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Carlsbad Dental Cleanings &
Exams

Keep a check on your oral health

Most people assume brushing and flossing regularly is enough to maintain optimal oral health. However, your oral hygiene isn’t complete without regular dental cleanings and exams. Studies have shown that regular dental cleanings are necessary to prevent dental diseases and maintain oral health for a lifetime. The dental hygienists at Carlsbad Beach Dental carefully clean and polish your teeth to remove months of accumulated debris and bacteria, polish your teeth, and ensure optimal oral hygiene.

To learn more about dental cleanings and exams, please contact Carlsbad Beach Dental, Drew Addy DDS, at (760) 729-5881 or schedule an appointment online today.

Carlsbad Beach Dental - Drew Addy, DDS in Carlsbad

Cleanings & Exams: Importance & Benefits

Regardless of the thoroughness of your personal oral hygiene habits, regular dental cleanings and exams are crucial. No matter how well you floss your teeth, small traces of food particles get lodged in deep corners of your teeth and gums. The food particles increase bacterial presence in your mouth and lead to a sticky white substance on your teeth called plaque. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed with a brush or floss.

Plaque and tartar are made of acidic substances that gradually lead to dental cavities. Furthermore, the increased bacterial presence affects your gums, accumulates around the gum line, and eventually leads to gum disease and gum recession. As such, avoiding dental cleanings can have dire consequences. That’s why you must go for regular dental cleanings and exams — the frequency of your cleanings depends on your specific oral anatomy, teeth alignment, dental history, and oral hygiene habits. Dr. Addy will examine your teeth and dental history to recommend the ideal dental cleaning schedule for your specific needs.

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Cleanings & Exams: What to Expect?

Dental Checkup

Your dental cleaning and exam start with a thorough dental checkup. Dr. Addy will evaluate your overall oral health, check the supporting structures, and identify the signs of potential dental problems. Dr. Addy will make treatment recommendations or determine the ideal schedule for your dental cleanings based on your oral checkup.

The dental checkup includes the following:

Examining each tooth for signs of dental decay and cavities
Digital X-rays to check for signs of cavities
Checking the existing dental restorations, fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants
Examining your bite alignment
Probing your gums to check for bleeding or signs of gum disease
Looking for signs of oral cancer or precancerous lesions

Plaque and Tartar Removal

After the dental checkup, one of our excellent dental hygienists will proceed with your dental cleaning. The cleaning will start with plaque and tartar removal — the dental hygienist will use a scalar device to scrape the accumulated plaque off your teeth and gums.

Dental Polishing

Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the dental hygienist will brush your teeth with a gritty toothpaste, floss your teeth, and ask you to rinse with an antibacterial fluoride mouthwash. The dental hygienist might also apply a fluoride gel over your teeth to protect them from bacterial decay.

Maintaining Optimal Oral Hygiene

Going for regular dental cleanings and exams is necessary, but it doesn’t mean you can be careless with your at-home oral hygiene. The two must go hand-in-hand to maintain optimal oral health. Furthermore, managing your oral hygiene at home will reduce the frequency at which you need dental cleanings.

The following are tips on maintaining optimal oral hygiene at home:

Brush your teeth twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothpaste
Floss regularly
Rinse your mouth with a dentist-recommended antibacterial mouthwash
Go for dental cleanings and exams at a frequency recommended by the dentist
Eat a calcium-rich diet with limited sugar

We can’t wait to see your smile shine, contact us today and schedule your appointment for a dental check-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I schedule dental cleanings and exams?

Most patients should schedule dental cleanings and exams every six months (twice yearly). These routine visits are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and catching potential issues early, before they develop into more complex or costly problems. However, individual needs vary.

For example, if you’re managing gum disease or have a history of frequent cavities, Dr. Addy may recommend more frequent visits every 3-4 months. His expertise ensures that your care plan is tailored to your unique needs, supporting both health and longevity of your smile.

What happens during a dental cleaning and exam appointment?

Each visit to Carlsbad Beach Dental is designed to be as thorough as it is relaxing. During your appointment, one of our skilled hygienists will perform a detailed cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, especially from areas that at-home care might miss. We use ultrasonic scalers for a more comfortable, efficient clean. Then, Dr. Addy will perform a comprehensive exam, checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, bite imbalances, and even early indications of oral cancer.

For patients experiencing jaw or facial discomfort, a screening for TMJ dysfunction is also available. This includes options like advanced Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy, a groundbreaking treatment only available at select locations in Southern California.

Are dental cleanings painful or uncomfortable?

Not at Carlsbad Beach Dental. Our approach to dental cleanings prioritizes your comfort at every step. From gentle techniques and ergonomically designed chairs to optional amenities that help you relax, we create a spa-like environment where anxiety fades.

If you have sensitive teeth or are nervous about discomfort, our team will work with you to make your experience as smooth and pain-free as possible, often using numbing gels and other techniques to ensure ease. Many of our patients describe their visit as surprisingly pleasant, a testament to the warmth and expertise of our team.

What is the difference between a regular dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning, known as prophylaxis, focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the visible surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline. It’s ideal for individuals with healthy gums and minimal buildup.

A deep cleaning, also often called “scaling and root planing”, is a more complex and intensive procedure that’s only necessary for patients who have gum disease. This treatment targets bacterial deposits deep beneath the gums to stop the progression of periodontal disease and support healing of the gum tissue.

At Carlsbad Beach Dental, Dr. Addy carefully evaluates your oral health to determine which type of cleaning is right for you. If gum health restoration is needed, he may recommend deep cleaning followed by additional treatment options to help stabilize and halt the progression of gum disease.

If you’re seeking attentive, elevated care through dental cleanings & exams in a peaceful beachside setting, Carlsbad Beach Dental offers a uniquely refined clinical experience under the guidance of Dr. Drew Addy. From smile maintenance to total transformations, every detail of your appointment reflects our commitment to excellence.

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Carlsbad Dental Cleanings & Exams