Teeth Cleaning
Teeth Cleaning in Toronto
With teeth cleaning, we, at WestClair Dental can easily help you achieve a healthy and bright smile. Maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental diseases start at home such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and eating a balanced diet. Additionally, regular dental checkups also help take care of your teeth.
With professional teeth cleaning and X-rays, your dentist can further evaluate and improve your oral health. Sealants and fluoride also contribute to healthy teeth and gums.
Teeth Cleaning & Prevention Procedures
Dental Exams
A complete dental check-up will be performed during the first visit to your dentist and with regular check-ups, the following procedures will be carried:
- X-rays (Radiographs) – They are required to identify tooth and root positions and also, to detect decay, tumours, cysts and bone loss.
- Oral Cancer Screening – Observe your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any symptoms of oral cancer.
- Gum Disease Evaluation – Check for any signs of periodontal disease by evaluating your gums and bones around the teeth.
- Examining Tooth Decay – With our technologically updated dental equipment, all tooth surfaces will be checked for decay (cavities)
- Examining Existing Restorations – Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Dental Cleaning
All of our dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are performed by registered dentists and your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Tartar Removal – A hardened plaque that is there on the tooth for a long time and is now attached to the tooth surface is called Tartar or Calculus. It can only be removed by special dental equipment as it is formed below and above the gum line.
- Plaque Removal – An invisible and sticky film on your teeth is called Plaque, which lets the live bacteria grow inside, leading to inflammation. The inflammation can cause periodontal diseases, if not treated on time.
- Teeth Polishing – Polishing includes getting rid of the stains and plaque which are not removed during brushing and scaling.
Dental X-rays
Dental Radiographs are important diagnostic tools that detect issues/diseases which are not identified during a regular dental check-up. The dental clinic will further assess the outcomes to identify dental damages and then form an appropriate treatment plan. The problem areas may go unidentified without x-rays.
Digital X-rays may find:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours
- Decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Getting diagnosed and being treated for dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, discomfort, and your teeth!
How safe are digital X-rays?
You don’t have to worry about the radiation coming from digital X-rays. The radiation that emits from a digital X-ray machine from a full mouth series of X-rays is not more than a single day of radiation we receive from natural sources.
They generate a low level of radiation and are safe too. Our dental clinic takes complete care of our patients to limit their exposure to radiation while taking digital X-rays. Using lead apron shields for the protection of the body and using modern, fast film can limit the exposure time of each X-ray.
When do I get an X-ray?
During a regular dental check-up, your dentist may suggest digital X-rays depending on your previous dental history or your dental health needs. They will review your history, signs, symptoms, age, and other risks before suggesting a digital X-ray.
When you go for a full mouth X-ray as a new patient, these tests are good for three to five years, whereas, bite-wing X-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) can be done at periodic visits or as recommended by your dentist to detect dental problems.
Home Care
A healthy, confident and beautiful smile is our primary objective when treating patients and to achieve this you have to start at your home. Reducing sugary foods, eating a balanced diet and appropriate usage of the dental kits will control the formation of plaque and bacteria that can cause dental disease.
Tooth Brushing:
Always use a CDA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Brushing at least twice a day (in the morning, and especially before going to bed) is recommended.
- A small circular motion is recommended while brushing with the placement of 45-degree angle to the gums, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
- You should always brush all the surfaces of each tooth (inner, outer and biting surfaces).
- The tip of your brush should be used to clean the inside of the front teeth.
- Brush your tongue to get rid of the bacteria and to have fresher breath.
- To remove plaque efficiently, you can also buy electric toothbrushes as using them is an easy task. Just place the bristles on your gums and teeth and it will work on its own.
Flossing
It is one of the most efficient ways to clean between your teeth and under the gum line. Flossing will also stop plaque build-up, saving your gums, bones, and teeth from diseases. Here’s how you should use floss:
- 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss should be taken and wrapped around the middle fingers, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) of floss between your hands.
- Guide the floss by using your thumbs and forefingers, gently inserting it between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Then, the floss should be covered into a “C” shape around your teeth and under the gumline. Carefully move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
- If you have difficulty using conventional floss you can try Floss holders.
Rinsing
Rinsing your mouth after meals and brushing, is an important aspect of good oral health. You can also use over the counter products for rinsing after consulting it with your dentist.
Always use your dentist recommended products such as brushes, tongue cleaners, fluoride, medicated rinses, rubber tip stimulators, irrigation devices, etc.