Keeping your smile bright and healthy requires more than daily brushing and flossing. Professional dental cleanings are essential because they use specialized dental cleaning tools that go beyond what you can achieve at home. At Kremer Dental, we believe knowing how these tools work helps patients feel more comfortable during visits and understand the value of preventive care.
Why Dental Cleaning Tools Matter
Even with great oral hygiene habits, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Professional dental cleaning tools are designed to:
- Remove tough tartar and plaque buildup
- Polish teeth for a smoother surface
- Support healthy gums and prevent disease
- Detect early signs of oral health issues
The CDC reports that nearly 42% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. Regular cleanings using professional dental cleaning tools play a major role in reducing this risk.
The 6 Most Common Dental Cleaning Tools
1. Scalers
Scalers are among the most common dental cleaning tools. They’re used to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, especially near the gumline. Both manual and ultrasonic scalers may be used, depending on the buildup.
2. Curettes
While similar to scalers, curettes are designed for deeper cleaning beneath the gumline. They help prevent and treat gum disease by removing deposits that brushing and flossing can’t touch.
3. Polishers
Polishers smooth the surface of teeth after scaling. This rotating tool uses a small rubber cup with a gritty polishing paste to remove surface stains and give your teeth a shiny finish.
4. Dental Mirrors
No list of dental cleaning tools would be complete without dental mirrors. These small angled mirrors let your hygienist see areas of your mouth that are otherwise hidden, ensuring nothing is missed during your cleaning.
5. Suction Devices
Suction tools keep your mouth clear of saliva, water, and debris during a cleaning. This makes the process more comfortable and helps your hygienist work efficiently.
6. Floss and Irrigation Tools
The final step often involves flossing with traditional string floss or using irrigation tools that rinse between teeth. This ensures your cleaning is thorough and complete.
What to Expect During Your Cleaning
When you visit Kremer Dental, your hygienist will use these dental cleaning tools in a step-by-step process:
- Examine your teeth and gums.
- Use scalers and curettes to remove tartar.
- Polish your teeth for a smooth, clean finish.
- Floss and rinse to remove any leftover debris.
- Provide fluoride treatment if needed.
Smarter Care for a Healthier Smile
Understanding how dental cleaning tools are used makes dental visits less intimidating and highlights why professional cleanings are so important. With the right tools and expert care, you can enjoy a healthier smile for years to come.
Ready to schedule your cleaning? Contact Kremer Dental today and let our team give your smile the care it deserves.
FAQs
What types of tools are used to scrape away plaque and tartar from my teeth?
A tool called a scaler is used to scrape plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, especially around the gum line.
What is a curette and when is it used in a cleaning?
A curette is very similar to a scaler but is designed to reach deeper beneath the gums to clean pockets where gum disease may exist.
How does polishing work in a dental cleaning?
After tartar removal, a polisher tool uses a rotating rubber cup and gritty paste to smooth the tooth surface and remove surface stains.
Why does the hygienist use a dental mirror during the cleaning?
The dental mirror allows the hygienist to see areas of your mouth that are otherwise hidden, so that no spots are missed during cleaning.
What tools are used at the end of the cleaning to finish up?
At the final step the hygienist uses floss or irrigation tools to clean between teeth and remove any remaining debris, and suction devices to keep the mouth clear of water or saliva.
