Preventative Dental Cleaning

We believe great oral health begins with routine preventive care, and that includes regular professional cleanings. These visits do more than polish your teeth, they help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and costly dental emergencies down the line.

Between appointments, your daily oral hygiene habits, brushing, flossing, and eating a balanced diet, play a key role in protecting your smile. But even with great home care, professional cleanings are essential to keep your mouth healthy for the long term.

Why is Oral Hygiene so Important?

Studies show that adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities, and nearly 75% will experience some form of periodontal disease during their lifetime. Daily brushing and flossing help, but routine cleanings at our office are key to preventing buildup and spotting concerns early.

What causes gum disease?

Both tooth decay and periodontal disease are caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless, sticky film that constantly forms along the gumline. When left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to inflammation, infection, and gum recession.

Consistent at-home care combined with professional dental cleanings is the best defense against plaque, decay, and gum disease.

What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning?

Your cleaning visit typically takes about one hour and includes much more than just a polish. Here is what you can expect:

• A full dental examination
• Gum health evaluation and periodontal charting
• Oral cancer screening
• Digital X-rays, if needed
• Plaque and tartar removal
• Fluoride treatment for patients prone to decay
• Personalized oral hygiene tips to protect your smile at home

These visits also give you a chance to connect with Dr. Priscila Quito, ask questions, and learn how to avoid more invasive procedures in the future.

How to Brush Properly

Dr. Quito recommends brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle circular motions. Here is a step-by-step guide to effective brushing:

1. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle where your teeth meet the gums.
2. Use small, circular strokes to brush the outer surfaces.
3. Clean the inside of your back teeth using the same motion.
4. Clean the chewing surfaces with short, sweeping motions.
5. Finish by brushing the gumline gently to remove hidden plaque.
6. Rinse thoroughly to wash away loosened debris.

If you experience discomfort or have questions about technique, do not hesitate to call our office.

How to Floss Effectively

Flossing reaches the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot, which is where gum disease often begins. Learning proper technique is essential. Here is how to do it:

1. Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap most around one middle finger, the rest around the opposite finger.
2. Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and forefingers.
3. Gently guide the floss between your teeth with a back-and-forth motion, never snap it.
4. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it gently beneath the gumline.
5. Move the floss up and down against the tooth surface.
6. Repeat for the adjacent tooth, and continue for each space between teeth.
7. Use a fresh section of floss as it becomes soiled.
8. Do not forget to clean the back of your last molars on both the top and bottom rows.
9. Rinse well when finished to remove loosened plaque and debris.

Mild soreness or bleeding during your first few days of flossing is normal. As your gums heal and inflammation reduces, bleeding should stop.

Stay Ahead of Dental Issues with Preventive Care

Regular cleanings not only remove buildup but allow our team to monitor your oral health and catch issues early—when they are easier and more affordable to treat. Cleanings are an important investment in your long-term health, comfort, and confidence.