Dental Cleaning Services at Wilshire Center Dental Group

At Wilshire Center Dental Group, we believe that preventative care is the cornerstone of a healthy, beautiful smile. One of the most important aspects of preventative dental care is regular dental cleanings, which help remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. Our skilled dental hygienists provide thorough, gentle cleanings that ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy, preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues before they develop into more serious concerns.

Why Is Professional Dental Cleaning Important?

Even with the best at-home oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar (also known as calculus), which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Regular cleanings help:

• Prevent Cavities: By removing plaque and tartar buildup, we reduce the chances of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and the need for restorative treatments.
• Maintain Healthy Gums: Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontal disease) is often caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline. Routine cleanings help prevent gum inflammation, bleeding, and infection.
• Freshen Your Breath: Regular cleanings help eliminate the bacteria that contribute to bad breath (halitosis), leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
• Improve Overall Health: Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular cleanings supports your overall well-being.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

When you come in for a dental cleaning at Wilshire Center Dental Group, you can expect a thorough and comfortable experience. Here’s what you can expect during the cleaning process:

1. Examination
   Before the cleaning, your hygienist will examine your mouth and gums to check for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues. If necessary, X-rays may be taken to get a clearer picture of your teeth and underlying bone health.

2. Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)
   Using specialized instruments, our hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, including hard-to-reach areas near the gumline. This process is known as “scaling” and is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

3. Polishing
   After scaling, your teeth will be polished with a gritty toothpaste-like substance to remove any remaining surface stains and give your teeth a smooth, shiny finish. This also helps remove any plaque buildup that may remain after scaling.

4. Flossing
   Your hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any lingering debris and plaque from the spaces that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. This step also helps identify any potential areas of concern, like gum bleeding, that may indicate early signs of gum disease.

5. Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
   After your teeth have been cleaned and polished, we may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and provide extra protection against cavities. Fluoride can be especially beneficial for patients who are prone to cavities or have sensitive teeth.

6. Review and Recommendations
   Your hygienist or dentist will review your oral health with you and may recommend any additional treatments, such as sealants or a deeper cleaning (scaling and root planing) if gum disease is detected. You will also be given personalized tips for improving your at-home oral care routine to maintain your smile.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning?

We recommend that most patients schedule a dental cleaning every six months. However, depending on your individual oral health needs, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings (every 3-4 months) if you are at higher risk for dental issues, such as gum disease or cavities. Those with conditions like diabetes or a history of periodontal disease may need more frequent visits to ensure their oral health is maintained.

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

• Prevention of Gum Disease: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular cleanings help prevent gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease), reducing the risk of tooth and bone loss.
• Cost Savings: By preventing more serious dental issues through regular cleanings, you can avoid costly treatments like fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions in the future.
• Healthier Smile: Routine cleanings help maintain your teeth and gums, keeping your smile bright, healthy, and free from stains, bad breath, or discomfort.
• Detecting Early Issues: Regular cleanings allow us to detect potential oral health issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection can lead to simpler, less invasive treatments.

Why Choose Wilshire Center Dental Group?

At Wilshire Center Dental Group, our priority is your comfort and oral health. Our experienced hygienists and dentists are committed to providing gentle, professional dental cleanings in a warm and welcoming environment. We take the time to explain each step of the process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure that you feel at ease during your visit.

We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide the best care possible, whether you need a routine cleaning or have more specific dental concerns. Our team is also dedicated to educating you on how to maintain optimal oral hygiene at home, empowering you to keep your smile healthy between visits.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today!

Maintaining a regular dental cleaning schedule is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy smile for life. If it’s time for your next cleaning or if you haven’t had a cleaning in a while, contact Wilshire Center Dental Group today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.