Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is essential for maintaining optimal oral health, even if you brush and floss diligently at home. Our skilled dental hygienists provide thorough cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease while keeping your smile looking its best.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, typically includes:
- Removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) - Using specialized instruments, our hygienists gently remove hardened deposits from all surfaces of your teeth, including below the gumline where your toothbrush can't reach.
- Professional polishing - A special polishing tool and paste remove minor stains and smooth the tooth surface, making it more difficult for plaque to adhere.
- Flossing - Professional flossing removes any remaining plaque or polishing paste from between your teeth.
- Fluoride treatment (optional) - A fluoride application helps strengthen your tooth enamel and provides additional protection against decay.
The entire cleaning process typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the amount of buildup present and how long it's been since your last cleaning.
Why Regular Professional Cleanings Are Important
Even the most thorough home care routine can miss certain areas of your mouth. Professional cleanings provide benefits that brushing and flossing alone cannot:
- Remove hardened tartar that can only be eliminated with professional instruments
- Prevent gum disease by removing bacteria-laden plaque from around and below the gumline
- Detect early signs of problems such as cavities, cracked teeth, or gum disease
- Remove surface stains to keep your smile brighter
- Freshen breath by eliminating odor-causing bacteria
- Improve overall health by reducing harmful bacteria that can enter the bloodstream
Studies have shown connections between oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, making regular cleanings an important part of your overall healthcare routine.
How Often Should You Have Professional Cleanings?
For most patients, we recommend professional cleanings every six months. However, this schedule may vary based on your individual needs. You might benefit from more frequent cleanings if you:
- Have a history of gum disease
- Are at high risk for cavities
- Have certain medical conditions like diabetes
- Take medications that cause dry mouth
- Use tobacco products
- Have dental appliances like braces that make home care more challenging
During your exam, we'll assess your oral health and recommend a cleaning schedule that's right for you.
Personalized Oral Hygiene Guidance
Each cleaning appointment also includes personalized instruction on how to care for your teeth at home. Our hygienists will:
- Demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Recommend appropriate tools like electric toothbrushes, water flossers, or interdental brushes
- Suggest specific products based on your needs
- Answer questions about your oral hygiene routine
This guidance helps you maintain the benefits of your professional cleaning between appointments.
Regular professional cleanings are an investment in both your oral health and your overall wellbeing. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning appointment and experience the difference that professional care can make for your smile.
