Professional Teeth Cleaning in Los Angeles, CA
Regular professional teeth cleanings are one of the best ways to keep your smile white, bright, and healthy. Brushing and flossing can’t remove hardened tartar, which traps bacteria and raises your risk of cavities and gum disease. The hygienists at Trident Dentistry provide thorough, gentle cleanings that protect your smile.
Request an AppointmentWhy Do I Need Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Brushing and flossing remove food particles and plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and along the gum line every day. When plaque isn’t removed quickly, it hardens into tartar (calculus). Tartar traps bacteria against your teeth and gums and significantly increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. Because tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush or floss, professional cleanings are essential.
Regular cleanings also remove surface stains, freshen your breath, and give our team the chance to spot problems early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Every cleaning is tailored to your oral health needs. A typical visit includes:
- An exam of your teeth and gums to look for signs of decay and gum disease
- Scaling to remove plaque and tartar along the gum line and between teeth
- Polishing with a gritty prophy paste to remove stains and smooth tooth surfaces
- Professional flossing to clear away remaining debris
- A fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities
- Personalized home-care tips from your hygienist
Your cleaning is often paired with a comprehensive dental exam, VELscope oral cancer screening, and digital X-rays as needed.
How Often Do I Need a Cleaning?
Most patients benefit from a cleaning every six months to control tartar buildup and maintain healthy gums. You may need more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease, take medications that cause dry mouth, have diabetes, smoke, wear orthodontic aligners, or have dental implants that need careful maintenance.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar that have collected below the gum line. When tartar isn’t removed regularly, bacteria settle into pockets beneath the gums, leading to gum tissue loss and bone loss. During a deep cleaning, we clean these pockets and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can heal and reattach. Patients often need a deep cleaning if they have gone too long between visits.
Cleanings as the Foundation for Cosmetic Care
A clean, healthy mouth is the first step before treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry. If early decay is found during your visit, Curodont™ Repair may reverse it without drilling. Our patients regularly tell us their teeth look a shade or two brighter after every cleaning.
Teeth Cleaning FAQs
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Most people should have a professional cleaning every six months. Patients with gum disease or other risk factors may need visits every three to four months.
Do teeth cleanings hurt?
Routine cleanings are generally comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let your hygienist know so they can adjust their technique.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gum line, while a deep cleaning removes buildup below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces.
Can a cleaning whiten my teeth?
Cleanings remove surface stains and can make teeth look brighter, but professional whitening is needed to change the underlying shade.
Why can’t I remove tartar at home?
Tartar is hardened plaque that bonds to the tooth surface and can only be removed with professional dental instruments.
How long does a teeth cleaning take?
A routine cleaning and exam typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Do children need professional cleanings?
Yes. Children should have regular cleanings and exams starting with their first teeth to keep their smiles healthy.
Keep Your Smile Healthy and Bright
It’s time for your next cleaning. Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 or request an appointment online.