Person receiving professional teeth cleaning with dental polisher tool at dentist office.

Comprehensive, Comfortable Dental Care for Optimal Health

Mercier Dental’s main focus is keeping you and your family healthy with beautiful smiles. We offer professional dental cleanings and thorough oral exams that include oral cancer screenings. Our hygienists make it their objective to ensure you achieve optimum oral health in a calm and comfortable setting. To avoid any issues, we use Latex-free gloves. We understand people fear and avoid the dentist so we make it our mission to give you a great experience so that you will want to maintain your dental health. It is medically proven that your oral health is directly related to your overall systemic health.

What is the importance of teeth cleanings?

It is important to schedule regular teeth cleanings to maintain good oral health and prevent dental issues. It is generally recommended to have cleanings every six months, but some individuals may require more frequent cleanings depending on their specific needs and dental history.

Regular teeth cleanings can aid in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, removing stains, promoting overall health, and identifying potential dental problems early on.

What is the process for removing tartar and plaque deposits during a dental cleaning?

Remove Plaque

Plaque, a yellowish film containing bacteria, builds up on teeth and can cause cavities. The bacteria can also create toxins that result in inflamed gums and eventually lead to periodontal disease.

Remove Tartar

As plaque accumulates on teeth, it eventually hardens into tartar, which provides a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and multiply rapidly. The only way to remove tartar is with dental tools like scalers, which scrape the tooth clean.

Polish Teeth

The last step in a dental cleaning performed by a hygienist is to eliminate stains and any remaining plaque, leaving teeth looking their brightest and whitest!

Mercier Dental suggests that most individuals schedule a professional cleaning every six months to maintain healthy and strong teeth and gums.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional is an essential part of taking care of your oral health. It offers many benefits that regular brushing and flossing alone cannot provide. Trained dental hygienists perform this procedure to help maintain optimal oral health, prevent dental issues, and promote overall well-being.

Professional teeth cleaning is important because it can address oral health challenges that daily home care practices may not be able to manage effectively. Even with regular oral hygiene routines, bacteria, food particles, and plaque can build up over time and lead to problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Professional teeth cleaning is designed to combat these issues by providing a deeper level of cleaning and care.

During a professional teeth cleaning, dental hygienists perform a series of meticulous steps to ensure a thorough cleansing and assessment of your oral health. They start by visually examining your mouth to identify any visible concerns, such as cavities or early signs of gum disease.

One crucial part of the cleaning process is the removal of plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can harden into tartar if not removed. Both plaque and tartar can contribute to dental issues, so it's important to have them removed by a professional. Dental hygienists use specialized instruments to carefully remove these deposits from your teeth, paying close attention to hard-to-reach areas where buildup is common.

Polishing is another important aspect of professional teeth cleaning. Hygienists use a gritty toothpaste and a high-powered toothbrush to clean and polish your teeth thoroughly. This step not only removes surface stains but also enhances the cleanliness and smoothness of your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling refreshed and polished.

Flossing is also a crucial part of the cleaning process. Hygienists skillfully floss between your teeth and along the gumline to ensure that any debris or plaque is thoroughly removed. This step is vital for promoting the health and cleanliness of spaces between your teeth that are often difficult to reach with regular brushing.

In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be included in the cleaning process. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen the enamel of your teeth and provide added protection against cavities, making it beneficial for those at higher risk of developing cavities.

Professional teeth cleaning sessions also offer an educational component. Hygienists provide guidance on effective brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your individual needs. They may also recommend oral care products that align with your oral health goals and offer advice on maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine at home.

Regular professional teeth cleanings can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, while also preserving the structural integrity of your teeth. By removing plaque and tartar, polishing your teeth, and providing educational guidance, professional cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health and overall well-being.

It is recommended to schedule a professional teeth cleaning every six months, though some individuals may need more frequent cleanings based on their specific needs. Combining professional cleanings with daily brushing, flossing, and a balanced diet can help support your oral health and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.