Regular dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot fully address on their own. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide professional dental cleanings in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. Whether you are due for a routine teeth cleaning or establishing a preventive care schedule, our dental team can evaluate your oral health and recommend care based on your individual needs.
Professional teeth cleanings are an important part of general and family dentistry. These appointments help remove buildup in difficult-to-reach areas while providing an opportunity to monitor your teeth, gums and existing dental restorations over time.
What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?
During a professional dental cleaning, our dental team removes plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth, including buildup around the gumline and in areas that may be difficult to clean thoroughly at home.
A routine teeth cleaning may include:
- Removing plaque and tartar: Dental instruments are used to clean areas where buildup has accumulated.
- Polishing the teeth: Polishing may help remove certain surface stains and leave tooth surfaces feeling smoother.
- Evaluating gum health: Our dental team checks for signs of inflammation or other concerns that may require additional attention.
- Reviewing preventive care: We may provide recommendations for brushing, flossing and maintaining your oral health between visits.
The exact steps depend on the condition of your teeth and gums. If deeper buildup or periodontal concerns are identified, our dentists may recommend a different type of cleaning or additional treatment.
Why Regular Teeth Cleanings Are Important
Even with consistent brushing and flossing, plaque can collect in areas that are difficult to reach. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which generally cannot be removed effectively with a toothbrush at home.
Regular dental cleanings help control this buildup and support healthier teeth and gums. Preventive dental visits also provide an opportunity to identify changes in your oral health before they become more extensive.
Professional teeth cleanings can help:
- Remove accumulated plaque and tartar
- Support healthy gums
- Reduce certain surface stains through polishing
- Identify areas that may require closer monitoring
- Support a consistent preventive dental care routine
Although dental cleanings are an important part of preventive care, they work best alongside daily brushing, flossing and regular dental examinations.
Dental Cleanings and Gum Health
Healthy gums are essential to maintaining a healthy smile. Plaque and tartar that remain around the gumline can contribute to irritation, inflammation and periodontal problems.
During your cleaning appointment, our dental team can evaluate your gum health and look for signs that additional care may be appropriate.
If gum disease or deeper buildup is identified, our dentists may recommend periodontal therapy rather than a routine preventive cleaning.
Routine dental cleanings and periodontal treatments serve different purposes. The appropriate treatment depends on your gum health, the location of the buildup and your individual clinical needs.
How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Cleaning?
Many patients receive professional teeth cleanings approximately every six months, but this schedule is not appropriate for everyone. Some patients benefit from more frequent appointments, while others may have different preventive care needs.
Your recommended cleaning schedule may depend on:
- Your current gum health
- Your history of periodontal disease
- How quickly plaque and tartar accumulate
- Your risk of developing cavities
- Other factors affecting your oral health
Our dentists can recommend a cleaning schedule based on your examination findings and oral health history.
Dental Exams and Preventive Teeth Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are often coordinated with routine dental examinations. While a cleaning focuses on removing buildup from your teeth, an examination allows our dentists to evaluate potential oral health concerns.
During a preventive visit, our dental team may check for:
- Areas of possible tooth decay
- Changes in your gums or gumline
- Chipped, cracked or worn teeth
- The condition of existing dental fillings, dental crowns and other restorations
- Areas of sensitivity or discomfort
- Changes that may require monitoring or additional treatment
If a concern is identified, our dentists can explain what they find and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Keeping Your Teeth Clean Between Appointments
Professional dental cleanings are only one part of maintaining good oral health. Daily care helps limit plaque buildup between visits and supports the health of your teeth and gums.
To maintain your oral health between cleanings:
- Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth every day using floss or another appropriate interdental cleaning tool
- Follow any personalized home-care recommendations from your dental team
- Maintain your recommended schedule for professional cleanings and examinations
- Contact your dentist if you notice persistent gum bleeding, discomfort or other changes
Our dental team can help identify areas where plaque tends to accumulate and recommend adjustments to your home-care routine when needed.
Preventive Dental Care From Our Idaho Falls Team
At Excellence in Dentistry, preventive visits are an opportunity to monitor your oral health and identify concerns before they require more extensive treatment.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has provided comprehensive dental care for more than 20 years, while Dr. Brock Russell brings a strong restorative background and ongoing advanced training.
Together, our dentists use preventive examinations and cleaning visits to help patients understand their oral health and make informed decisions about treatment.
Whether you are scheduling a routine dental cleaning or returning after a longer period without preventive care, our team can assess your needs and help establish an appropriate cleaning schedule.
FAQs About Dental Cleanings
Why do I need professional teeth cleaning if I brush and floss?
Brushing and flossing are essential for controlling plaque, but they may not remove buildup from every area of your mouth. Once plaque hardens into tartar, professional dental instruments are generally needed to remove it effectively.
How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Many patients schedule cleanings approximately every six months, but the appropriate frequency depends on individual oral health needs. Our dentists can recommend a schedule based on your teeth, gums and risk factors.
Are dental cleanings and deep cleanings the same?
No. A routine dental cleaning is intended for preventive care, while a deep cleaning, often called scaling and root planing, may be recommended to address certain forms of periodontal disease. Our dentists can determine which treatment is appropriate after evaluating your gums.
Does a professional dental cleaning remove stains?
Dental polishing may remove certain surface stains caused by foods, beverages or other factors. However, a routine cleaning does not change the natural color of your teeth. For patients interested in brightening their smile, our dentists can discuss teeth whitening options.
Can I get a dental cleaning if I have sensitive teeth?
Patients with sensitive teeth can still be evaluated for professional cleaning. Let our dental team know about any sensitivity before your appointment so they can assess your needs and explain the appropriate approach.
What happens if a dental problem is found during my cleaning?
If our dentists identify an area of concern, they can explain the finding and discuss whether additional evaluation, treatment or monitoring is recommended.
Where can I schedule dental cleanings in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides professional dental cleanings and preventive dental care for patients in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and surrounding communities. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule an appointment with our dental team.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Idaho Falls, ID
Regular professional dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Whether you are due for a routine cleaning or need help establishing a preventive care schedule, our dentists can evaluate your needs and recommend appropriate care.
Call 208-529-4321 to schedule your next dental cleaning in Idaho Falls, ID, at Excellence in Dentistry.