If you notice bad breath, tartar buildup, or gum sensitivity, consider a professional teeth cleaning at Charleston Dental Studio. Dr. Julie Driscoll offers advanced cleanings to treat plaque, prevent cavities, combat gum disease, and brighten your smile. She ensures optimal oral health for every patient in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
Maintain Oral Health and Prevent Gum Disease
Teeth cleaning is a professional dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains that regular brushing can’t eliminate. Dr. Driscoll uses advanced techniques to clean and polish your teeth, promoting oral health and preventing issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. The process includes scaling to remove buildup, polishing for a smooth finish, and expert advice to maintain your smile. Regular cleanings not only enhance your smile’s appearance but also support long-term dental and overall health.
Reasons to Consider Teeth Cleaning:
- You notice persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- You see tartar buildup or yellow stains on your teeth
- You experience gum bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity
- You want to prevent cavities and tooth decay
- You wish to maintain a brighter, healthier-looking smile
- You’re overdue for your regular dental checkup and cleaning
- You care about preventing long-term gum disease and tooth loss
Why Is Regular Teeth Cleaning Essential?
Regular teeth cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral and overall health. It helps remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t eliminate, preventing cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Professional cleanings also reduce the risk of systemic health issues linked to oral bacteria, such as heart disease and diabetes. Cleanings also keep your smile bright, fresh, and free from bad breath, boosting your confidence and well-being.
Benefits of Teeth Cleaning:
- Removes harmful plaque and tartar buildup
- Prevents cavities and tooth decay
- Reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth loss
- Brightens and whitens your smile
- Improves overall breath freshness
- Enhances oral health to support systemic health
- Detects potential dental issues early
- Boosts confidence with a healthy, polished smile
Your Teeth Cleaning Experience
Comprehensive Assessment
Your visit starts with a detailed evaluation of your oral health. Dr. Driscoll performs an in-depth examination of your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures using advanced diagnostic tools, such as intraoral cameras and digital X-rays. This helps identify hidden issues, including plaque buildup, tartar, cavities, gum inflammation, or early signs of periodontal disease.
Removing Plaque and Tartar
The first step in teeth cleaning is scaling, where ultrasonic scalers and fine hand instruments remove hardened tartar (calculus) and plaque from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline. The ultrasonic scaler emits high-frequency vibrations and a water spray to dislodge deposits. Manual scalers are then used for the interproximal spaces and deep periodontal pockets.
Polishing Your Teeth
After scaling, your teeth are polished using a low-speed handpiece with a rubber cup and a mildly abrasive prophylaxis paste. The polishing process removes surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco while smoothing the enamel to make it more resistant to future plaque accumulation. In some cases, non-abrasive pastes may be used as an alternative.
Biofilm Management
We use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) as needed for comprehensive biofilm (plaque and bacteria) removal. This technique involves specialized air polishing devices that combine warm water, fine powder particles, and air pressure to eliminate biofilm from hard and soft tissues. GBT effectively cleans interdental spaces and subgingival areas with minimal discomfort.
Final Inspection
Once your teeth are clean, a fluoride varnish or gel may be applied to strengthen enamel and protect against decay. Finally, Dr. Driscoll conducts a final inspection to ensure all plaque and tartar have been removed. She provides personalized recommendations for at-home oral care, including brushing techniques, flossing tips, and product suggestions.
Teeth Cleaning FAQs
How Often Should I Get My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
It’s generally recommended to have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, this schedule can vary based on individual needs. Patients with a history of gum disease, significant plaque buildup, or other dental issues may benefit from more frequent cleanings, such as every three to four months. Dr. Driscoll evaluates your oral health and provides a personalized cleaning schedule to ensure the best outcomes.
What Are the Risks of Skipping Regular Teeth Cleanings?
Neglecting regular cleanings allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Over time, untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even systemic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Routine cleanings prevent these complications and maintain long-term oral and overall health.
How Should I Care for My Teeth Between Cleanings?
To maintain your results, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash as needed. Avoid sugary snacks, limit staining beverages like coffee and tea, and consider using a straw to reduce enamel exposure. You must attend regular checkups to ensure any emerging issues are addressed promptly.
Is Teeth Cleaning Painful?
For most patients, teeth cleaning is a comfortable procedure. Advanced tools and techniques minimize discomfort, and our team takes extra care to ensure your experience is gentle. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, inform us beforehand so we can tailor the procedure, such as by using a numbing gel or adjusting cleaning methods for optimal comfort.
What Is the Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?
Regular cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline and polishing the tooth surfaces. Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, targets bacteria and deposits below the gumline and along tooth roots. Deep cleaning is recommended for patients with gum disease to address inflammation, reduce pocket depths, and promote gum healing.
Can Teeth Cleaning Whiten My Teeth?
While teeth cleaning isn’t specifically a whitening treatment, it can make teeth appear brighter by removing surface stains caused by food, beverages, and smoking. For dramatic results, we also provide professional teeth whitening services that work alongside cleanings.
Meet Dr. Julie Driscoll Today
Dr. Julie Driscoll is a highly skilled dentist passionate about helping patients achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile. With extensive training in general and cosmetic dentistry, she ensures every teeth cleaning is thorough, gentle, and tailored to your needs. Her passion for education and creating healthy, beautiful smiles makes every visit a positive experience. Schedule a consultation today at Charleston Dental Studio to experience her gentle, precise care and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.