Why do you need a dental cleaning? How long does a teeth cleaning take? What are the factors that may affect the time of the procedure? All of these questions are discussed below. Continue reading the article to understand why it is necessary to clean the teeth.
Why Do You Need to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Everyone has a massive number of bacteria in their mouths. Whenever permitted to stay, these bacteria will make a sticky element known as plaque literally within hours. If you let the plaque remain in your mouth, the acids in the plaque assault the dental enamel, causing a harmful cavity. In addition, if permitted to create down the tooth to the gumline and interact with the soft tissue, it will quickly cause an infection in the gums, known as gum disease.
The health enterprises significantly propose to brush your teeth two times a day and floss daily to stay aware of this plaque. However, there are difficult areas in the mouth that cannot reach by regular brushing and flossing alone. This is where professional dental cleaning enters.
How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?
Professional teeth cleaning for an individual with good oral health and keeps up great oral hygiene practice takes around 30 to 40 minutes. The time can differ, depending on the state of your oral health and the dentist’s or hygienist’s speed. Remember that more is included than simply cleaning and polishing your teeth when you get a dental cleaning. Regular professional teeth cleaning includes:
- Taking dental x-rays.
- Your dentist or hygienist will assess the space between your teeth and gums for indications of gum disease.
- They will also have to inspect your teeth, tongue, gums, and other oral cavities to guarantee they are healthy and disease-free.
The “additional items” are essential to help you keep up good dental hygiene. Also, they usually add more time to your dental appointment.
What Are the Factors You Need to Consider?
To have a definite answer to the question of how long does a teeth cleaning take? Let us see what’s influencing the time it takes for your dentist to clean your teeth. Common factors include:
The Condition of Your Teeth
A professional teeth cleaning eliminates plaque, tartar, and discolorations from your teeth. The measure of plaque and tartar accumulation is identified with how regularly you clean your teeth. The more you floss in the middle of your teeth, the fewer bacteria there will be. Discoloration can happen from regular eating and drinking. However, if you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker, smoke, or even chew tobacco, your teeth will have more stains.
Gum Disease
When the space or pocket between every tooth and the encompassing gum tissue is infected, the gum tissue will recede from your teeth. Therefore, deep periodontal pockets should be altogether professionally cleaned to treat gum disease. This cycle, scaling and root planing, is a more deep cleaning compared to typical dental cleaning and takes additional time. In instances of severe gum disease, a dentist o periodontist may be required.
Your Anxiety Level
It requires some investment and persistence to give dental services to anxious patients. Once your hygienist or dentist knows you are anxious, they will perform professional teeth cleaning at a slower pace to guarantee your comfort. Also, this is an excellent opportunity to take the time to clarify the dental procedure. Some dental experts do this regardless of a patient’s apprehension level. Sedation can also provide help to make dental cleaning simpler for you.
The Advantages of Having Your Teeth Cleaned
Once the dentist finished cleaning your mouth, your teeth will really look whiter and feel new and fresh. With the elimination of plaque, your breath will improve also. Although this is an excellent momentary advantage, the main goal is to maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease and other dental problems. It is much simpler to practice good dental care habits at home and regularly visit your dentist for a healthy and better smile.
References:
Three Types Of Bacteria In The Mouth And What They Do.
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/types-of-bacteria-in-the-mouth
Oral Health Tips.
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/tips.html
Treatment – Gum disease.
