Keep Your Smile Healthy with Professional Teeth Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings are essential for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. Even with excellent at-home brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up over time, leading to cavities and gum disease. At Smile Source Atlanta East, our professional cleanings remove harmful bacteria, keeping your smile fresh and preventing long-term oral health problems.
Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important?
Skipping dental cleanings can lead to serious oral health issues. Professional cleanings help:
- Prevent Cavities – Plaque buildup contains bacteria that can erode enamel and cause tooth decay.
- Reduce Gum Disease Risk – Removing tartar helps prevent gingivitis and more severe gum infections.
- Freshen Your Breath – Plaque and tartar can cause bad breath, which cleanings help eliminate.
- Brighten Your Smile – Cleanings remove surface stains, giving your teeth a healthier, whiter appearance.
- Support Overall Health – Poor oral hygiene has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.
For optimal oral health, we recommend scheduling a professional cleaning every six months, or more frequently if you have a history of gum disease.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
A typical dental cleaning appointment includes:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal
- Using specialized tools, our hygienists remove plaque and hardened tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gumline.
- This process helps prevent cavities and gum inflammation.
- Deep Cleaning Between Teeth
- We use ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to ensure all buildup is carefully removed.
- Polishing
- Your teeth are polished with a special paste that removes surface stains and smooths enamel.
- Flossing and Rinsing
- We thoroughly floss your teeth and provide a fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel.
- Gum Health Assessment
- If signs of gum disease are detected, we may recommend additional periodontal therapy.
- Personalized Oral Hygiene Advice
- Our team provides tailored recommendations on how to improve your brushing and flossing routine at home.
Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease (Scaling and Root Planing)
For patients with signs of gum disease, a deeper cleaning known as scaling and root planing may be necessary. This treatment removes bacteria below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to prevent further infection. If you have red, swollen gums or notice bleeding when brushing, our team may recommend this procedure to restore your gum health.
How to Maintain a Clean, Healthy Smile at Home
Between professional cleanings, you can keep your teeth and gums in top shape by:
- Brushing Twice Daily – Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes.
- Flossing Daily – Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that brushing misses.
- Eating a Balanced Diet – Limit sugary foods and drinks that contribute to decay.
- Using Mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce plaque buildup.
Scheduling Regular Checkups – Routine dental checkups allow early detection of oral health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most patients should have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, those with gum disease or a high risk of cavities may need more frequent visits.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
No, dental cleanings are generally painless. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know, and we will take extra care to ensure your comfort.
Can dental cleanings whiten my teeth?
Cleanings remove surface stains, making your teeth look brighter. However, for deeper stains, professional teeth whitening may be recommended.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline, while a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is needed for patients with gum disease to remove bacteria below the gums.
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Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
A professional cleaning is one of the easiest ways to protect your smile and overall health. Smile Source Atlanta East provides gentle, thorough dental cleanings for patients in Stone Mountain, GA, and surrounding communities.
