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Manhattan Dentist Reviews Importance of Regular Professional Cleanings

For a patient with no serious ongoing dental needs, teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months. During your regular visit your dental hygienist will evaluate and identify signs of inflammation and disease and discuss the findings with you and your dentist in order to identify underlying issues that could compromise your oral health.

A plan for treatment will then be developed based on your dental needs. Keep in mind that every patient is unique with their own specific needs and risk factors for gum disease. As a result, more frequent cleaning and a more intense cleaning regimen may be established for at-home oral hygiene.

During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line. If plaque and tartar debris are allowed to build up and remain around and below the gum line, it may lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is more advanced than gum disease, or inflammation of the soft tissues.

Periodontal disease is caused by the overgrowth and accumulation of dental plaque, which causes disintegration of the bone around the teeth, forming pockets between your teeth and under your gums. These pockets become infected and will continue to deepen, causing the underlying bone structure to gradually disintegrate. Ultimately your teeth become loose, putting you at great risk of losing teeth.

General dentistry and a routine of regular visits for professional cleanings can help prevent periodontitis through the removal of soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) during a cleaning. Additionally, the cumulative staining effect of certain beverages and foods over time can cause your teeth to become discolored. Routine dental cleanings at Manhattan Beach Family Dentistry also include polishing of your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile by reducing surface staining and giving you a sparkling smile.