Teeth Cleaning Specialist

Do I need professional teeth cleaning?

Yes, you need professional teeth cleaning. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, you still need to visit a dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.

Your mouth is an ecosystem filled with thousands of microorganisms, including good and bad bacteria. Regular brushing and flossing help control bacterial count in your mouth and removes the food debris that allows the bad bacteria to thrive.

However, bacteria constantly form in your mouth and create a sticky film called plaque that covers your teeth and gums. Plaque contributes to the development of tooth decay and gum disease.

When not brushed or flossed away immediately, plaque hardens into tartar, trapping the bacteria on your teeth and under your gums, which increases your risk of dental problems.

Tartar is a hard substance that sticks to the teeth, and a toothbrush or dental floss can’t remove it. The tools used during your professional teeth cleaning are the only way to remove the buildup of tartar from your teeth and gums. 

What are the steps of teeth cleaning?

Like your dental visit and treatments, teeth cleaning is individualized based on your specific oral health needs. However, your dental expert follows steps to make sure your teeth cleaning is comprehensive.

Teeth cleaning steps may include:

Oral exam

Before your dental expert cleans your teeth, they first examine your mouth, gums, jaw, and bite. They also review your medical and oral health history. 

Removal of plaque and tartar

After the oral exam, your provider uses a dental mirror and scaler to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. 

Tooth polishing

Your provider then polishes your teeth with a special gritty toothpaste and an electric toothbrush to remove any remaining tartar on the surface of your teeth. Tooth polishing also removes surface stains to improve brightness. 

Professional flossing

Your dental expert then flosses your teeth and has you rinse your mouth with water and spit out into a sink to get rid of any remaining debris.

Application of fluoride

Once your teeth are clean and shiny, your dental provider applies a fluoride solution to your teeth to protect them from tooth decay. 

What happens after teeth cleaning?

After professional teeth cleaning, your dental expert talks to you about your at-home dental hygiene routine and makes specific recommendations based on your oral health needs. 

They may also take dental X-rays to evaluate the interior of your teeth and gums and look for problems that a visual inspection can't see. 

Your dental expert also recommends when to come in for your next teeth cleaning. 

For expert oral care and gentle teeth cleaning, call Oxnard Dentistry or book an appointment online today.