Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall wellness, and tooth cleaning is one of the most common dental care practices. To minimize tooth decay and gum disease, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are usually recommended for little ones, teens, adults, and older patients. Many people, however, are concerned about whether dental cleaning truly removes cavities.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the teeth cleaning procedure and how it relates to cavities in order to uncover the truth about this common dental treatment. Should you have any other questions afterward, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dentist nearby.
Understanding Tooth Decay
Cavities, or dental decay, develop when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, resulting in cavities or fissures. When a cavity develops, a dentist has to address it with fillings or, in extreme cases, root canals.
The Role of Teeth Cleaning
A dental hygienist cleans teeth as part of a preventive dental practice called dental prophylaxis. During an in-office teeth cleaning, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of, and between, the teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing, whereas plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that has amalgamated on one’s smile.
The Process of Teeth Cleaning
You’ll be greeted and shown to a dental chair at the beginning of your session. A dental hygienist will make sure you’re comfortable before getting started. Although the hygienist is the one who conducts the majority of the treatment, your dentist will come see you frequently to supervise things and ensure you’re being looked after.
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Scaling
The dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. Scaling is an important part of avoiding gum disease and tooth decay.
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Polishing
After scaling, the hygienist polishes the teeth with gritty toothpaste and an electric device. Polishing removes surface stains as well as smoothing and cleaning the teeth.
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Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments can be employed to create tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay in some cases.
Can Teeth Cleaning Remove Cavities?
Let us now address the main question: Can dental cleaning remove cavities? The basic answer is no. Dental cleanings are primarily aimed at preventing cavities and are not intended to remove existing cavities. A cavity cannot be addressed or eliminated without the help of a dentist.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind: routine dental cleaning can help detect cavities in their early stages. During your dental check-up, our dentist or hygienist will carefully inspect your teeth, looking for signs of cavities or other dental problems. Early cavity detection enables for timely intervention, which may involve removing the decaying area and placing a dental filling.
Preventing Cavities through Teeth Cleaning
While dental brushing cannot completely eliminate cavities, it can help to prevent them. This is how it’s done:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: By removing plaque and tartar, dental cleanings assist in minimizing the harmful microorganisms that cause cavities.
- Education: During your dental visit, our hygienist or dentist can advise you on good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing techniques and dietary recommendations, all of which are important for cavity prevention.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride applications during dental cleanings reinforce your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and cavity formation.
Cavity Treatment
When a dentist discovers a cavity during an examination, they will recommend different options for treatment based on the severity of the cavity. Cavity treatments commonly used include:
- Dental Fillings – Dentists commonly utilize composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain dental fillings to treat damaged teeth with small to moderate cavities.
- Dental Crowns – In cases of serious decay or weakened teeth, a dental crown may be necessary to cover and protect the tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy – When a cavity reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal operation may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
- Tooth Extraction – A tooth may need to be pulled in severe circumstances where it cannot be saved.
In summary, while teeth cleaning is an important aspect of maintaining excellent oral health, it cannot eradicate existing cavities. If you suspect you have a cavity or are suffering tooth discomfort, you should arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are essential for maintaining your tooth health and preventing further damage. Remember that regular dental checkups, consistent oral hygiene routine and same-day teeth cleaning are your best lines of defence against cavities and other dental problems.
Prevent Cavities with Professional Teeth Cleaning at Abba Dental
Our expert dentist in Yaletown is here to assist you with lowering the risk of tooth decay. Don’t wait until cavities form and you require more advanced treatment; schedule your routine teeth cleaning appointment today to keep your smile healthy, functional, and beautiful.
Contact our wonderful team and take the necessary steps to protect your teeth and maintain a radiant smile. We look forward to working with you very soon!