Kalista, Registered Dental Hygienist
What is proper dental hygiene?
Proper dental hygiene is the daily removal of plaque, food debris, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems while supporting your overall oral health.
A complete home care routine may include:
- Brushing with a manual or electric toothbrush
- Flossing between the teeth daily
- Using a water flosser, if recommended
- Following any additional oral hygiene recommendations from your dental team
What happens if someone is not practicing good dental hygiene?
Without consistent oral hygiene, plaque, bacteria, and food debris accumulate on the teeth and below the gum line. Over time, this buildup can lead to gum inflammation, known as gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that damages the bone supporting your teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss.
What does a dental hygienist do?
Dental hygienists do much more than clean teeth. They play an important role in helping patients prevent dental disease and maintain healthy smiles.
A dental hygienist may provide:
- Professional dental cleanings
- Dental X-rays
- Oral cancer screenings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Deep cleanings for patients with periodontal disease
- Personalized oral hygiene education and home care recommendations
What does a dental cleaning involve?
A routine dental cleaning typically includes several important preventive services. Depending on your needs, your appointment may include dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening, and an examination by the dentist.
During the cleaning, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar using specialized hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning devices. Afterward, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and remaining plaque before being flossed to remove any remaining debris between the teeth.
Is soreness during or after a cleaning normal?
Some patients experience mild soreness or tooth sensitivity during or after a dental cleaning, especially if there is inflammation or tartar buildup around the gums. This is generally temporary.
If you experience discomfort during your appointment, we have several options to help you stay comfortable, including topical numbing gels, local anesthetic, or other techniques based on your individual needs.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A routine dental cleaning typically takes about 60 minutes. Some appointments may be shorter if only minimal cleaning is needed, while others may require additional time depending on your oral health.
Patients requiring periodontal therapy or a deep cleaning often need longer appointments, which may last approximately two hours or be completed over multiple visits.
What is a deep cleaning and who needs one?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is recommended for patients with periodontal disease or significant tartar buildup beneath the gum line.
During this procedure, specialized instruments are used to remove hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gums. Treating periodontal disease helps reduce inflammation, protect the supporting bone around the teeth, and lower the risk of future tooth loss.
What should you do after a dental cleaning?
After a routine dental cleaning, continue brushing and flossing every day to maintain the results of your appointment.
If you receive a fluoride treatment, wait approximately 15 to 20 minutes before eating or drinking, depending on the type of fluoride that was applied.
After a deep cleaning, your home care instructions may include:
- Warm saltwater rinses
- Using a water flosser, if recommended
- Following any prescribed oral hygiene instructions
- Returning for recommended periodontal maintenance visits
Your dental team will review the appropriate aftercare instructions based on the type of cleaning you received.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at 315-474-1711 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!