Dental Cleanings & Prophylaxis: Caring For Your Smile Year-Round
At Gentle Family Dentistry, your trusted Bakersfield, CA preventive dentist, Dr. Jonathan H. Garger, and our experienced team are committed to helping you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. To help ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful year-round, we offer a range of dental cleanings and related treatments.
What Are Dental Cleanings?
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, refer to the professional cleaning of teeth performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. This preventive dentistry procedure often includes our skilled Bakersfield dentist polishing the teeth to remove surface stains and leave them with a smooth and refreshed appearance. Dental prophylaxis helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, while also contributing to a fresher and brighter smile. Regular dental cleanings are recommended every six months alongside your routine dental exams to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental problems.
Benefits of Routine Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings offer numerous benefits for your oral health and overall well-being. At Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we prioritize the importance of dental cleanings and their positive impact on your smile. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Preventing Gum Disease: Dental cleanings play a crucial role in preventing gum disease. The professional removal of plaque and tartar during a cleaning helps keep your gums healthy and reduces the risk of gum inflammation and infection.
- Cavity Prevention: Dental cleanings effectively remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, reducing the likelihood of developing cavities. By addressing early signs of tooth decay, cleanings help preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for more extensive dental treatments.
- Fresher Breath: Persistent bad breath can often be attributed to accumulated plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Regular dental cleanings remove these sources of odor, leaving your breath fresh and clean.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Dental cleanings contribute to overall oral health by maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Cleanings help prevent tooth loss, promote healthy bone structure, and improve your overall dental well-being.
- Brighter Smile: Dental cleanings often include polishing the teeth, which can help remove surface stains and discoloration. This leaves your teeth looking cleaner, brighter, and more aesthetically pleasing.
By scheduling regular dental cleanings at Gentle Family Dentistry, you can enjoy these benefits and take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal oral health.
The Dental Cleaning Process
At Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we follow a comprehensive process during routine dental cleanings to ensure optimal oral health. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during your cleaning appointment:
Consultation
Before the cleaning begins, you’ll have a consultation with our Dr. Garger. This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns or dental issues you may have. We’ll review your medical history and address any specific areas of focus.
Examination
Our dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. This includes checking for signs of decay, gum disease, or other dental problems. X-rays may be taken to get a comprehensive view of your oral health.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
The dental hygienist will use specialized instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This process, known as scaling, targets areas above and below the gum line. Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Teeth Polishing
After scaling, your teeth will be polished using professional-grade toothpaste and a rotating brush or a rubber cup. This step removes surface stains and leaves your teeth with a smooth and shiny appearance.
Flossing
The dental hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or debris. This step ensures a thorough cleaning and helps reach areas that may be difficult to access with regular brushing and flossing at home.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
To maintain good oral health between visits, our dental team will provide personalized oral hygiene instructions. This may include proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommendations for dental products, and tips for maintaining a healthy smile.
Related Dental Cleaning Treatments at Gentle Family Dentistry
Periodontal Cleanings
For patients with signs of periodontal disease or deep periodontal pockets, we offer specialized periodontal cleanings. Through laser-assisted scaling and root planing, our dental professionals remove plaque and calculus below the gumline. This deep cleaning helps prevent the progression of gum disease and promotes the reattachment of healthy gum tissues to the teeth and underlying bone.
Fluoride Treatments
Our dental practice recognizes the importance of fluoride in maintaining strong and healthy teeth. We offer fluoride treatments as part of our preventive care services. This involves the application of a fluoride varnish to your teeth, which helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments are particularly beneficial for patients with a history of decay or those showing signs of decalcification on their teeth.
Dental Sealants
Gentle Family Dentistry also provides dental sealants, a preventive measure to protect your teeth from decay. Dental sealants are a tooth-colored resin material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This creates a protective barrier that seals the deep grooves and fissures, preventing food particles and bacteria from causing tooth decay. Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to safeguard your teeth against cavities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally recommended to schedule a dental cleaning every six months. Regular cleanings help maintain healthy teeth and gums, prevent dental problems, and ensure early detection of any potential issues.
Dental prophylaxis, or regular dental cleanings, is performed to maintain oral health and remove plaque, stains, and tartar from the teeth. Periodontal cleanings, on the other hand, are specialized cleanings for patients with signs of gum disease, involving the removal of plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
Fluoride treatments provide added protection against tooth decay by strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with a history of cavities or those at higher risk of dental decay.
While dental sealants are commonly applied to children’s teeth, they can also be beneficial for adults. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, preventing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria and reducing the risk of cavities.
Call Gentle Family Dentistry & Clean Your Smile Right
At Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental cleanings and prophylaxis services to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you need professional dental cleanings or any related treatments, schedule your appointment today by calling 661-664-9900 or filling out our easy contact form to make an appointment today. Gentle Family Dentistry proudly helps patients from Bakersfield and surrounding areas such as Gosford, Alameda, and Lakeview, CA maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime.