What is a dental hygiene clean?

A dental hygiene clean is a standard dental procedure carried out by an Oral Health Therapist (OHT) or a dental hygienist. The main goal is to help you maintain and enhance oral health by eliminating dental plaque and tartar (also called calculus) from your teeth and gums. The benefit most people love is that their teeth look and feel white and shiny! Here's what you can expect from a dental hygiene clean at our Green Island, Dunedin dental practice:

1. Quick Chat: Before cleaning, we will evaluate your oral health with a quick visual and check your pocket depth for bone loss. We will talk about your dental health, listen to what you want, and address any concerns you may have.

2. Scaling: We use specific dental instruments to eliminate plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. This procedure is called scaling. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease if not removed. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing.

3. Polishing: After scaling, we may polish your teeth. Polishing helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean.

4. We will provide instructions for proper oral hygiene, including techniques for brushing and flossing. We may suggest specific products or tools to help you maintain good oral health at home, such as interdental brushes, flossers, and water flossers.

5. Periodontal Assessment: If you have signs of gum disease (periodontal disease), we may assess more to measure the depth of the spaces (pockets) between your gums and teeth. This assessment helps determine the stage of gum disease and the appropriate treatment.

6. X-rays: Depending on your dental history and current oral health, we may take dental X-rays to check for any underlying issues that may not be visible during the cleaning. With this dental clean, we may take a set of bite wing x-rays to see what is happening below the gum line. This is optional; however, it is recommended once a year.

7. Customised Oral Care Plan: Based on your oral health assessment, we will work with you to develop a customised oral care plan. This plan may include recommendations for future cleanings, treatments, or procedures.

Regular dental hygiene cleanings are vital for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental issues. It is generally recommended that individuals have a cleaning every six months, although the frequency may vary depending on specific dental needs. These cleanings can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems, ensuring your smile stays healthy, bright, and white.