A bright and healthy smile is a true reflection of good oral hygiene. While brushing and flossing are essential daily practices, professional dental cleaning takes your oral care routine to the next level. Dental cleaning is a preventive dental procedure dental hygienists perform to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. The dental cleaning appointment at San Jose Smile Center Dr Howard Defaii, begins with a thorough oral examination. The dentist or dental hygienist will assess the health of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. They will also look for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing more severe problems down the road.

The Benefits of Dental Cleaning

Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on the teeth regularly. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be eliminated by regular brushing and flossing. Dental cleaning involves meticulously removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, especially in areas that are challenging to reach with a toothbrush.

Stain Removal and Polishing

Dental cleaning includes the removal of external tooth stains caused by habits like smoking, drinking coffee, or consuming colored foods and beverages. After stain removal, the teeth are polished, leaving them smooth and shiny. This step not only enhances the appearance of your teeth but also helps prevent plaque from adhering to the tooth surfaces.

The Procedure for Dental Cleaning

The dental cleaning appointment typically begins with an oral examination. The dentist or dental hygienist will assess the oral health, checking for any signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental issues. The next step involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. If not removed promptly, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be eliminated by regular brushing and flossing. The dental hygienist uses specialized dental instruments, such as a scaler, to carefully scrape off the plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, especially in areas that are challenging to reach with a toothbrush.

Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the teeth are polished to give them a smooth and shiny appearance. Polishing helps remove external tooth stains caused by smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine. This step not only enhances the aesthetics of the teeth but also helps prevent plaque from adhering to the tooth surfaces. After the cleaning and polishing, the dental hygienist will floss between the teeth to remove any remaining plaque and debris from between the teeth and along the gumline. Flossing ensures a thorough cleaning in areas that may be missed during regular brushing and flossing at home.

Regular dental cleaning appointments, combined with daily brushing and flossing, are the foundation of excellent oral health and the gateway to a lifetime of smiles to be proud of. For the best dental care, visit San Jose Smile Center Dr. Howard Defaii at 827 Blossom Hill Rd suite e-3, San Jose, CA 95123, or call (408) 227-5012.