Regular dental cleaning is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. While good habits at home are important — including regular brushing and flossing, plus an anti-cavity rinse — a deep dental cleaning from AZ Family Dental at one of our greater Phoenix area locations offers extra protection from cavities, gingivitis, and tartar buildup.
Why Teeth Cleaning is so Important
Even the best dental hygiene routine doesn’t guarantee your mouth and teeth are completely free of germs and tartar. Home toothbrushes, floss, and dental rinse can only do so much. In fact, being too aggressive in your home regimen can do more harm than good. When it comes to a safe, pain-free cleaning, having a regular dental cleaning at AZ Family Dental can do much more than keep your teeth clean, white, and healthy.
Maintaining good periodontal health by getting a twice-a-year dental cleaning can help prevent gum inflammation (gingivitis), tooth decay, and tooth loss from periodontitis. Your greater Phoenix area dentist addresses patient periodontal health by using several advanced technologies and procedures to detect gum and teeth problems in their earliest stages. With recent research suggesting that periodontal disease may be associated with the development or worsening of diabetes and heart conditions, it is even more imperative for you to receive dental cleanings in the greater Phoenix area.
Because teeth cannot shed their surfaces the way skin can, the opportunity exists for harmful bacteria to attach to the teeth and remain there for extended periods. If not completely removed by regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial rinse, bacteria become a biofilm known as dental plaque. Plaque accumulating unchecked near the gum line will harden and begin destroying teeth and gum tissues due to intense bacterial activity. Undergoing a professional dental cleaning in the Phoenix, AZ area is the best way to eliminate biofilm and the beginning of dental plaque.
- During a typical dental cleaning, the teeth are scaled to remove any plaque on the tooth and under the gum line that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. The process can be done using sonic and ultrasonic scales, replacing the hand scales that made teeth cleaning painful in the past.
- Dental polishing is done along the gum line to prevent future plaque buildup. After the cleaning, the patient rinses out with water or a dental rinse.
Following completion of your teeth cleaning appointment in the greater Phoenix area, you’ll receive home care instructions on how to protect your teeth and gums from gum disease and infection. Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and healthy eating habits can prevent gingivitis and periodontitis, making every regular dental cleaning less painful and less invasive.
Professional Cleaning
A Registered Dental Hygienist performs professional dental cleanings. Each cleaning appointment includes:
- Oral hygiene Instruction: Instruction includes a review of brushing and flossing techniques along with tips on how to reach the commonly missed areas.
- Removal of Plaque: Plaque adheres to the teeth and, over time, becomes calculus (tartar). It is difficult to see, and the bacteria that reside in the plaque produce toxins that cause inflammation in the gums and other tissue. This inflammation is the beginning of periodontal disease.
- Removal of Calculus (tartar): As plaque gets old, it hardens into calculus. It can form on the tooth above and below the gum line. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. It requires special dental instruments to be removed.
- Tooth Polishing: Plaque and stains are removed by polishing in areas where brushing and flossing are not effective.
How Often Should I Get My Dental Cleanings?
We recommend you come in two times a year for teeth cleanings. Why? We’ve found that this timeframe is optimal for several reasons, including:
- Avoiding painful procedures in the future: When we catch problems early, you spare yourself the discomfort of developing a more serious issue.
- Keeping your costs down: Big issues bring with them bigger expenses, so by maintaining your biannual appointment schedule, you may actually save yourself money you would spend on a serious dental problem that went undetected.
- Enhancing your mouth’s appearance: Habitual coffee or tea drinkers will appreciate our ability to reduce staining with regular cleanings.
- Controlling bad breath: Six months is optimal for reducing the tartar that can lead to halitosis.
Sometimes, your bi-annual cleaning can even lead to identifying serious health conditions outside your mouth. Symptoms of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension include dry mouth. You may not be aware of these signs, but a word from our dental team could prompt you to investigate further.
Select the Most Convenient Location
You can book your general dentistry in one of our offices:
Glendale
8519 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302, United States
Cave Creek
28255 N Tatum Blvd Suite 4, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, United States
North Phoenix
1820 W Thunderbird Rd suite 1, Phoenix, AZ 85023, United States
500+ Five-Star Reviews
Learn why other Arizonians Trust AZ Family Dental with all their dental needs!
I absolutely love this dental office. The staff is beyond exceptional, the dentists are great and I always feel valued.
Nikki, Glendale
One of the best experiences I’ve had at a dentist! Everyone is very warm and welcoming. Dr. V and Diana explained everything throughly as they went so there were no surprises!
Sharon Rose Scataglini, Cave Creek
I love AZ Family Dental. They are always helpful. Answer my questions and give me great care. Everyone is friendly
FAY PEZELY, GLENDALE
Why Choose AZ Family Dental?
We consider our patients part of our family. We enjoy talking with them and hearing about their kids and grandkids. Our entire practice values the connections we make with the people who sit in our chairs. The regular cleanings we give you help prevent future issues, and we feel good about that.
We care about you and your comfort. We don’t want you to experience the frustrations of a dental emergency or develop a long-term condition. Regular cleanings help keep you healthy and us happy.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings and Preventive Care
At AZ Family Dental, we firmly believe in preventive care. What does that mean? Taking proactive steps to protect your mouth against problems before they develop. By keeping your teeth healthy, you’ll improve your chances of avoiding cavities and serious conditions such as gum disease. One way to practice preventive care is to get regular teeth cleaning.
When you come to our greater Phoenix area offices for dental cleanings, we can also monitor your teeth for changes, which can be the first indicator of cavities or other conditions. We get familiar with the look of your mouth and identify any possible signs of gum erosion or tooth decay. Even just talking to our dentists and hygienists when you come for your appointment can help us monitor your dental health, since you may have indicators of dental problems, such as changes in your eating or sleep patterns.
We can promise you that when you come to us for regular cleanings, your mouth will feel better. You can’t beat that fresh feeling on your teeth and tongue right after we finish a cleaning.
Another great benefit of preventive care is that it can head off the biggest issues. When you visit our office for cleanings, you can alert us to small, nagging questions you might not think to make an appointment for. If you’re coming in for a cleaning anyway, you might mention a small toothache or other issue. As a result, we might be able to catch something that could help you avoid a root canal or tooth extraction before it becomes necessary.
Make an Appointment for Our Teeth Cleaning Services Today
We know you have a busy schedule. We keep the office open later on Tuesday through Thursday to accommodate your family and others in the Phoenix area who can’t always squeeze their appointments in during the morning or afternoon. Our offices are conveniently located in the greater Phoenix area, where you’ll find a friendly staff happy to help you, and our state-of-the-art equipment and modern technology allow us to treat you quickly and effectively.
Don’t forget we offer teeth whitening services in Phoenix and the greater area to supplement regular cleanings. Keep that million dollar smile bright by making a teeth cleaning appointment near you with AZ Family Dental.
Frequently Asked Questions for Dental Cleaning
You go into a dental cleaning to have plaque and tartar buildup removed from your teeth. Our dentists may do other services during your appointment, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants. Our teeth naturally acquire plaque over time as we eat and drink, even when brushing and flossing daily. Because of this, you should visit the dentist at least once a year to avoid the build-up of bacteria and the risk of gum disease.
1. Our dentists will start your teeth cleaning session using a small mirror and scaler to remove built-up plaque and tartar on the surface of and in between your teeth.
2. Following this, they’ll deep clean your teeth using an electric toothbrush and prophylaxis paste.
3. After your teeth have been scaled and brushed, our dentists will floss any remaining plaque.
4. You’ll rinse your mouth with a water solution containing liquid fluoride to thoroughly wash away plaque.
5. Lastly, our dentists will administer fluoride treatment as a protective measure against cavities. A mouthpiece is fitted over your teeth and filled with a gel and fluoride. After a minute, they will remove the mouthpiece and have you rinse your mouth.
A dental cleaning, on average, lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. Most cleanings go through the five steps swiftly, but for teeth needing extra care, this time may be extended. Appointments may last up to 90 minutes if there’s a significant amount of plaque build-up on the surface of your teeth.
It’s never too late to start cleaning your teeth; in fact, you become more prone to infections and bacteria build-up as you age. Along with annual dentist appointments, you can practice good oral hygiene by practicing the following steps:
– Brush twice a day
– Floss once a day
– Use fluoride toothpaste
– Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months
– Eat a healthy diet
– Limit soda, coffee, tea, and sweets
– Eliminate alcohol and smoking
– Clean your dentures and retainers regularly
A routine cleaning is different from a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings are recommended for significant bacteria and plaque build-up on the surface of teeth. Without intervention, this can lead to cavities and gum disease. A deep cleaning is typically called for if you’re experiencing bleeding gums, receding gums, or loose teeth.