What is teeth cleaning?
Your Greenpoint, Brooklyn teeth cleaning, also called a dental prophylaxis, removes plaque on the surfaces of your teeth and around and above your gum line. If you have buildup under your gum line on your tooth roots, you’ll need a separate procedure known as a deep teeth cleaning to address this issue.
We usually suggest patients come in every six months for their teeth cleaning. However, if you’re at high risk for certain dental problems or exhibit signs of gum disease, we may have you come in more frequently (every three to four months) for teeth cleaning in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
If you are a new patient to our practice, you will have a dental exam before your cleaning. This allows us to get to know you and your oral health care needs so that we can specially tailor your dental cleaning to your oral health. Once you are an established patient, we usually pair your check-up dental exams with your dental cleaning or gum maintenance cleaning.
If you are an established patient and need additional dental services, like taking updated x-rays or undergoing a dental examination, we’ll handle these services during your appointment for your teeth cleaning.
Preparing for teeth cleaning
There are no special preparations required for a teeth cleaning in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and the procedure is usually pain-free and requires no anesthetic.
If your gums are severely inflamed, we may use a local anesthetic or numbing gel to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your treatment.
The process for teeth cleaning
Your teeth cleaning begins with scaling to remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Then, we use an abrasive paste to help polish your teeth.
We’ll also floss your teeth to remove particles between your teeth and around your gum line. If you’d benefit from a fluoride treatment, we’ll do your treatment at the end of your cleaning.
What to expect after a teeth cleaning
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, you may have a little discomfort afterward, especially around your gum line. Warm salt water rinses, sensitive toothpaste, and over-the-counter pain medications (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen) can alleviate any discomfort. Wait 30 minutes to eat or drink if your teeth cleaning includes a fluoride treatment.
How does teeth cleaning improve your oral health?
Greenpoint, Brooklyn teeth cleaning plays an important role in improving and maintaining your oral health. Patients who forgo regular teeth cleanings are more likely to have cavities and gum disease, which can predispose you to other health issues, like heart disease and diabetes.
Unchecked tooth decay and gum disease can cause severe infection or tooth damage that needs more intensive treatment, like a root canal or tooth extraction. Teeth cleaning removes problematic plaque and bacteria and helps identify cavities while they’re in their early stages.
What are the benefits of teeth cleaning?
There are numerous benefits associated with teeth cleaning:
Improves your smile
Layers of hardened plaque or tartar can dull or yellow your smile. A Greenpoint, Brooklyn teeth cleaning removes tartar and buildup so that your smile looks brighter.
Enhances your dental health
A dental cleaning removes plaque before it can cause a cavity or infection. We’ll also examine your mouth for signs of other dental conditions, such as oral cancer, tooth wear, acid erosion, and fractures.
Freshens your breath
Bad breath is a common sign of periodontal disease. Decaying food particles that are stuck in your gums cause an odor; teeth cleaning removes plaque, bacteria, and stuck-on food particles that contribute to gum disease and bad breath.
Teeth Cleaning (Regular)
A teeth cleaning is an important component of your dental care. While brushing and flossing are vital for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy, a professional teeth cleaning removes tartar and buildup that at-home dental care leaves behind.
Other related treatments.
Our preventive dental treatments are designed to maintain and improve your overall health.
Our philosophy for dentistry is simple and straightforward. We aim to provide care that is in your best interest. This means we are transparent and non judgemental, kind and empathetic. We have multiple specialists in house as we feel that this is the best way to provide comprehensive care to our patients.
Our office is relaxing and spa-like because let's face it, no one loves going to the dentist. We're trying to change that by providing a soothing environment for oral care.
Dr. Vicky Athanasiou
Founder, General Dentist
Dr. Vicky
