, schedule an appointment with the dentists at Ashfield Dental Centre, Sydney by using our online booking form or call us at (02) 9798 4111.