Teeth Cleaning in San Diego, CA: Why It's the Best Investment for Your Smile

California burritos, carne asada fries, fish tacos, and delectable sweets like yodels and flans are just some of Eater San Diego's top 20 most iconic restaurant dishes for the fantastic city of San Diego, CA. They're undoubtedly the most mouthwatering and flavorful culinary testaments to America's Finest City.

However, many of those signature foods are starchy and sugary. Yes, you can enjoy them (in moderation!), but unless you get regular teeth cleaning in San Diego, CA, all your favorite foods, treats, and drinks can contribute to oral health woes over time.

To that end, our caring team at Greyling Dental put together this guide on professional dental cleaning. Read on to discover why it's one of the best ways to improve and maintain good oral health and your dazzling smile.

Combat Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky, translucent film that forms on the surface of teeth soon after eating or drinking, as well as when you sleep at night. It contains saliva, leftover food bits, beverage particles, and bacteria.

Bacteria in the mouth love carbohydrates (such as those from starchy foods like bread and potatoes), sugars, and other food debris. The mouth is home to many of these microorganisms; as NewScientist.com points out, there are about 700 species in the oral cavity.

Proper daily flossing and twice-daily brushing removes a good chunk of dental plaque. However, these dental hygiene tips and healthy habits don't remove 100% of the icky, sticky film.

If left on the teeth for too long, dental plaque solidifies into tartar, a yellowish and hard substance that sticks stubbornly to the teeth. Only a dentist can remove it through specialized procedures like scaling and root planing.

Why You Don't Want Plaque and Tartar Build-Up

The bacteria in plaque and tartar release acids continuously. Over time, these acid attacks can break down enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth.

As BBC Science Focus notes, enamel is the world's hardest biological material, exceeding steel's hardness. Unfortunately, it's also brittle.

So, once the enamel becomes weakened due to the acid attacks from plaque and tartar, it can become more susceptible to damage like chips, cracks, and cavities.

Also called caries or tooth decay, dental cavities are among the most prevalent oral health care problems in the United States. According to the U.S. CDC, about nine in ten adults 20 and older have had at least one, while a quarter currently have an untreated cavity. Untreated caries can result in pain, infections, and tooth loss.

Unremoved plaque and tartar also pose a risk of gum disease. Like untreated tooth decay, gum disease can cause pain and tooth loss. 

Teeth Cleaning to the Rescue

Your dental cleaning appointment with the best dentist in San Diego, CA, is a multi-step process that starts with an initial examination. During this part, the highly experienced dentist or dental hygienist will ask you a few questions about your dental history or if you have any problems or symptoms. They'll also give you a preliminary check to look for signs of cavities or swollen/bleeding gums.

Your dentist or hygienist will then perform scaling. Scaling uses a tool called "scaler," which eliminates plaque, tartar, and debris on all surfaces, niches, and corners of your mouth, including the areas around the gum line.

If there's a considerable amount of tartar below your gum line, they'll switch to root planing. It involves the following steps and benefits:

• A deep-cleaning job
• Smoothing out tooth roots
• Preventing tartar build-up
• Promoting gum healing

By removing plaque and tartar, you can avoid their adverse effects, enjoy better oral health, and maintain your dazzling smile. 

Identify and Treat Oral Woes Before They Worsen

Professional dental cleanings can also help by detecting oral diseases and receiving prompt treatment. For instance, by letting the Greyling Dental team examine your mouth closely, we can identify issues we can treat on the spot. Doing so can help prevent them from worsening and causing more pain or tooth loss.

A perfect example is gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. It's an infection caused by plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up on the teeth and gums. However, the disease is still reversible at this point.

The Greyling Dental team can help reverse gingivitis through professional cleaning, scaling, and root planing. We can also recommend or prescribe a good antimicrobial mouthwash that you can use at home along with your improved dental hygiene habits. With these, you're more likely to prevent gingivitis from coming back. 

Uncover "Hidden" Cavities

Food debris, tooth stains, plaque, and tartar can cover and hide hidden cavities (like those between the teeth or under tartar) and infected areas. Since professional dental cleaning removes them, your San Diego general dentist can "uncover" and expose hidden problems. They can immediately provide the necessary treatment, preventing these issues from progressing.

Safeguard the Teeth With Fluoride Rinse and Treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that supports good oral health by strengthening tooth enamel. It also helps remineralize teeth, fortifying them against tooth cavities. In some cases, it can even reverse early and minor dental cavities.

Fluoride is present in foods like oatmeal, raisins, and potatoes. Drinking fluoridated tap water is also an option.

Another excellent way to get fluoride is through professional dental cleanings. At Greyling Dental, the water you'll use to rinse your mouth during your cleaning appointment may contain liquid fluoride.

Depending on your specific needs, we may also apply fluoride treatment at the end of the cleaning procedure. We use various application methods, such as gel, foam, spray, and varnish.

Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning in San Diego, CA, Today

Professional teeth cleaning in San Diego, CA, removes plaque and tartar, which can help keep your teeth cavity-free and your gums disease-free. It's among the best and simplest ways to maintain optimal oral health and keep your smile beautiful and dazzling.

So, why not visit Greyling Dental for all your teeth cleaning, general dentistry, and restorative dentistry needs? Our compassionate and caring dentist, Dr. Joanne Vargas-Velasco, has over ten years of experience. She also provides cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening services, to patients throughout the city.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment, and don't forget to ask about our $99 new patient special!