Dental Procedures Decoded: Cleaning | Dental Worksheet

Every six months, it is important that you go to the dentist to get a cleaning. But what exactly is a cleaning? A dental cleaning is the removal of stains and tartar from the surface of your teeth followed by a polishing of that surface. This is often performed by your dentist or a dental hygienist. View this dental worksheet to learn what it means to go to the dentist for your cleaning so that you can keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Have you ever wondered why getting a cleaning is necessary in the first place? There are millions of bacteria that live in your mouth, and some of them are harmful and can cause cavities or gum disease. This bacteria develops into plaque, which coats your teeth and can pick up stains from the food you eat. If this plaque isn’t cleaned, it can trap bacteria by turning into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing at home. So by going to the dentist for a cleaning, you’re saving your mouth from tooth decay and gum disease!

What should you expect? When you’re at the dentist’s office, either your dentist or hygienist will sit you down in a dental chair where the cleaning will take place. The dentist will begin by using a hook-like tool to scrape away the tartar above and below the gumline. This tool is a scaler. Periodically, the dentist will give you some water to rinse and will suction it out when you’re done swishing it around. After tartar is removed, your teeth will be polished with a gritty-textured toothpaste. Finally, the dentist will floss your teeth and give you instructions on how to improve your home dental routine.