Dental Cleaning & Prevention in Solana Beach, California
Regular scheduled dental cleanings are vital to long-term oral health because they can help to prevent many dental issues from becoming more serious and more expensive. Our team of friendly and skilled dental professionals provide professional cleanings and exams and get to know your full dental health history, so you receive truly personalized dental care.
If you haven’t had a cleaning in a while, what better time than today to schedule your next one? Contact our office today to make your dental cleaning appointment!
CALL US: (858) 755-2414 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Why Are Professional Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Your smile is one way you express yourself and can increase your confidence, so don’t skimp when it comes to taking proper care of them. Professional dental cleanings are the cornerstone of an effective oral health regimen. Regular exams and cleanings from our staff can help!
Prevent gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss – Left unchecked, accumulated plaque, and tartar provides a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to many problems.
Improve and maintain your smile - Your teeth are an important part of your first impression. Maintaining them will help you keep them in top condition.
Help protect your overall health – Many studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and certain conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your oral health strong will help you maintain your overall health.
Save money by preventing expensive problems – While it may be tempting to skip cleanings to save money, the cost of treatments for cavities, tooth infections, periodontitis, and other serious issues can add up fast.
Stay informed – Regular dental visits can help you stay aware of your needs and understand how to take care of your teeth and mouth for optimal oral health.
During your regular dental exams, we will talk to you and ask about other health problems you have or medications you're taking and discuss how they might affect your oral health. For instance, if you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk of gum disease.
We can make recommendations to help you with your daily oral hygiene as well, including specific advice if you have other health complications. If you have arthritis or have difficulty properly brushing your teeth, we may recommend inserting the handle of your brush into a rubber ball to make it easier to grip, or just using an electric toothbrush instead.
We will also check to see how well any existing restorations are fitting and functioning, such as dentures, bridges, or implants.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Many people prefer not to think about getting their teeth cleaned because the idea of having someone else poking around in your mouth can be uncomfortable. Having a clear understanding of what the dental hygienist is doing during your cleaning can help calm dental anxiety and set your mind at ease. Your cleanings will include:
A Physical Exam – Dental hygienists typically perform cleanings. The cleaning process will begin with a physical exam of your entire mouth, checking for symptoms of gum disease, oral cancer, decay, or other health issues.
Remove Plaque and Tartar – Using a scaling tool and a mirror, we remove accumulated tartar and plaque from around your gum line.
Scrub Your Teeth with a Special Toothpaste – We clean your teeth with a special toothpaste that contains a mildly abrasive grit to remove any stubborn buildup of tartar from your teeth.
Professionally Floss your Teeth – Even if you floss daily, professional flossing can help you achieve a level of cleanliness you are unlikely to achieve on your own.
Rinse – With your teeth cleaned, we will rinse out your mouth to remove any debris and cleaning materials.
Apply Fluoride Treatment (optional) – If you opt for a fluoride treatment, we use a foamy gel or paste in a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. This remains in place for one minute. We also use fluoride varnish to coat your teeth, which hardens quickly so you can eat immediately after.
What Are the Benefits of a Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride works to prevent cavities by restoring minerals to your tooth enamel. While fluoride cannot remove existing decay, it can help prevent future decay and slow the spread of decay by creating a stronger surface layer for your teeth. This protective barrier works to prevent bacteria from penetrating deeper into the dentin.
Fluoride can potentially benefit both children and adults by preventing cavities from forming. The earlier you expose your teeth to fluoride, the less likely you are to develop cavities. Children and teens can benefit from having topical fluoride applied to molars. The fluoride seeps into the deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth for an added layer of protection.
Can Dentists Detect Oral Cancer?
We perform routine oral cancer screenings during your regular dental checkups for early diagnosis. Symptoms and signs that may indicate oral cancer include:
- Lip or mouth sores that do not heal
- Loose teeth
- Growth or lump in your mouth
- Ear pain
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- A reddish or white patch inside your mouth
If you have experienced any of these symptoms and they persist for two weeks or more, consult with our team as soon as possible. You should also avoid things that can increase your risk of cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol.
Why Are Routine Dental Exams Important?
During a routine dental exam, we can detect early signs of disease and show you how to improve your daily hygiene habits to reduce your risk of related conditions. Regular exams also allow us to notice if something has changed in your dental situation so that we can address it quickly and potentially halt issues before they become serious problems.
It is just as important to maintain consistent practices at home, such as:
Flossing daily – Even if you brush daily, it is easy to overlook flossing. Remember, flossing is equally as important as brushing!
Brushing thoroughly – Brush gently and carefully in a circular pattern, reaching every area of your mouth.
Scrubbing your tongue – People who brush and floss daily may overlook their tongue because they are more focused on their teeth and gums. Your tongue can harbor a lot of bacteria, and cleaning it regularly is important.
Brushing before bed – Bacteria and plaque accumulate during the day and can worsen during the night if left untouched.
Cutting back on sugar – Sugar feeds the growth of bacteria in your mouth and converts to acid on your teeth, which leads to tooth decay.
Consider using mouth wash – Mouth wash can help reach bacteria in the nooks and crannies of your mouth that are difficult to brush. You can also get special types of mouth wash specifically designed for sensitive teeth, kids, and for whitening.
Avoid acidic foods – Tea, coffee, and acidic fruit juices can stain or erode the enamel of your teeth.
Restorations for Preventive Care
The goal of restorative dentistry is to keep your natural tooth structure intact as long as possible. However, sometimes keeping a tooth is not possible, and a restorative procedure is the best way to keep the rest of your teeth healthy and support your bone structure.
Replacing missing teeth with a bridge, implant, a full or partial denture is more than just a cosmetic issue. Missing teeth create gaps in your mouth that can allow your surrounding teeth to gradually shift to fill the space created by the missing teeth. The gap can also lead to issues with your jaw and even the appearance of your face. Missing teeth can also place extra strain on your remaining teeth because there are fewer teeth to do the job of chewing and less tooth surface area.
Schedule Your Next Cleaning Today!
Your oral health plays a central role in your self-confidence and overall appearance, as well as your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy your favorite activities. Taking care of your teeth and gums is central to your long-term oral health and maintaining a beautiful smile. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment!
CALL US: (858) 755-2414 REQUEST APPOINTMENT