Take Care Of Your Teeth And Gums
Maintaining regular teeth cleaning and checkup appointments is essential for ensuring the health of your teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity. These routine visits go beyond what daily brushing and flossing can achieve, effectively removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria—the primary contributors to tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. A skilled hygienist can clean those hard-to-reach areas that are often missed during regular at-home care, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
In addition, routine cleanings provide an excellent opportunity for your hygienist and dentist to monitor your oral health, identifying and addressing potential problems early, before they turn into painful or costly issues.
Regular cleanings can also help brighten your smile naturally, removing stains from coffee, tea, and other foods without the need for bleaching treatments. Benefits include:
- Eliminating plaque, which contains harmful bacteria that erodes your enamel.
- Removing tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease.
- Cleaning away stains from coffee, tea, or other substances.
- Checking for signs of receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other oral health issues.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are essential for keeping your teeth healthy, so they receive special attention during your cleaning. We will carefully assess the condition of your gums, looking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or gum disease. We also check your entire mouth, including your tongue, to ensure everything is in top condition. If needed, we’ll discuss your flossing habits and provide suggestions for improvement to keep your gums strong and healthy.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque builds up on your teeth every day, and if not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can turn into tartar. Tartar is a hardened substance that can only be professionally removed by a hygienist. We’ll use specialized instruments to gently clean your teeth and remove any tartar buildup, especially along the gumline where it’s most common. Once that’s done, we’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave you with a sparkling smile.
Dentist Exam
After your cleaning, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for any potential problems. They will review your X-rays and take note of any changes or areas that may need extra care. Your dentist will discuss any findings with you and offer tips on how to protect your oral health in the future. If you’ve had any issues, like sensitivity or pain, this is the perfect time to mention them, and we’ll work together to address them.
Cost Of Teeth Cleaning In San Diego
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing more serious dental issues. In San Diego, the cost of a routine dental cleaning typically ranges from $75 to $200, with an average cost of around $125. However, without dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly if it’s your initial visit or the first cleaning in a prolonged period.
Several factors can influence the cost of your dental cleaning:
- Oral Health Condition: The current state of your oral health may require additional treatments or longer appointment times, affecting the overall cost.
- Need for X-rays: If new X-rays are necessary to assess your dental health, this will add to the total expense.
- Appointment Duration: The time required to address your individual needs can impact the cost, especially if extensive cleaning or additional procedures are needed.
- Equipment and Supplies: The specific tools and materials required for your treatment can also influence the overall price.
Investing in regular dental cleanings not only helps prevent more invasive treatments but also ensures your comfort and well-being by maintaining a healthy mouth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, we recommend scheduling a teeth cleaning and checkup every 6 months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits or fewer visits, especially if there are insurance or cost-related considerations.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible. While cleanings are a great preventive measure, they’re not the only time to address issues. If you have any concerns, even if they seem minor, reaching out early can prevent bigger problems down the line.
Yes, checkups are essential even if you have dentures. Regular visits are necessary to ensure your dentures are properly fitting and functioning, and to check the overall health of your gums, bones, and soft tissues in your mouth.
Typically, dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour, and are done while you’re comfortably lying back in the dental chair.
Using tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride is an excellent start. While brushing is essential, dental floss is the only way to effectively remove plaque between your teeth, preventing tartar buildup in those hard-to-reach spots. Also, using an antiseptic mouthwash daily helps kill bacteria that cause plaque.
After a regular cleaning, you can eat right away. However, it’s best to avoid acidic or abrasive foods. If you’ve had a fluoride treatment during the cleaning, you should wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Yes, you should continue to brush and floss after your cleaning. This ensures the benefits of the cleaning last longer and helps maintain your oral health.
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