Teeth Cleaning

Professional teeth cleanings protect the health of your teeth, gums, and your entire body by preventing gum infections that spread into your bloodstream. The exceptional team at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, provides comprehensive care for people of all ages, including teeth cleanings that restore your beautiful teeth and make you happy to smile. If you're overdue for your twice-yearly teeth cleaning, call the office in Woodbridge, Virginia, or book an appointment online today. 

Why do I need teeth cleaning?

Routine teeth cleaning preserves and protects your teeth. Without regular cleaning, ingested sugars (carbohydrates) trigger a series of events that lead to decay and gum disease.

The sugars mix with saliva and bacteria in your mouth, creating a film called plaque. Plaque sticks to your teeth, where the bacteria produce acids that erode the enamel. Erosion then opens the door to decay.

Brushing and flossing twice a day helps remove the plaque, but it builds up and hardens into tartar if it stays on your teeth. As plaque and tartar accumulate, your risk of developing a gum infection increases.

Without treatment, gum infections (gingivitis) progress and cause periodontal disease. Then your gums break down, the bones erode, and you can lose your teeth.

What type of teeth cleaning should I do at home?

You should brush all the surfaces of your teeth, gums, and tongue with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice daily. It's also important to floss once each day to loosen plaque and remove debris stuck between your teeth.

When should I schedule professional teeth cleaning?

Everyone needs a professional dental cleaning once every six months. A hygienist carefully inspects your teeth and gums during this dental checkup, looking for signs of decay, tooth damage, or gum inflammation.

Your cleaning begins with a specialized tool to gently scrape away hardened plaque and tartar, including plaque below the gum line.

After eliminating the plaque, they deep clean and polish your teeth using a rotary tool and mildly abrasive toothpaste. This part of the professional cleaning leaves your teeth feeling exceptionally smooth and looking whiter as the procedure eliminates some topical stains.

In some cases, your hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps prevent cavities.

Will I see the dentist after professional teeth cleaning?

You may have a brief consultation with your dentist after your hygienist finishes cleaning your teeth. They examine your teeth and gums and may take X-rays to identify cavities or other problems.

If your dentist at Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, discovers any concerns, they show you the X-rays, explain the problem, and recommend treatment. Depending on the type of problem, you may need to schedule another appointment.

If it's time for your professional teeth cleaning, call Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC, or book an appointment online today.