Regular Teeth Cleaning Vancouver WA

Regular dental and teeth cleanings from our dental office in Vancouver WA can help prevent gum disease, tartar and plaque build-up from occurring, and more.

teeth cleaning

It’s no secret that keeping your mouth clean is important for your oral health – but what about your overall health? Recent studies have shown a connection between poor oral hygiene and several serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

So why not take the time to ensure your teeth are clean and healthy? Good dental cleaning from a dental hygienist can help prevent these diseases from occurring. Plus, it will also help keep your smile looking its best!

As the name implies, professional teeth cleanings are used to remove tartar beneath the gums and down to your root. As bacteria multiply, they produce harmful substances in the tissue. Throughout life, gums begin to pull away from the surface, forming small pockets where bacteria travel from one place to another and into tooth roots.

Also known as dental prophylaxis, dental cleanings can be done at home or by a dental office. A toothbrush, toothpaste, water, and flossing tools are used to clean teeth at home. Dentists use special tools and products to clean teeth, such as scaling tools and fluoride varnish.

During the routine cleaning, a dental hygienist will apply specially designed brushing techniques to help clear up sticky deposits and dental plaque beneath the gum line. These deep cleanings are very important to ward off gum disease; even mild forms called gingivitis.

types of dental cleaning

disease prevention
During dental prophylaxis, dentists use special instruments to rid teeth of plaque and tartar. This helps reduce the risk of tooth decay as well as gum disease.
root planing cleaning
This is a process that involves smoothing down the roots of teeth to prevent bacteria from building up in those areas. It also helps reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with gum disease.
mouth debridement
This is a more aggressive cleaning technique that helps to remove tartar buildup from hard to reach areas. It can also be used in cases where there is an infection or inflammation of the gums.
periodontal cleaning
This is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from all around the teeth and beneath the gum line, including areas where daily brushing may not reach.

what does teeth cleaning remove?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being. Regular brushing and flossing are essential habits, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, plaque and tartar can build up on our teeth. This is where professional teeth cleaning comes into play.

During a dental cleaning, a skilled dental hygienist uses specialized tools and techniques to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris from your teeth and gums. But what exactly does teeth cleaning remove?

plaque removal
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. It consists of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Professional teeth cleaning effectively removes plaque from your teeth, preventing these oral health problems.
tartar removal
Also known as calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. It forms when minerals in saliva combine with plaque over time. Tartar buildup not only creates an unsightly yellowish appearance on teeth but also acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. Dental professionals use special instruments to carefully remove tartar during a teeth cleaning session.

other things that teeth cleaning removes

stains
Certain foods, beverages, and lifestyle habits like smoking can cause tooth discoloration and stains. Teeth cleaning involves a process called scaling, which targets surface stains. Dental professionals may use ultrasonic instruments or hand scalers to remove these stains, revealing a brighter, healthier smile.
food debris and bacteria
Even with regular brushing, it’s easy for food particles to become trapped between teeth or in hard-to-reach areas. These particles can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, causing bad breath and increasing the risk of cavities. Teeth cleaning helps eliminate trapped food debris, reducing the chances of bacterial growth and improving oral freshness.
plaque and tartar below the gumline
The area beneath the gumline is particularly susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup. If left unaddressed, this can lead to gum inflammation, gingivitis, and eventually periodontitis. During a dental cleaning, the hygienist uses specialized tools to access and clean below the gumline, removing any accumulated plaque and tartar.

how teeth are cleaned at the dentist

A toothbrush is used to clean the surfaces of the teeth, and dental floss is used to clean in between the teeth. Patients need a visit to the dentist for a more professional approach. They will have the proper tools to reach all surfaces of the teeth and mouth, as well as clean in between them.

The first step is a dental exam of the mouth which includes X-rays and manual evaluation. This helps the hygienist identify any areas that may need special attention.

Next, the hygienist brushes the teeth. The bristles of the brush help polish and remove plaque from the teeth. After the teeth have been brushed, they are flossed. Dental floss is used to clean in between the teeth, where plaque can often build up.

Finally, mouthwash is used to rinse away any remaining plaque or bacteria. Mouthwashes can also help to freshen your breath.

Regardless of how you clean your teeth, you must visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. If you are due for dental cleanings or have any other questions about dental care, call us at Cascade Dental. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums!

benefits of teeth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning treatment is a dentistry service that has several benefits for your oral health, including:

removing plaque and tartar
Plaque and tartar come from food particles and bacteria that are constantly forming on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and gums and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

When plaque isn’t removed with regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (or calculus), which can only be removed with dental cleaning tools. Tartar buildup in your mouth can cause bad breath, gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.
preventing cavities
Cavities are caused by plaque and tartar that have built up on teeth and damaged the enamel. Getting rid of this oral health problem is one of the most important benefits of brushing, flossing, and cleaning. Nearly 80% of adults in the United States have this case, and tooth decay is the number one reason kids miss school. It is also a leading cause of adult tooth loss.
whitening teeth
Over time, teeth can become stained from food, drinks, tobacco, and other substances. Teeth cleanings may also whiten teeth by removing surface stains. While there are many over-the-counter tooth whitening products available, they can be harsh on the teeth and gums.
preventing gum disease
Gum disease is a serious infection that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums; bad breath; receding gums; and loose teeth. Teeth cleaning can also help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, which can improve your oral health and overall well-being.
overall health
There is a connection between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to many serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Teeth cleaning can help improve your overall health by preventing these problems from occurring.

dental cleaning with and without insurance

When it comes to dental cleaning, both with and without insurance can be beneficial, depending on your specific needs.

If you have insurance through your employer or another provider, a dental exam and routine teeth cleaning may be covered under the plan. Depending on the type of coverage you have, additional treatments such as X-rays or gum disease treatment may also be covered. It’s important to read the details of your policy so that you know what is and isn’t covered.

For those without insurance, oftentimes it can be cheaper than with an insurance plan. It really depends on the insurance carrier and the cost at which the dental office charges. This is a common question we get, and most patients are often surprised at the outcome.

No matter the option you choose, it’s important to get regular dental cleanings every 6 months to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Regular visits will also give your dentist the chance to spot any developing problems early on, which can save you money in the long run.

how long does teeth cleaning take?

Teeth cleaning typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of plaque and tartar buildup. During this process, a dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line.

The hygienist will also polish your teeth with a gritty paste and may apply fluoride or other treatments as needed. After everything is done, your teeth should be noticeably cleaner and brighter.

schedule your periodontal cleaning with us!

Are you looking for a reliable and trustworthy dental service provider to schedule your periodontal cleaning? Look no further!

Our team of experienced professionals is here to ensure that you get the best care possible. We understand the importance of regular cleanings and are committed to helping you maintain your oral health.

Schedule your periodontal cleaning with us today, and let us take care of everything for you!