Professional Cleanings
Thorough hygiene visits that protect your gums, refresh your smile, and catch small issues before they grow.
Professional dental cleanings are the foundation of preventive dentistry. While home brushing and flossing are essential, only professional cleanings can remove the plaque and tartar buildup that harbors bacteria and leads to gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends professional cleanings at least every six months for optimal oral health.
At Mercado Dental Studio, our dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline, then polish your teeth to a brilliant shine. Dr. Mercado performs a comprehensive examination, checks for cavities, screens for oral cancer, and assesses your gum health. We provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques and discuss any concerns.
Regular cleanings prevent serious dental problems before they start, saving you time and money in the long run. By investing in preventive care, you keep your natural teeth healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.
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Why Professional Cleanings Matter
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing at home. Tartar buildup harbors bacteria that cause gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Only professional dental cleaning can remove tartar and restore your gums to health.
Gum disease often produces no pain or obvious symptoms in its early stages, so you may not realize you have it until significant damage occurs. Professional cleanings allow Dr. Mercado to detect early gum disease and prevent progression. Early detection and treatment prevent the bone loss and tooth loss associated with advanced periodontitis.
Additionally, professional cleanings help detect cavities, oral cancer, and other dental problems early when treatment is simpler and more affordable. Regular cleanings also keep your teeth bright and your breath fresh.
What's Included in Your Cleaning
Your professional cleaning appointment typically lasts 45 minutes and includes comprehensive plaque and tartar removal from above and below your gumline. Our hygienist uses specialized instruments to carefully remove buildup without damaging your enamel or gums. The process is typically comfortable, though sensitive teeth may require special handling.
After plaque and tartar removal, your teeth are polished with a mild abrasive and flavored polish that removes surface stains and leaves your teeth smooth and shiny. We may apply fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and help prevent cavities. Dr. Mercado performs a thorough examination, checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other concerns.
We discuss your brushing and flossing technique, recommend products suited to your needs, and answer any questions about your oral health. We also discuss the importance of regular cleanings and recommend the frequency appropriate for your individual risk factors. For those with increased gingivitis risk or dental implants, we may recommend cleanings every 3-4 months instead of the standard six months.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning
Keep your teeth healthy and beautiful with regular professional cleanings.