Teeth Cleaning
Trusted Dental Care in Everett, WA
PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING IN EVERETT, WASHINGTON
Professional teeth cleaning is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth healthy and maintain a bright smile.
We recommend our Everett dental patients visit for this important preventive procedure once or twice a year, but if you’ve never had in-office teeth cleaning, it’s not too late to start now!
What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?
First and foremost, regular teeth cleaning is great for your oral health. Even people who take great care of their teeth can find plaque and tartar building up in hard-to-reach spots, and by getting regular in-office cleanings you can keep on top of this and minimize the risk of dental decay.
Not only that, but a professional cleaning should leave your teeth looking brighter and shinier than before.
Your dentist or hygienist will also take this opportunity to check the overall health of your teeth and gums, and let you know if you need any other treatments.
If there are signs of gum disease, you may need a deeper dental cleaning or root planing procedure to avoid further damage and tooth loss.
What happens if I don’t get my teeth cleaned?
Over time, the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth can contribute to a wide range of dental problems, including:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Dental caries and cavities
- Gum inflammation and disease
- Teeth becoming loose or misaligned
- Tooth loss
We think these are all good reasons to keep up with regular dental cleanings! If not addressed, these issues will require you to have fillings, root canal treatment, crowns or extractions later on – so you’re potentially saving yourself some money by keeping your teeth in great condition.
Plus, your teeth will look and feel better afterwards.
Signs you need to visit a dentist or hygienist
Certain things indicate you might need to book professional teeth cleaning in Everett at Perfect Smiles Dentistry:
- Red, sore, or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- A hard, off-white substance builds up between your teeth and along your gum line
- Teeth starting to look stained
But don’t wait until you experience one of these – you should get your teeth cleaned regularly regardless.
Teeth cleaning at Perfect Smiles Dentistry
A professional teeth cleaning in Everett focuses on removing any buildup from your teeth and protecting your gums. If it’s been a while since you had this procedure – or perhaps this is your first time – here’s what to expect when you visit us for teeth cleaning in Everett, Washington:
Examination
Before beginning any treatment, your dentist or hygienist will carefully examine your teeth and mouth. They’ll be looking for any signs of decay or gum disease. They will also check whether you have any implants, bridges or crowns which require special care during the cleaning.
Removal of plaque and tartar
This part requires the use of a handheld mechanical scaling tool. You’ll feel a scraping sensation as the dentist moves from one tooth to the next. They will concentrate on the gumline but might also need to remove surface stains from the rest of the tooth surface.
It’s quite normal for the gums to bleed a little when they become exposed after tartar removal, but this won’t last for long.
Brushing
A special prophylactic paste is applied using a small brush. This helps to clean any remaining stains and also polishes enamel to achieve that squeaky-clean “just visited the hygienist” feeling.
Flossing
Flossing at the end removes any particles that have gotten stuck between your teeth during the cleaning. You should be flossing every day for optimal oral hygiene. If you’re not sure of the correct technique, now is a great time to ask! We’d be really happy to show you.
Fluoride protection (optional)
Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from acid erosion. Not everybody needs (or wants) this final step, but many patients end their professional teeth cleaning at Perfect Smiles Dentistry with an application of fluoride gel or varnish.
Does a professional teeth cleaning hurt?
Many patients experience little or no discomfort during a routine dental cleaning session. However, those with receding gums or significant tartar buildup may experience sensitivity or some pain during the procedure.
Your dentist can administer an anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the cleaning, and you can let them know if you want to take a break at any point.
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
We recommend that our patients get their teeth cleaned at least once or twice a year, alongside a dental checkup. Some may be advised to come more often, especially when there is active gum disease or periodontitis that needs to be monitored.
Your dentist will let you know when to book your next appointment for a cleaning and checkup, based on the current condition of your teeth and gums.
How long does a teeth cleaning take?
The average teeth cleaning appointment, including an examination, takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you haven’t seen a dentist for some time, it may take a little longer. It all depends on how much cleaning is required to get your teeth free from tartar, plaque and surface stains.
What is deep cleaning vs regular teeth cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline, whereas a deep cleaning reaches below the gumline – a procedure known as root planing.
Gum disease causes pockets to appear between the teeth and the gums. Plaque and tartar can accumulate in these pockets and attack the teeth and gums where you can’t see, often leading to infection. A deep cleaning clears out these gum pockets and gives the gums a better environment to heal.
A deep cleaning will take longer than a regular cleaning. You may also receive medication to prevent further infection in your gums.
Do children need dental cleaning appointments too?
As soon as a child’s first tooth erupts, it’s a good idea to start bringing them in for regular checkups. Not only does this enable us to monitor their oral health and spot potential problems early; it also gets them accustomed to dental visits so there is less likelihood of them fearing these checkups.
It’s often not necessary to perform a dental cleaning on children and adolescents. However, if they consume a lot of sugary snacks and have trouble maintaining proper oral hygiene, a professional cleaning might be beneficial. The hygienist will also encourage them to develop good habits and use the correct technique to brush their teeth.
Book your cleaning appointment today:
Dr. Gowda and her team at Perfect Smiles Dentistry always prioritize the comfort of their patients. So even if you haven’t had your teeth cleaned for a while (or ever), you needn’t feel anxious about it.
Make your oral health a priority by booking your appointment for teeth cleaning in Everett, WA today!
Appointments are preferred, but walk-in patients are welcome.
If you have an emergency dental concern, please contact us immediately.
When you need dental services, trust Perfect Smiles Dentistry in Everett, Washington, to provide you with the best local dentist care.
Contact us for all your dental needs, and let us maintain your oral health and smile with precision and compassion.