The Need for Regular Professional Teeth Cleanings

Generally, teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months for a patient with no serious ongoing dental needs. When you visit our Manhattan Beach General Dentist, our dental hygienist will conduct an examination to evaluate and identify signs of inflammation and disease. We will discuss the findings with you to identify underlying issues that could compromise your oral health.

A plan for treatment will then be developed based on your dental needs. Keep in mind that every patient is unique with their own specific needs and risk factors for gum disease. As a result, more frequent cleaning and a more intense cleaning regimen may be established for at-home oral hygiene.

During a routine cleaning, your hygienist or dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. If plaque and tartar debris are allowed to build up and remain around and below the gumline, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues.

Periodontal disease is caused by the overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque, which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. These pockets become infected and will continue to deepen, causing the underlying bone structure to gradually disintegrate. Ultimately your teeth become loose, putting you at great risk of losing teeth.

General dentistry and a routine of regular visits to our Manhattan Beach General Dentist office or cleanings can help prevent periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) during a cleaning. Over time, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods can cause your teeth to become discolored. Routine dental cleanings also include polishing of your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining.