Our Services

— San Diego, CA —

Dental Cleanings

Even with the best oral hygiene practices, plaque and tartar can deposit on your teeth and gum line, leaving you susceptible to a host of dental problems. We, at Rachelle T. Flores, DMD, encourage you to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings to ensure your smile stays healthy and free of disease.

How Often Should You Schedule Your Preventive Dental Cleanings?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental visits at intervals determined by a dentist to maintain optimal oral health. Most patients with healthy teeth and gums require dental exams and cleanings every six months. However, in some cases, we may recommend more frequent care. We believe in preventing dental problems rather than treating them after they develop. That is why we emphasize the importance of preventive dental exams and cleanings, as well as meticulous oral hygiene practices at home.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?

Dental cleanings help prevent plaque and tartar building up on your gum line and between your teeth, which lowers your risk of developing tooth decay, cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and bad breath. Otherwise, the bacteria in plaque and tartar produce acids that attack and eat away your tooth enamel, leading to decay. Moreover, the body’s immune system reacts to the plaque and tartar buildup, leading to gingivitis (early gum disease), which is characterized by inflamed, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Dental cleanings and proper oral care at home can often reverse gingivitis. If not treated, the condition can progress to periodontitis, which can cause damage to the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Studies also show a link between periodontitis and an elevated risk of multiple health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more.

What Should You Expect During Your Dental Cleanings?

A Routine Dental Exam: We will start with an exam of your mouth to evaluate your oral health. If we detect the early signs of cavities, gum disease, or any other potential concerns, we may recommend treatment to restore your oral health and stop the condition from progressing. 

Ultrasonic Plaque and Tartar Removal: Our dental hygienist will use an instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and tartar deposits from around the gum line and between your teeth. We are proud to offer quick and gentle cleanings using ultrasonic scalers. Electromagnetic forces rapidly vibrate the scaler’s tip, effectively blasting away plaque and tartar, as well as surface tooth stains. The unit delivers a small stream of water or mouthwash to flush away any debris. The vibrating tip breaks the water up into millions of tiny bubbles, which creates an environment less hospitable to cavity and gum disease-causing bacteria.

Polishing Your Teeth: Our hygienist will use a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste to remove any plaque or tartar left behind, leaving your teeth looking and feeling minty clean and fresh.

Professional Flossing: Our dental hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque and tartar and locate any trouble areas where your gums may bleed.

Additional Preventive Treatments: The last step of your cleaning appointment is a fluoride treatment, if needed, to help strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay and cavities. For children, we may recommend dental sealants to help prevent decay in the hard to reach areas.

Dental Cleanings Near Me

Contact Rachelle T. Flores, DMD in San Diego, CA, to schedule your dental cleaning. Dr. Flores and her outstanding team are committed to providing quality preventive services for long-term healthy smiles.

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