Teeth Cleaning in Gardena, CA

Professional teeth cleaning is one of the most essential steps in maintaining excellent oral health. Whether you’re new to our practice or a longstanding patient, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care to keep your teeth and gums in perfect condition.
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Patient getting teeth cleaning in Gardena, CA
Teeth cleaning

What Is a Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning is the process of removing plaque, tartar, and stains above, around, and just below the gumline. They can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and more serious oral health complications. As a preventative dental procedure, the yearly visits allow your dentist or dental hygienist the chance to look for problems early on before they become serious and negatively impact your oral health. Plus, they’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking and feeling refreshed.

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4 Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

1.

Prevents Cavities

Plaque buildup is a primary cause of tooth decay. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.

2.

Prevents Gum Disease

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be easily treated with regular cleanings. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to more severe periodontal disease.

3.

Freshens Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Cleanings help keep your mouth fresh and pleasant.

4.

Brightens Your Smile

Over time, teeth can become stained from food, drinks, and tobacco. Professional cleanings help remove these stains, giving you a brighter smile.

26% of adults aged 20-44 have untreated dental cavities.

What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning Appointment

Understanding what happens during a teeth cleaning appointment can ease any anxiety and help you feel more comfortable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect at Gardena Dental Group:

  1. Comprehensive Examination: Understanding what happens during a teeth cleaning appointment can ease any anxiety and help you feel more comfortable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect at Gardena Dental Group:
  2. Comprehensive Examination: The process begins with a thorough examination of your oral health. One of our skilled dental hygienists will use a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation, cavities, or other issues. We may also take digital X-rays to examine the health of your teeth and gums and detect any signs of cavities or gum disease in the early stages. If any major concerns are found, our expert dentist will step in to address them before the cleaning continues.
  3. Removal of Plaque and Tartar: The hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and between your teeth using a scaler. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that can only be removed by professional dental tools. This step is crucial for preventing gum disease and cavities.
  4. Deep Cleaning and Polishing: After tartar has been removed, your teeth will be cleaned with a polishing paste. This process, known as polishing, helps remove any remaining plaque and surface stains, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny.
  5. Flossing: Next, the hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any debris that was loosened during the previous steps. This also allows them to identify potential trouble spots where your gums might bleed, indicating areas requiring more attention in your daily oral care routine.
  6. Rinsing: Your mouth will be rinsed thoroughly to wash away any remaining debris. A fluoride rinse or other antiseptic solution might be used to help strengthen your teeth and further reduce plaque buildup.
  7. Fluoride Treatment (Optional): A fluoride treatment is often the final step of a professional cleaning. The fluoride helps protect your teeth against cavities for several months. It is applied as a gel, foam, or varnish and left on your teeth for a few minutes to take effect.

Types of Dental Cleanings

Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

This is a routine cleaning for patients with generally healthy gums.

Scaling and Root Planing

A more extensive cleaning procedure for patients with signs of gum disease to remove bacteria, pathogens, and tartar in deep pockets.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal therapy every 3-4 months for patients undergoing gum disease therapy.

Debridement

A more intensive 2-step cleaning for patients with severe plaque and tartar buildup.
Dental hygienist checking patients teeth at Gardena Dental Group

Is a Dental Cleaning Right for You?

Dental cleanings are essential for everyone, regardless of age or current oral health status. However, the frequency and type of cleaning may vary based on individual needs.

Signs that you may need a dental cleaning soon include:

  • It’s been more than six months since your last cleaning
  • Visible plaque or tartar on your teeth
  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Tooth sensitivity

Trusted by Families Across Gardena, CA

Happy patient after getting dental checkup at Gardena Dental Group

Why Choose Gardena Dental Group for Dental Cleaning in Gardena?

Our commitment to your dental health goes beyond just cleaning your teeth. Here are some reasons why Gardena Dental Group is the best choice for your oral care needs:

  • Holistic Approach: Our approach to dental care includes educating patients on good oral hygiene practices and overall health.
  • Experienced Team: Our dental hygienists and dentists in Gardena, CA, are highly trained and experienced in providing comprehensive oral care.
  • Patient-Centered Care: We take the time to get to know you and understand your unique dental needs and concerns.
  • State-of-the-art technology: Our office is equipped with the latest dental technology to provide precise and effective treatments.
  • Comfortable Environment: We strive to create a relaxing and friendly atmosphere to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
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Dental Cleanings FAQs

If you have any questions about dental cleanings, we’ve got answers. View all FAQs.

According to the American Dental Association, everyone should get at least two professional teeth cleanings yearly.

You’ll want to choose a local dentist in Gardena who is experienced, professional, and welcoming. If you have a family, you will want to pick a dental office that specializes in family dentistry, too.

Consistent oral hygiene practices at home are vital to maintaining the results of your professional teeth cleaning. Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy between appointments:

  • Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes each time.
  • Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Choose one with fluoride for added protection.
  • Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods, which can erode enamel and cause cavities. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to support strong teeth and gums.

When it comes to dental cleanings, there are two main types: prophylaxis (regular cleaning) and deep cleaning.

  • A regular dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, is a type of preventive care that is designed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the edges of the gums. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps keep teeth clean and healthy. Minor buildup and gingivitis are occasionally present, and our Gardena, CA, hygienist will discuss modified home care techniques to prevent or reverse those issues before the next cleaning.
  • Deep dental cleanings, also known as periodontal therapy, is a more invasive procedure used to treat gum disease. It involves scaling and root planing, which goes deeper beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of the tooth roots, where gums have detached from the teeth. This type of cleaning also helps prevent further gum disease and is often recommended for those with existing gum issues. Without a deep cleaning, bacterial deposits will continue to contribute to gum and bone deterioration, which could lead to tooth loss.

Regular dental cleaning is a preventive measure that helps to keep your teeth healthy, while deep cleaning is a more intensive treatment option for those who already have gum disease. Both types of cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health and are recommended depending on your current oral health status.

Dental cleanings are generally not painful. You may experience some sensitivity during the procedure, especially if you have gum inflammation. Our team at Smile Tustin is gentle and attentive to your comfort throughout the cleaning.

Yes, maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is important, and professional cleanings are safe. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease, so regular cleanings are beneficial. Always inform our team if you are pregnant so we can take any necessary precautions.

When it comes to dental cleanings, most insurance plans will cover the cost of regular cleanings (healthy gums)  twice a year (every six months). Regular cleanings are important in preventing cavities and gum disease, as well as ensuring healthy gums and teeth, so it’s beneficial for both you and your insurance carrier to have these visits included under your benefits package.

In some cases, a deep cleaning may be necessary. Deep cleanings focus on the area between your gums and teeth where gum disease already exists. If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning is necessary to get rid of bacteria and reduce inflammation, and a preventative cleaning will not be appropriate. This involves the hygienist scaling down into the pockets around the teeth and roots, removing tartar and bacteria from the area. Deep cleanings are usually partially covered by most insurance plans, though there may be some out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your policy, you may have a copay or deductible to meet in addition to the patient percentage not covered by your insurance policy.

To find out if your insurance plan covers dental cleanings, Gardena Dental Group will contact your insurer to check your policy details. Knowing whether or not your regular dental cleanings are covered by insurance and by how much can help you budget for your visits and stay on top of your oral health.

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Take the first step toward a happier, healthier smile.

Definition of common dental cleaning terminology

Dental Prophylaxis: A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.

Preventive Dentistry: Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.

Scaling and Root Planing: A “deep cleaning” procedure that removes plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces and beneath the gumline. It’s often used to treat gum disease.

Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.If not removed regularly, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Tartar: Hardened plaque that forms when plaque isn’t removed effectively. It can only be removed by a dental professional with special tools.

Prophylaxis (Prophy) Cleaning: A routine dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. It’s typically recommended twice a year for healthy mouths.

About Our Dentistry

  • CA (License 17465). View License Information
  • Insurance: We work with most insurance providers.
  • No Insurance? No problem call 310-366-7666 for more information.
  • Financing Options: We offer a wide range of dental financing options.
  • We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
  • We serve patients from the following cities: Gardena, Athens, Harbor Gateway, Torrance, Alondra Park, Hawthorne
  • Have Questions?  Please feel free to contact us at 310-366-7666