Teeth Cleaning

My mouth feels fine. Are teeth cleanings really necessary?

Yes. The Rainier Dental team recommends that everyone undergo a professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Common oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease, develop slowly and present few obvious symptoms. Routine checkups and cleanings at Rainier Dental alert you to potential issues and keep them from worsening. 

What do professional teeth cleanings involve?

Professional teeth cleanings at Rainier Dental involve a multi-step process, including:

Step one: An oral exam

Your Rainier Dental provider completes an oral exam before cleaning your teeth. They look at your teeth, gums, tongue, the roof, and the floor of your mouth for potential problems like cavities, gum disease, and abnormal growths. 

Step two: Removal of plaque and tartar

Your Rainier Dental provider uses a handheld tool called a scaler to carefully remove plaque –– a mixture of saliva, food particles, and bacteria –– from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. You might hear some scraping during this part of the teeth cleaning, but it isn’t painful. 

Step three: Cleaning with gritty toothpaste

After removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, your provider polishes your teeth with gritty toothpaste. The toothpaste’s rough texture lets your provider eliminate stains and any remaining buildup.

Step four: Professional flossing

Your Rainier Dental provider flosses your teeth to remove any remaining food particles and plaque between them. Flossing also massages your gums, making them less susceptible to periodontal disease. 

Step five: Fluoride treatment (if needed)

The Rainier Dental team might recommend fluoride treatment if you have a history of cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element added to tap water. It strengthens and supports your tooth enamel, making it less likely to decay. 

Is there any way to relieve anxiety during professional teeth cleaning?

Let the Rainier Dental team know if you have dental anxiety or sensitive teeth. They can administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) before treatment, ensuring a comfortable teeth-cleaning experience. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you can drive home as soon as your appointment finishes.

How do I care for my teeth between cleanings?

The Rainier Dental team recommends practicing good oral hygiene between professional teeth cleanings. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and avoid bad habits like nail biting and chewing on ice cubes. 

Call the nearest Rainier Dental office today to schedule professional teeth cleaning, or book your appointment online.