At Dentist of West Covina, we believe that regular teeth cleaning is an essential part of preventive dentistry. Professional teeth cleanings remove the build-up of plaque and tartar, which is a major cause of cavities, gum disease and other dental issues. They help to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, while also preventing the need for more costly and intense treatments.
Professional teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth by a trained dental hygienist. It is more comprehensive than regular brushing and flossing at home and includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar build-up that has hardened on the surface of your teeth, as well as polishing to remove any remaining surface stains. Professional teeth cleanings can also include an application of a fluoride treatment to help protect against cavities and strengthen enamel. Professional cleanings are usually done once every 6 months or more regularly depending on your risk for gum disease.
At-home brushing and flossing helps to remove plaque between teeth that professional cleanings cannot reach. However, they do not have the same capacity to reach below-the-gumline areas where plaque can accumulate in larger amounts, making it difficult to deal with at home. Additionally, professional teeth cleanings involve specialized equipment like scalers, mouth rinses and high powered instruments which can help prevent further accumulation of plaque below the gumline.
You should generally get your teeth professionally cleaned once every 6 months, but you may need to come more often if you have a higher risk of gum disease. Brushing and flossing at home also helps keep your teeth healthy, but professional cleanings will reach areas that brushing cannot.
Professional teeth cleanings help to prevent cavities, gum disease and other dental issues. They also make your teeth look cleaner and brighter. Regular visits to the dentist will help keep your smile healthy and looking its best!
It is important to visit your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleaning to maintain optimal oral health and protect against costly dental treatments in the long run.
Sometimes, we will recommend a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings are more intensive than regular professional teeth cleanings and involve removing built up plaque and tartar below the gumline. Plaque can accumulate in large amounts below the gumline making it difficult to deal with at home or through routine professional cleaning. Deep cleanings use specialized equipment such as scalers, mouth rinses, and high-powered instruments which can help prevent further accumulation of plaque below the gumline. Additionally, deep cleaning procedures may include root planing which helps to smooth out any irregularities in the roots caused by periodontal disease.
A professional teeth cleaning will typically involve the following steps:
1. Removal of plaque and tartar: The dental hygienist will use a scaler to remove any plaque or tartar build-up from the surfaces of your teeth. This is done with gentle scraping motions and can help prevent accumulation of bacteria and subsequent decay.
2. Polishing: After scaling, the dental hygienist may also use a special polishing paste to smooth out any rough patches on the tooth surface as well as remove any remaining surface stains for a brighter smile.
3. Fluoride treatment: A fluoride treatment may also be applied after polishing to help protect against cavities, strengthen enamel, and make it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the tooth’s surface in the future.
4. Oral health assessment: During your visit, they will also assess your overall oral health by checking your gums, tongue, and other areas of your mouth for signs of disease or infection. If anything concerning is observed, further tests may be recommended, such as X-rays or additional treatments like root planing or scaling.
5. Home care instructions: To complete the visit, you’ll receive important advice on how best to maintain proper oral hygiene at home with brushing and flossing instructions tailored specifically for you.
Caring for Your Teeth In Between Cleanings
It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits between dental visits. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. It is also important to floss daily to remove any food particles trapped between the teeth which your toothbrush cannot reach. Additionally, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill germs that cause bad breath and plaque buildup.
Another way to maintain good oral health is to limit sugary drinks and snacks as sugar can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Eating nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, dairy products, and whole grains will promote healthier gums and stronger teeth.
It is also important to visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional cleanings. Professional cleanings can help remove plaque build-up in places that you cannot reach with brushing or flossing at home. In addition, professional cleanings are necessary in order to detect any potential issues early on before they become more serious problems that require costly treatments later on down the line.
Overall, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits and visit your West Covina dentist for regular professional cleanings in order to maintain optimal oral health. Professional cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar build-up from the surface of your teeth, polish them for a brighter smile, apply fluoride treatment to protect against cavities, assess overall oral health condition, and provide guidance on home care instructions.
Keeping up with these routine visits will ensure that you remain healthy and have a beautiful smile for years to come. Schedule your next teeth cleaning at Dentist of West Covina today!
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