Services
Dental Cleaning
Why You Need Professional Dental Cleaning?
Are dental cleanings really necessary if you brush and floss well at home? Many people who are anxious or uncomfortable during dental appointments may ask themselves this, but the answer is that professional cleanings can be one of the best ways you can prevent dental problems. Our dental cleaning experts often recommends bi-annual cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent professional cleanings, particularly if they are prone to decay or gum disease or if they have diabetes or smoke.
A professional cleaning, or prophylaxis, is designed to clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can do at home. It can be easy to miss spots when brushing and flossing, and any plaque that remains can harden into tartar. Tartar is a mineralized deposit that is impossible to remove at home and must be loosened and removed using special tools. Our dentists can remove this buildup and any other deposits that could affect your dental health.
How Dental Cleaning is Done?
At your appointment, our dental cleaning experts will also polish your teeth. Polishing smooths the surface of your teeth, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to re-adhere, and it also removes superficial stains for a brighter smile. Once your teeth are clean, we will visually examine your teeth to ensure there is no decay, gum disease, or other problems that need to be addressed. Dental X-rays or other records may be taken.
In between your checkups with our dentists you can take steps to keep your teeth cleaner and healthier.
• Brush
A soft-bristled brush should be held at a 45-degree angle and used with fluoride toothpaste to gently clean each surface of the teeth. Spend about two minutes at a time brushing, and try to brush about twice a day or after each meal.
• Floss
When you brush, you also need to floss. Use dental floss or a flosser to clean between each set of teeth. Gently slide the floss down to the gums and carefully scrape it up the side of each tooth. Use a floss threader to get the floss above dental bridges and around braces.
• Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet nourishes your gums and your teeth to make them more resilient against dental disease.
• Avoid smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of serious dental problems, including decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and bone loss.
Call us today to learn more about keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next cleaning with our dentists in Van Nuys, Northridge or North Hollywood locations.