The Tools Used By a Dentist to Clean Your Teeth
Your dental health is important, and you should make sure that you visit the dentist regularly for cleaning. During a cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will use various tools to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth.
A lot of people do not know about the different tools that a dentist uses to clean your teeth. This blog post explores the different tools used by a dentist and how they are used to clean your teeth effectively.
Dental Mirror
At your dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will first use a small dental mirror to examine all surfaces of your teeth. They will look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health problems.
Scaler
Plaque is a sticky substance that forms due to debris, bacteria and saliva. If plaque isn't dealt with, it can harden and turn into tartar. A buildup of tartar can lead to gum disease. Tartar is much more challenging to remove when compared to plaque, and it should only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
During professional teeth cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist will use a tool called a scaler to remove tartar from your teeth. A scaler is a curved metal instrument that vibrates when pressed against the tooth, breaking up the tartar so it can be rinsed away.
Dental toothpaste
After the scaler, the dentist will use gritty dental toothpaste and a rubber cup or brush to clean all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly. This helps remove any remaining plaque or tartar and also polishes your teeth, so they are nice and smooth. Finally, they will use a fluoride rinse or gel to help protect your teeth from cavities.
Waterpik
Finally, the dentist will use a Waterpik to blast all of your teeth. The Waterpik consists of a reservoir, a pump and a tip that is placed in the mouth. When the pump is switched on, water is forced through the tip and into the mouth. The high-pressure stream of water dislodges plaque and debris, which are then flushed away. Waterpiks are available in a variety of sizes, and they normally use a sterile saline solution.
Conclusion
These are just some of the different tools that a dentist may use to clean your teeth effectively. Visit the dentist regularly in order to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent cavity formation or gum disease. For further information, contact your dentist today.
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