It is generally recommended that you should see a professional dentist at least twice a year, or about every six months.  This, of course, follows a routine dental health schedule that includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least a few times a week. Healthy teeth also require proper hydration and eating healthy, natural foods as well.

That said, here is what you can expect from a routine Oracare dental clinic cleaning.

QUICK VISIT

A proper dental cleaning typically takes no more than an hour.  This visit typically involves the work of two people. The first person to visit you is the dental hygienist. This is a professional who cleans your teeth before you see the dental surgeon (DDS stands for “Doctor of Dental Surgery”).  The DDS will take a closer look at your freshly cleaned teeth, perform more intimate scrapings, and analyze x-rays to determine if you have any issues that need addressing. Yes, it is similar to how a nurse or medical assistant takes your vitals and performs basic tests before your doctor comes in to discuss your health and any issues you presently have or could be at risk for.

DENTAL TOOLS

For many people, visiting the dentist can be a harrowing experience but there really is nothing to be afraid of.  Yes, the experience can be somewhat awkward—after all, you lie there with people gazing into your widely agape mouth—but it should be a relatively hassle free experience.  Perhaps the tools scare some people; so lets take a look at what a dental hygienist and DDS use during a typical visit:

  • Tooth scaler—remove plaque, especially between the teeth
  • Tooth polisher—wipe away small pieces of plaque to brighten teeth
  • Water Pick—tiny, high-pressure water cannon that helps to more thoroughly rinse your mouth during a typical cleaning
  • X-ray—if necessary, your dentist might order a dental x-ray, which requires you to get up from the examination chair to visit the lab, where you basically just sit next to an x-ray machine that provides radiological images of your jaw, teeth, and gums

THE EXAMINATION

Again, the hygienist will clean your teeth so your dentist can begin the examination.  During this examination, the doctor looks specifically for dental illness (cavity, periodontal disease, oral cancer) or trauma (cracked teeth, broken jaw, lock jaw) or damage (teeth grinding, jaw clenching).