Most people know that in order to preserve a healthy and beautiful smile, proper dental hygiene is a must. Good dental hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing twice daily, makes a huge difference in preventing unwanted tooth decay. However, brushing and flossing is not all required to keep your mouth healthy. Dr. Rajpal recommends a regular dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months to maintain a healthy smile. If you haven’t undergone a professional dental cleaning in a few months, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional dental cleanings eliminate the plaque, bacteria, and tartar in teeth that brushing and flossing cannot prevent. You need regular professional teeth cleaning to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. During a professional deep cleaning, dentists perform scaling and root planing, where calculus beneath the gums is accessed to restore the health of the surrounding tissues. When patients practice good oral hygiene and undergo regular dental cleanings, their teeth (and body) remain healthy.
The Necessity of Regular Dental Cleaning
No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, you can’t remove the smallest food particles and debris from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Over time, the accumulated food particles may lead to the accumulation of plaque, a whitish substance that coats your teeth and gums. The plaque may eventually harden in a yellowish substance known as tartar, which is impossible to remove with simple brushing and flossing. The accumulation of plaque and tartar inevitably leads to the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth.
If you undergo regular dental cleanings every 3 to 6 months, the dentist can identify and remove the plaque and tartar, thus preventing bacterial decay of your teeth and gums. But if you don’t seek regular dental cleanings, the bacteria will start eroding and decaying your teeth and gum tissues, leading to cavities and gum inflammation. If you have cavities or gum disease, you may need fillings, root canals, periodontal therapy, and other complex procedures. But regular dental cleaning allows you to prevent these oral issues from occurring.
More Than Just a Healthy Mouth
Dental hygiene and regular teeth cleaning help more than just a patient’s dental health. Good dental health benefits your entire body’s health. The mouth is an intrinsically connected part of the body, and oral health can’t be separated from overall health. If you suffer from bacterial infections and gum disease, the harmful bacteria can also enter your bloodstream and cause numerous systemic issues, such as heart disease, bone loss, stroke, and high blood pressure. Dental cleanings are a quick and simple routine practice that keeps your smile and your body happy and healthy.
The Teeth Cleaning Procedure
Standard teeth cleaning involves scaling the teeth and examining the patient’s oral health. Often, x-rays are taken before the cleaning so the dentist can identify any underlying dental problems. After scaling, Dr. Rajpal uses special instruments and x-rays to examine the patient’s teeth and determine if the patient needs follow-up treatments, such as fillings, root canals, etc. Regular dental cleaning allows the dentist to identify and treat dental problems at the earliest stage before they can affect your oral health significantly.
Step 1: Oral Exams
The dental hygienist will carefully examine your mouth using x-rays, probes, a small mirror, and other devices. The dental hygienist will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues for signs of decay, cavities, inflammation, and infections.
Step 2: Dental Scaling
The dental hygienist will use a scaling device to remove all the plaque and tartar between your teeth and the gum line, using a small mirror for guidance. You may hear scraping sounds, but that’s completely normal.
Step 3: Dental Polishing
The dental hygienist will apply a prophylaxis paste with a grainy consistency on your teeth, following which they will scrub and polish your teeth with an electric toothbrush. You may hear grinding sounds, but there’s no pain.
Step 4: Professional Flossing
The dental hygienist will carefully floss your teeth to remove residual debris, paste, and plaque buildup. They will also describe the ideal flossing techniques according to your dental anatomy, which you should implement while flossing at home.
Step 5: Antibacterial Rinsing
The dental hygienist will spray some liquid into your mouth or provide a rinsing solution in a cup. The solution is made of iodine, which can remove all the harmful bacteria from your mouth. Rinse your mouth for a few seconds with the solution.
Step 6: Fluoride Treatment
The dental hygienist will apply a foamy fluoride gel to a mouthpiece, which you must wear for a minute. The hygienist will also paint fluoride varnish on your teeth. Fluoride treatment protects your teeth from bacterial decay and cavities for a few months.
Real Patient Review
“I've been a patient of Dr Rajpal for over 10 years. In addition to routine cleanings and X-rays, I've also had Invisalign, cavity fillings, and an artificial crown applied. Doc and her team of dental hygienists and administrators are always friendly, efficient, and professional. Plus, they're in a beautiful office with modern amenities such as massaging chairs. Five stars for BH Dental Arts!”
M.S.
Schedule a Consultation
Beverly Hills Dental Arts is a luxurious dental practice specializing in general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Our dental professionals use cutting-edge techniques to identify and treat the root cause of your dental problems before they significantly affect your oral health. Dental health is a big indicator of overall health, so professional teeth cleaning is crucial in maintaining a healthy mouth and body, especially when combined with good brushing and flossing habits. To schedule your next dental cleaning with Dr. Rajpal, call (310) 273-1199 today!
465 N. Roxbury Dr, Suite 701
Beverly Hills CA 90210
(310) 273-1199