Teeth Cleaning in Gardena, CA

At Gardena Dental Group, we believe a healthy smile is a happy one. Regular 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. Let’s explore why teeth cleaning in Gardena, CA, is so important and what you can expect during your visit to Gardena Dental Group.

Why Teeth Cleaning Matters

Teeth cleaning plays a critical role in preventing dental issues and promoting overall health. Here are some key reasons why regular cleanings should be part of your dental routine:

• Prevents Cavities: Plaque buildup is a primary cause of tooth decay. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.
• 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.
• Freshens Breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Cleanings help keep your mouth fresh and pleasant.
• 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.
• Early Detection of Issues: Regular visits allow our dentists to spot problems early, such as cavities, broken fillings, or gum disease, before they become more serious and costly to treat and affect your health.

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

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health Between Visits

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.
• Regular Check-ups: Visit us every six months for a professional cleaning and examination. This helps catch any issues early and keeps your smile bright and healthy.

What Is the Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?

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.

Are Dental Cleanings Covered by My Insurance?

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.

Why Choose Gardena Dental Group for Your Teeth Cleaning?

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:

• 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.
• Holistic Approach: Our approach to dental care includes educating patients on good oral hygiene practices and overall health.

Let’s Freshen Up Your Smile

Ready to experience the benefits of professional teeth cleaning in Gardena, CA? Schedule your appointment today. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions and help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile.

Thank you for choosing Gardena Dental Group – where your dental health is our passion!

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On This Page

• Why Teeth Cleaning Matters
• What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning Appointment
• Tips for Maintaining Oral Health Between Visits
• What Is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?
• Are Dental Cleanings Covered by My Insurance?
• Why Choose Gardena Dental Group for Your Teeth Cleaning?
• Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning

Related Topics

• Preventative Dentistry
• Dental Exams
• Dental X-Ray

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Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Dental Care) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)