Dr. Abhishek Tripathi

I went for my first professional teeth cleaning this Saturday, and I was more nervous than I needed to be.

My appointment was at 7 pm . The waiting room was clean. I kept thinking it would be painful, like a filling.

The dentist called me in, smiled, and asked why I came. I said my teeth looked yellowish even though I brush twice. He said that's normal - plaque builds up where our brush can't reach.

First he checked all my teeth with a small mirror. Then the cleaning started.

*The process:*

1. He used a scaler - a small metal tool that vibrates. It made a buzzing sound and sprayed water. It wasn't painful, just a ticklish, scratchy feeling. He removed the hard yellow tartar from behind my lower front teeth.

2. Then came polishing with a spinning brush and a minty paste. This was actually nice. My teeth felt smooth instantly.

3. Finally, he rinsed and gave me a mirror. I couldn't believe it - my teeth were 2 shades whiter and my mouth felt so light and fresh.

It took only 25 minutes. No pain, no injection.

He just told me to not eat for 30 minutes and to floss daily.

Honestly, I walked out wondering why I was scared for so long.