Routine Cleanings in Los Angeles, CA

Routine dental cleaning is a preventive procedure recommended twice yearly for patients with healthy teeth and gums. The dental hygienist will first take x-rays and a digital scan of your mouth. Then the hygienist will take an intraoral exam which includes examining your gums, teeth, mouth, tongue, throat, lips, cheeks, and other soft tissues. After the thorough examination, our doctor will come in and thoroughly examine the teeth and gums while addressing any concerns you may have about your oral health and hygiene. At Carlston Dental Group, the dentist will also check for any tooth decay, signs of infection, or inflammation of the gums, including gum disease. Your dentist may also perform oral cancer screenings during your routine cleaning to detect any suspicious lesions that may be cancerous.

How Often Do I Need Routine Dental Cleanings?

It would help to have your teeth cleaned at least twice yearly or every six months. Depending on their dental health and genetics, some people need their teeth cleaned more often. Most dentists recommend cleaning your teeth every six months for the best results. However, you will also need to visit your dentist more frequently if you have a history of gum disease, are a smoker, or have other health issues that may put you at a higher risk for tooth decay.

The Benefits of Routine Dental Cleanings

During your routine cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will clean your teeth by removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Regular cleanings are an essential component of maintaining your oral health because they help to prevent oral disease. But routine cleanings are also great for your overall health. Studies show that people with healthy mouths also tend to have healthier bodies. This is because your mouth is filled with bacteria that can enter other body parts through the bloodstream, leading to various health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So for a healthier lifestyle, you should make regular appointments with your dentist for a thorough cleaning. 

During your routine dental checkup, your dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening to catch any early signs of cancer. Oral cancer is treatable in its earliest stages, so early detection is vital. If the screening reveals anything unusual, such as a discolored patch in the mouth or a sore that doesn’t heal after a couple of weeks, your dentist will likely recommend a biopsy.