Curious about your upcoming teeth cleaning? Consider it a checkup for your mouth.
If you’re a little anxious—or maybe just curious—about what to expect at your next teeth cleaning, you’re not alone! Many people stress about trips to their dentist, while others actually look forward to it. Getting your teeth cleaned can (and should!) be enjoyable, and even relaxing. Afterall, who doesn’t love that feeling when you leave your dentist’s office with a fresh, bright smile? I know I do!
That said, if you’re still curious, keep reading. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about your upcoming teeth cleaning.
Is getting your teeth cleaned regularly actually good for you?
Yes! Getting your teeth cleaned regularly is like going to the doctor for a health checkup—but specifically for your mouth. Your dentist will be able to spot any potential trouble spots and give you recommendations for keeping your mouth happy and healthy.
And keeping your oral health in check is important. That’s because having a healthy mouth affects your overall health and well-being. Afterall, the mouth is the entrypoint to your digestive and respiratory tracts. So, keeping it clean and healthy can ward off disease and infections, and help protect the rest of your body.
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
Ideally, you should schedule your appointments six months apart. Some patients may need to go more often than every six months, and some may be fine stretching that timeline out a little bit. But for the average person, a teeth cleaning every six months is a good rule of thumb!
How much does a teeth cleaning cost?
A teeth cleaning can cost anywhere between $75 to $400 (without insurance). If you do have dental insurance though, it will often cover two cleanings per year.
Another pro tip is to check and see if your work offers a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA can help you pay for qualified medical expenses and may be an option to help you cover dental bills.
What can you expect during your visit?
While every dentist is different, you can usually expect a similar experience.
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An exam—Most teeth cleanings are performed by a dental hygienist. Before they start cleaning your teeth though, they’ll use a small mirror to inspect your mouth and check for any concerns, like gingivitis.
- Removing plaque and tartar—Using a special mirror, the hygienist will go tooth by tooth, removing plaque and tartar buildup that can cause gum disease and bad breath.
- Polishing—After the tartar and plaque has been removed, your hygienist will then polish your teeth using a specialized electric toothbrush.
- Professional flossing—Nothing fancy here! After polishing your teeth, you can expect each of your teeth to be flossed.
- Rinsing—Once all the cleaning is done, your hygienist will use a special tool to rinse your teeth and remove any remaining tartar or plaque that may be loose in your mouth.
Most dentists will finish with a fluoride treatment as well. We recommend avoiding fluoride as a treatment, because it can have negative impacts on many aspects of your health, most notably your neurological health.
Your teeth cleaning should last between 30 minutes to one hour. The cleaning should be painless, however if you do feel uncomfortable at any point, just let your hygienist or dentist know. And after your cleaning, if there were any areas of concerns noticed, your dentist will discuss those, as well as treatment options, with you before you leave.
And, that’s a wrap! You’re now the proud owner of a fresh and sparkly new smile.
So, how can you maintain your clean mouth?
Here’s the thing: the biggest impact on maintaining your oral health is YOU. Keeping the good habits going after your cleaning is going to help keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Here are a few of my favorite natural tips for a clean mouth:
- Oil Pulling—oil pulling is a great way to get fresher breath and cleaner teeth without the chemicals! It’s easy—learn how here.
- Rinse with water—it’s super easy, but a great way to keep your mouth fresh and clean is to simply rinse with water after you eat. I told you it was easy!
- Brush with baking soda and coconut oil—These ingredients are gentle on your mouth and a natural way to help keep your oral health in check.
- Cut back on the sugar!—It’s harmful to your teeth as well (and can impact your overall health as well).
- Use trace minerals as well as macro-minerals on a daily basis—My favorite is ConcenTrace Mineral Drops. This rinse will help promote fresh breath and a generally clean feeling—and it’s totally natural!
These are all simple and easy to do—I hope you try some of them!
Next Steps: Learn more about Pearl Oral Health—We’re Here to Help!
Our team at Pearl Oral Health is on a mission to provide the best natural health care products—including safe, effective toothpaste and other oral care products. You can learn more and shop today!