Cleaning & Exam

Considering the foods we consume today, getting regular cleanings every six months from a competent dental hygienist is critical to avoiding dental threats to your teeth and gums as you get older. Good oral hygiene means brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, but this is not a substitute for having your teeth cleaned professionally. A dental hygienist will remove the build-up of plaque and tartar around your teeth and gums that you cannot get to by yourself. In addition to getting your teeth cleaned, when you come to Dental Specialists of Riverside you will be examined by one of our very competent dentists. These exams and x-rays are also essential to your dental health. Dental exams and dental cleanings are preventive measures that should not be taken lightly or ignored. Every day the bacteria, sugar, and acids in your mouth are continually attempting to damage the enamel of your teeth and the tissue of your gums. During your exam, our dentists in Riverside will look for tooth decay, gum disease, chipped or cracked teeth, bad fillings, and much more. Our dental team practices complete health dentistry and this practice starts with regular exams and dental cleanings. Such cleanings and exams become your opportunity to catch dental issues that will become much worse if not detected and corrected.

When you come to our dental office in Riverside, one of our very talented hygienists will take x-rays so that our dentist can look for cavities, chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, bad fillings or tooth crowns, and gum disease. Once the x-rays are completed, the dental hygienist will begin the steps that are needed to remove all the tartar and plaque that cling to teeth and gums. During the dental cleaning process, our dental hygienist at Dental Specialists of Riverside will use a set of tools to loosen, scrape, and rinse away plaque and tartar that may have formed on your teeth. Then they will floss your teeth to remove any food particles or buildups that may be stuck between them. After scraping and flossing, your teeth will be buffed and polished with a special gel that makes it harder for bacteria, sugars, and acids to cling to your teeth. Once polished, your hygienist may suggest a fluoride treatment as added protection for your tooth enamel. After the dental cleaning is over, your dentist will complete the exam by discussing the state of your dental health and any other appointments that need to be scheduled to treat concerns that have shown up in the x-rays or during the exam.