Dental Cleaning in Nairobi

Maintaining a healthy, bright smile isn’t just about brushing and flossing. It also requires an extra touch that can only be provided by a professional dental cleaning. Professional dental cleaning plays a critical role in preventing oral diseases and keeping your mouth in top condition In Nairobi, dental cleaning services have become more accessible, and Deans Dental Implants is at the fore front of bringing this service near you.

What Is Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is a non-invasive procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the teeth. It is different from regular brushing and flossing because it targets hardened deposits and bacteria that can’t be removed by at-home oral hygiene.

There are two main types:

Routine cleaning – This is done to patients with healthy gums, as a preventive measure and for dental hygiene. It’s typically done every 6 months.
Deep cleaning – For patients with gum disease, targeting below the gum line to treat infection. it involves Scaling and Root Planning procedures.

Health Benefits of Dental Cleaning

Prevention of gum disease
Plaque build-up is a major contributor to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). If left untreated, gum disease can lead to inflammation, gum recession, tooth loss, and even bone damage. Dental cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar, preventing gum disease from developing or worsening. This helps maintain long-term oral health and prevents painful and expensive treatments in the future.
Prevention of cavities and tooth decay
Regular cleanings prevent plaque accumulation, which is the main cause of cavities. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, which erode tooth enamel and lead to decay. By removing plaque before it hardens into tartar, dental cleanings reduce your risk of developing cavities, which helps preserve the integrity of your teeth.
Lower risk of bad breath (Halitosis)
Persistent bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth and decaying food particles. A professional cleaning removes these bacteria and food remnants, helping to freshen your breath. Regular cleanings also help maintain your salivary flow, which plays a vital role in washing away bacteria and keeping your mouth clean.

Aesthetic Benefits of Dental Cleaning

Brighter smile
One of the most immediate aesthetic benefits of professional dental cleaning is a brighter, more radiant smile. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, causing them to appear yellowed or stained. Professional cleaning removes these deposits, allowing your teeth to return to their natural, whiter colour. For those who drink coffee, tea, or wine regularly, a professional cleaning can help minimize the dullness caused by staining.
Cleaner teeth surface
During a dental cleaning, all the built-up plaque and tartar are removed, leaving your teeth smooth and polished. This results in a cleaner, more attractive smile, as the texture of your teeth improves. The smoother surface also makes it harder for bacteria and food particles to cling to your teeth, which in turn keeps them looking cleaner for longer.
Improved facial aesthetics
Oral health directly impacts your overall facial aesthetics. Teeth that are properly cleaned and maintained can contribute to a more defined and appealing smile. Moreover, gum disease can cause gum recession and tooth loss, which might alter the shape of your face and jawline over time. Regular dental cleanings help prevent such issues, maintaining a youthful facial appearance.

Lifestyle Benefits of Dental Cleaning

Improved confidence
Knowing that your teeth are clean and healthy boosts your self-confidence. With a bright, fresh smile, you may feel more comfortable engaging in social situations, speaking, and smiling freely without worrying about bad breath or visible plaque. This can positively affect your social and professional interactions, helping you feel more at ease.
Better eating habits
When your teeth are clean and free of plaque or tartar, you may be more motivated to maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that contribute to tooth decay or staining. Additionally, a clean mouth can improve your ability to enjoy food more fully, as you’ll experience fewer toothaches or sensitivity issues.
Establishing a routine of care
Regular dental cleanings promote a lifestyle centred around good health habits, including brushing, flossing, and overall oral hygiene. By adhering to this routine, you’re more likely to maintain healthy practices and improve your overall health. This lifestyle of preventive care can be a long-term commitment to better health and wellness.
Reduced dental visits
By maintaining regular dental cleanings, you’re less likely to need emergency dental work or intensive procedures, such as fillings, root canals, or gum surgery. Preventative care helps you avoid unnecessary discomfort, stress, and time away from your regular activities, resulting in fewer visits to the dentist overall.

Stages of the Dental Cleaning Procedure

Dental cleaning is done in a series of steps that take place in the dentist’s office. The procedure is typically done in a single visit and you can back to your normal activities with cleaner and healthier teeth and brighter smile.

Initial examination

The dental cleaning process typically begins with a thorough examination of your mouth. Our dental hygienist or dentist uses a small mirror to inspect your teeth and gums, checking for signs of inflammation, plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease, or other potential concerns such as tooth decay or oral lesions. This step is crucial for identifying problem areas that may require extra attention during the cleaning or more advanced treatment later. If any major issues are spotted, the dentist may postpone the cleaning and recommend further evaluation or treatment.

Plaque and tartar removal (Scaling)

Once the initial examination is complete, the hygienist proceeds with dental scaling. This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and around the gumline. Using a specialized tool called a scaler, either manual or ultrasonic, the hygienist gently scrapes away hardened tartar that can’t be removed through regular brushing and flossing. Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations and a water spray to break up tartar deposits efficiently, while manual scalers allow for precise cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

Deep cleaning between teeth

After removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, the hygienist thoroughly cleans between each tooth using floss or interdental brushes. This step helps dislodge any residual debris and ensures that the tight spaces between your teeth are properly cleaned. This area where plaque often accumulates and is commonly missed during at-home care. It also gives the hygienist a chance to assess your flossing habits and suggest improvements if necessary.

Tooth polishing

Once the teeth are free of tartar and plaque, the hygienist polishes them using a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste-like material called prophylaxis paste. This polishing compound helps smooth the tooth surfaces, which not only enhances their shine but also makes it harder for plaque to stick in the future. Though not medically necessary, this stage contributes to a cleaner, brighter smile and is a favourite part of the cleaning for many patients due to the smooth, fresh feeling it leaves behind.

Fluoride treatment (Optional but recommended)

A fluoride treatment follows the cleaning, especially for patients who are at a higher risk for cavities. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and provides protection against decay. It may be applied as a gel, foam, or varnish, and is typically left on the teeth for a minute or two. Some forms of fluoride treatments harden quickly, allowing you to eat and drink soon afterward, while others may require you to avoid food or drink for 30 minutes post-treatment.

Final inspection and guidance

After the cleaning is complete, the dentist performs a final check of your teeth and gums. They’ll review any areas of concern, suggest follow-up treatments if necessary (such as fillings or periodontal care). They’ll also discuss your oral hygiene routine. The dentist will guide on matters such as brushing techniques, product recommendations (like specific toothpastes or mouthwashes), and general oral health tips. The goal of this final stage is to ensure that you leave the office not only with a clean mouth but also with the knowledge to maintain it effectively.

Aftercare Tips Post-Cleaning

Once your cleaning is done:

Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes if fluoride was applied.
Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque from returning.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and sensitive toothpaste if you feel any gum tenderness.
Drink plenty of water to help rinse away bacteria and food debris.
Schedule your next appointment right away to stay on track.

Signs you may Need a Dental Cleaning

Bleeding gums

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it’s often an early sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. This typically results from plaque build-up along the gumline. A professional cleaning removes the bacteria and irritants causing inflammation, helping your gums return to health.

Persistent bad breath (Halitosis)

Chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with mouthwash or brushing can indicate bacteria build-up under the gums or in hard-to-reach areas. A thorough dental cleaning clears out these odour-causing bacteria and freshens your breath.

Visible tartar build-up

Tartar is hardened plaque that appears yellow or brown and sticks firmly to teeth, especially behind the lower front teeth or along the gumline. Since it can’t be removed with brushing alone, visible tartar is a clear sign you’re overdue for a cleaning.

Tooth sensitivity or discomfort

If hot, cold, or sweet foods suddenly cause discomfort, plaque build-up near the gumline may be wearing down your enamel or exposing the sensitive root. A cleaning can remove the irritants and help prevent further erosion or decay.

Swollen or tender gums

Inflamed gums that appear red, puffy, or feel sore are usually reacting to bacterial accumulation. Regular cleanings prevent this inflammation from progressing into more serious gum disease.

You’ve skipped a cleaning or it’s been over 6 months

Even if you’re not experiencing obvious symptoms, time alone is a strong indicator. Plaque hardens into tartar within 24 to 72 hours, and only professional tools can remove it. Delaying your cleaning allows bacteria more time to damage your teeth and gums.