Dental Cleaning Professional teeth cleanings are an essential part of preventing dental disease. Schedule an appointment with Shoreline Dentistry to keep your teeth healthy. Even if you have a thorough twice-daily brushing and flossing routine at home, it should be supplemented with regular visits to the dentist. Preventive care focuses on keeping the teeth and mouth disease-free, dealing with health issues while they are relatively minor, rather than waiting until they become bigger, more serious problems.Why Teeth Cleanings Are ImportantTeeth cleanings are a crucial part of preventive care. Some food and drinks contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Cleaning the teeth rids the mouth of food debris that harmful bacteria thrive on. Mainly, this is sugary, starchy food and drinks that adhere to the teeth and provide an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to multiply. The waste excreted by the bacteria contain acids that break down tooth enamel, causing cavities and irritation to the gums. This is the inflammation associated with periodontal disease. Although cleaning and flossing the teeth twice daily at home is a good start, plaque build-up hardens to tartar (calculus), which is often found behind the teeth and in the crevices between the teeth. This is difficult to remove without professional cleaning at a dental office, which is why regular cleanings at the dentist should be scheduled as often as recommended. What is Included in a Teeth Cleaning at the Dentist?A Physical ExaminationA consultation with the dentist allows you to let the dentist know of any health issues you have with your teeth and mouth. The dentist will examine the mouth to check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health problems. Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, may be taken. CleaningThe dentist may recommend that a cleaning be performed. There are three types of teeth cleaning that may be carried out at our dental office: ProphylaxisKnown as routine cleaning, this is performed as routine maintenance to keep dental health in check. The goal is to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth. Scaling and Root PlaningThis is deep cleaning and is usually performed on patients who have gum disease, or who are at risk of developing it. It removes calculus from above and below the gum line and deep cleans any periodontal pockets that form around the teeth when the gums recede as a result of the disease. Gross DebridementThis cleaning procedure is administered to patients who have not visited the dentist for over a year. The goal is to remove the build-up of plaque on the teeth and gums. PolishOnce all of the tartar has been removed, the surfaces of the teeth are polished and made smooth with the application of gritty toothpaste. As well as leaving the teeth feeling clean and fresh, polishing the teeth is important in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease as it is harder for bacteria to stick to smooth, polished surfaces. Fluoride ApplicationThe teeth cleaning process is completed with an application of fluoride that supports healthy tooth enamel. This helps to fight the bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Schedule an appointment for your next dental cleaning with us here at Shoreline Dentistry by calling (609) 507-0800. |
 Office HoursMonday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 9:00am - 2:00pm Thrusday: 9:00am - 6:00pm Friday: Closed |
