Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Cleaning From Your Beddington Heights Team
Good oral hygiene goes beyond fresh breath and a bright smile. Regular dental cleanings help prevent issues like gum disease and tooth decay, while also contributing to better heart health, better blood sugar management, and reduced inflammation throughout the body.
Yet, for many people, a dental cleaning can bring up feelings of anxiety. The thought of unfamiliar noises, scraping, or minor jaw soreness can keep people from booking their appointments.
Knowing precisely what happens during the process can help you relax and enjoy the minty-fresh results. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect during a routine teeth cleaning at Dentists at Beddington Heights.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, is a routine procedure performed by a registered dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth.
Even if you brush and floss meticulously at home, there are hard-to-reach areas where plaque accumulates. Over time, saliva minerals cause this plaque to harden into tartar (calculus). Once tartar forms, it bonds to your enamel and can only be safely removed by a dental professional using specialized tools.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Cleaning
Our skilled and friendly Beddington Heights dental staff want you to feel entirely at ease. Here is the typical step-by-step process:
1. The Initial Oral Exam
Your teeth cleaning is led by a dental hygienist. Using a small dental mirror, they’ll examine your entire mouth, checking your teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation, deep pockets, or gum disease. If they spot any areas of concern, they’ll consult with our dentist to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)
Using a small instrument called a scaler, the hygienist gently removes tartar and plaque from between your teeth and around the gum line. You’ll hear and feel a physical scraping sound during this step—this is completely normal!
Tip: The more consistently you brush and floss at home, the less tartar there will be to remove, making this step much faster and more comfortable.
3. Gritty Toothpaste Polishing
Once your teeth are free of tartar, the hygienist will use a high-powered electric toothbrush and a special gritty toothpaste to polish them. It creates a distinct grinding noise, but it’s an incredibly effective way to eliminate any residual plaque or surface stains left behind by the scaler. You can even choose your favourite flavour!
4. Professional Flossing
Even if you floss daily at home, nothing beats a professional flossing session. Your hygienist can reach deep between the teeth to remove lingering paste or debris, while safely monitoring any problem spots where your gums might be prone to bleeding.
5. Rinsing and Yearly X-Rays
Next, you’ll rinse your mouth with water or a specialized rinse to remove any remaining debris. Depending on how long it’s been since your last visit, we may also take routine dental X-rays at this stage to check for hidden cavities beneath the surface or bone loss under the gumline.
6. Fluoride Treatment
To finish, a professional fluoride treatment is applied to protect your teeth and help fight off cavities for the coming months. This is typically painted onto your teeth with a small brush.
Benefits of Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleanings in Beddington Heights come with a number of benefits, including:
- Remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.
- Prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Save you money over the long run by preventing major dental issues.
Know Before You Go
While dental cleaning is extremely beneficial, if you haven’t been in for a teeth cleaning for a while, you may experience:
- Mild sensitivity after a cleaning
- Some gum irritation, including swelling or tenderness
While it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks of teeth cleanings, our team at Beddington Heights is committed to providing you with a comfortable experience so you feel confident returning for routine appointments.
Get the Care Your Mouth Wants: Visit the Dentist at Beddington Heights for Your Next Teeth Cleaning
Whether it’s been a while or far too long, the truth is, regular teeth cleanings in Beddington Heights, Calgary, are one of the simplest ways to protect your smile and avoid painful, costly problems down the road. At Dentists at Beddington Heights in Calgary, we’re here to make the process quick, comfortable, and stress-free.
Call the Dentists at Beddington Heights to book a dental cleaning for you and your family!
