Cleaning

What is a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a comprehensive preventive treatment that removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky type of bacteria that clings to your teeth. When plaque accumulates, it releases toxins that eat away at your protective tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay (cavities).

Plaque that hardens turns into tartar or calculus. While regular brushing and flossing can help keep plaque at bay, only a professional dental cleaning can remove tartar. A routine cleaning also targets plaque in areas you may not see, such as the small crevices in between your molars.

Why is a dental cleaning important?

By removing plaque regularly, teeth cleanings help prevent cavities, and this, in turn, reduces the cost of your dental treatment and time spent at Bay Dental. Cavities weaken your teeth by reducing the size and eating away at protective layers. Preventing cavities keeps your tooth enamel strong and durable as you age. 

These routine visits also help detect early signs of decay, so the team can treat them with minimally invasive procedures, like fillings. Once a cavity progresses, you may need restorative treatments, like dental crowns. Restorations take at least two visits to place and cost more than fillings.

What can I expect from a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning includes a comprehensive exam and plaque removal. When you arrive, the team assesses your jaws, face, and neck to check for abnormal swelling or lumps. Next, they inspect the inside of your mouth to look for signs of decay and damage. The team also evaluates your soft tissues to detect growths, sores, or lesions.

Before performing your teeth cleaning, the team takes digital X-rays to view your tooth-supporting bone and soft tissues.

Next, the team performs the cleaning. They use special dental instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline. They also brush and floss your teeth to remove any leftover bacteria. Finally, the team polishes your teeth and applies a strengthening fluoride treatment to protect against future decay.

How often should I schedule a dental cleaning?

The Bay Dental team recommends visiting once every six months for a dental cleaning. Regular cleanings prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth and allow the team to detect early signs of damage, gum disease, and other common dental concerns.

Call Bay Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about dental cleanings.