Beverly Hills, CA

Oral Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning

Introduction to Oral Hygiene/Teeth Cleaning

Oral Hygiene and Teeth Cleaning have never been more important for residents in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. After all, we smile so much here in California because of the sunshine, and our teeth should shine as brightly as our warm forecast. 

Here’s a surprising truth: adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases like periodontal disease than to cavities! It’s a startling statistic, but here’s the good news: you have the power to protect your smile with Signature Dental in Los Angeles. With diligent brushing and flossing, you can fend off the bacterial plaque that causes decay and periodontal issues. Plaque may be sneaky, but armed with daily oral care habits, you can keep your smile shining bright for years to come.

Let’s explore the details of oral hygiene and teeth cleaning below. At the end of this page, explore some easy-access product recommendations and brushing techniques to help your smile glow.

newest-oral-hygiene-_-teeth-cleaning-first-step

What is Oral Hygiene/Teeth Cleaning?

Oral Hygiene, often referred to as teeth cleaning or dental cleaning, is a preventive dental procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth. This process typically involves thorough scaling to remove hardened plaque (tartar) from above and below the gumline, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove surface stains. Additionally, the dental professional may provide guidance on proper oral care techniques to maintain optimal dental health.

Professional dental cleaning can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but it should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Costescu can use to effectively halt its progression.

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning:

There are several amazing benefits to oral health and teeth cleaning from our Los Angeles-based practice, such as: 

  • Plaque removal: Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, removing all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets can be impossible. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
  • A healthier-looking smile: Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease a smile’s esthetics. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment for ridding teeth of these unsightly stains.
  • Fresher breath: Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. It results from a combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

 

Regular oral hygiene or teeth cleaning offers other benefits:

  • Prevention of deeper dental issues
  • Fresh breath
  • Improved oral health
  • Whiter teeth
  • Early detection of dental problems
  • Overall health benefits

Who are the Best Candidates for Oral Hygiene/Teeth Cleaning?

Everyone can benefit from regular oral hygiene and teeth cleaning in Los Angeles. However, the best candidates for these procedures are:

  • Individuals with good oral health habits
  • People with gum disease
  • Individuals with dental restorations
  • Smokers
  • Those with chronic health conditions

What to Expect on the Day of an Oral Hygiene/Teeth Cleaning Treatment

On the day of your oral hygiene or teeth cleaning treatment in Beverly Hills, you can expect a thorough and comfortable experience aimed at improving your dental health and, most likely, a few hours in some really cool sunglasses. 

Typically, your dental hygienist will begin by examining your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of oral health issues such as cavities or gum disease. Then, using specialized tools, they will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 

This process may involve gentle scraping and polishing to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling clean and refreshed. Throughout the procedure, your dental provider will ensure your comfort and answer any questions you may have about maintaining your oral hygiene at home.

Oral Hygiene/Teeth Cleaning Recovery

After an oral hygiene or teeth cleaning treatment in Beverly Hills, you can typically resume your normal activities right away. However, it’s normal to experience some minor sensitivity or gum tenderness for a short period afterward. We may recommend avoiding very hot or cold foods and beverages for a few hours and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently until any discomfort subsides. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash is essential. Attend regular dental check-ups with us, as we will schedule future visits; these cleanings will keep your teeth and gums healthy in the long term.

Tips For Oral Hygiene

How to Brush Teeth

If you experience pain while brushing your teeth or have questions about brushing properly, please call the office at Signature Dental Phone Number 310-652-0555.

Dr. Costescu recommends using a soft toothbrush. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue

Next, you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes, after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse for sensitive teeth.

How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth, which your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, and wrap the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.

To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it into place. Bring the floss to the gum line, then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.

When done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if, during the first week of flossing, your gums bleed or are a little sore. You could pinch the gum too hard if your gums hurt while flossing. As you floss daily and remove the plaque, your gums will heal, and the bleeding should stop.

Oral Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning FAQ’S

Book your radiant smile today

Schedule your
appointment today

Ready to achieve a brighter, healthier smile? At Signature Dental in Los Angeles, we offer comprehensive oral hygiene and teeth cleaning services to help you maintain optimal dental health. Schedule your consultation with us today and take the first step towards a radiant smile!

Contact Us

Call Email