February 23, 2018
Do I Need A Dental Cleaning If I Brush And Floss At Home?
By the Premier Dental Esthetics team, led by Dr. Peter S. Young, DDS, MAGD
Today’s post focuses on professional dental cleanings. You might wonder if you need a professional dental cleaning if you already practice dental hygiene daily at home.
The answer is that both processes are important because they work in tandem to maintain oral health.
Dr. Peter Young encourages patients to practice preventative dentistry by:
Brushing
Flossing
Healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts
Regular dental cleanings
Regular checkups
Dental cleanings increase the effectiveness of your daily oral care by removing the plaque and tarter that can accumulate regardless of daily brushing and flossing. In fact, when plaque hardens, it can only be removed with the special tools used by a hygienist.
A hygienist will first use a vibrating ultrasonic tool to dislodge the largest pieces of tartar. This process may tickle a bit. The hygienist will then use tools with finer attachments to remove the smaller pieces of calculus. When all plaque and tartar is gone, polishing is the final step in the cleaning process.
The goal is to make your tooth surfaces as smooth as possible, to prohibit food particles from lodging in little spaces that are difficult to clean. If you are having an exam during the same visit, your technician may take dental x-rays. X-rays can reveal cavities while they are small and can be easily filled.
Let your hygienist know if your teeth are sensitive so he/she can make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. After the cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be given to help strengthen your teeth.
Before your hygienist leaves, you may want to ask if there are areas you can improve. Your hygienist can tell you which tooth surfaces had the most build-up. If the back teeth are presenting a problem, you can talk to Dr. Young about sealants.
If you have braces, you may want more frequent dental cleanings because food can easily lodge between the wires.
Call Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS at (626) 445-2536 to schedule a professional cleaning today! Your smile will thank you.
Have a question about your smile?
Dr. Peter S. Young and Dr. Clifford S. Young are happy to help. Schedule a visit or give us a call.
Patient reviews
What our patients say
“I would highly recommend Premier Dental Esthetics to everyone. High quality works, a good reason to smile after the treatment. Every staff member is very knowledgeable and great at what they do. They are very friendly and truly care about your dental health.”
“I had a great experience from start to finish. The front desk is very welcoming every time I visit. Dr. Young has done my dental work with care and precision over the years. I recommend this place because they take care of you!”
“I had been going to Dr. Peter Young for many years at Premier Dental and he and his staff have always been incredibly professional and welcoming. Dr. Young is very knowledgeable in his field and I have always had a very positive experience at this dental office.”
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? Ask our virtual assistant in the corner, or call our front desk.
How often should I have a dental cleaning and checkup?
Most patients should have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Patients with gum disease or higher risk may need more frequent visits.
What preventive services do you offer?
Dental cleanings, air polishing, saliva testing, fluoride treatment, sealants, custom mouthguards, oral cancer screening and children’s dental care.
Do you see children?
Yes. Premier Dental Esthetics is family-friendly. The children’s special (age 12 or younger) includes a checkup, orthodontic screening, digital x-rays and a cleaning with fluoride varnish.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes. The practice accepts PPO dental insurance, including Delta Dental PPO and Cigna Dental PPO, and the team will verify your benefits and help you maximize your coverage.
Is Premier Dental Esthetics accepting new patients?
Yes. Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, CA welcomes new patients for general, cosmetic, implant, restorative and emergency dentistry. Call (626) 445-2536 or request an appointment online.
Where is Premier Dental Esthetics located?
The office is at 301 W Huntington Dr #217, Arcadia, CA 91007, on Huntington Drive next to USC Arcadia Hospital.
Your new smile starts here
Ready to create the smile of your dreams?
New patients and emergencies welcome. Same-day appointments, early-morning and evening hours.