Teeth Cleaning

Regular professional teeth cleaning is essential for optimal oral health. While brushing and flossing at home help keep your teeth and gums clean, they can’t always remove stubborn plaque and tartar that accumulate over time. Our experienced dental team provides thorough cleanings to remove harmful buildup, prevent cavities and gum disease, and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy. Explore the following Q&As to learn more about the importance of professional teeth cleaning and what to expect during your visit.

What is a professional teeth cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning is a crucial preventive service that complements your daily oral hygiene routine. While regular brushing and flossing effectively remove food debris and bacteria, they may not eliminate all harmful microorganisms in your mouth.

Residual bacteria form a biofilm called plaque, which can accumulate on your teeth, tongue, and beneath your gums, potentially leading to cavities and gum disease. While brushing and flossing help clear plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, they might not effectively reach plaque that settles below the gumline. When left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar.

Tartar can trap bacteria and lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or even tooth loss if not addressed. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing, making professional teeth cleaning the only effective solution for removing hardened tartar.

During your teeth cleaning, you can expect thorough and gentle care from your dental professional. The process typically includes the following steps:

  1. Review of Medical History: Your provider will go over your medical history and examine your teeth and gums.
  2. Removal of Plaque and Tartar: Using a scaler, your dental professional will carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath your gums.
  3. Polishing: Your teeth will be polished with a special toothpaste and an electric toothbrush to enhance their shine.
  4. Professional Flossing: A thorough flossing will remove any remaining debris.
  5. Mouth Rinsing: You’ll rinse your mouth to clear away any residual particles.
  6. Fluoride Application: A fluoride treatment will be applied to strengthen your teeth.

Depending on your specific oral health needs, your provider may also take X-rays to identify issues that a visual examination cannot detect.

Your dentist will recommend the best schedule for your teeth cleanings. However, if it has been more than six months since your last visit, it’s time to book a cleaning.

Most individuals benefit from professional teeth cleanings every six months. If you have specific oral health concerns, such as gum disease, or medical conditions like diabetes that increase your risk of gum issues, you may require more frequent cleanings.

To schedule your professional teeth cleaning, call Dr. Scott Evans today!