While dental emergencies can strike anyone, anytime, our patients who commit to regular preventive care appointments usually experience fewer problems over time. Professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist allow us to take a proactive approach to your dental health and address issues while they are small.
Despite your best efforts, deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to certain areas of the teeth. These deposits create a nice home for millions of harmful bacteria. Left unchecked, they release toxins into the gums resulting in devastating chronic problems and can even result in the loss of teeth. Routine Dental Services, like professional cleanings, are designed to prevent these issues before they escalate.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
When tartar is removed at your professional hygiene appointment, it doesn’t have the opportunity to produce irreversible damage. We use professional instruments and prescription strength polishing paste that gently buffs away stain and plaque, leaving your teeth ultra-smooth and shiny. Since discoloration settles into the enamel of your teeth over time, this helps slow yellowing while creating a glassy surface for better cleaning.
During each teeth cleaning appointment, we’ll also assess the health of your gums, screen for early signs of periodontal disease, and provide tailored guidance on how to improve your at-home care. These visits are an important piece of our preventative dentistry practice.
Consistency Matters in Preventative Dentistry
We recommend scheduling cleanings at least twice a year, though more frequent visits may be needed for patients with a history of gum disease or heavy tartar buildup.
With consistent dental appointments, patients are more likely to maintain healthy teeth and gums, avoid emergency treatments, and support their overall wellness. Routine cleanings reinforce healthy habits, provide personalized education, and allow for early detection of potential issues that might not be noticeable at home. This proactive approach is a core principle of preventive dental care and plays a critical role in long-term oral health.
Teeth Cleaning FAQs
Most people find teeth cleanings comfortable. You might feel some mild scraping or sensitivity, especially if plaque or tartar has built up, but it usually doesn’t last long. Dental hygienists use gentle tools, and if your teeth or gums are sensitive, your dentist can take steps to make the cleaning more comfortable. Regular cleanings also help prevent more serious and painful dental problems later.
Teeth cleanings don’t directly “boost” your immune system, but they do play an important role in supporting your body’s overall health. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, which have bacteria that can lead to disease and infections. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy through routine dental appointments, you reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation, which helps your immune system focus on protecting the rest of your body more effectively.
It’s completely normal for gums to bleed a little bit during cleanings when plaque and tartar are removed. When a dental hygienist cleans your teeth, the gentle scraping can cause inflamed areas around the gums to slightly bleed. Minimal bleeding is actually a sign that your gums are starting to heal and responding to proper care!
After a professional teeth cleaning, it’s important to maintain your results at home. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth. Rinsing with water after meals and limiting foods and drinks that stain teeth can also help. Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months keep your teeth healthy and prevent buildup from returning.
4 Convenient Locations in San Antonio to Serve You
- Leon Springs
- Leon Valley
- Northern Hills
- Universal City
