The Importance of Professional Teeth Cleaning

Nearly one-third of Americans go without seeing a dentist every year. Not surprisingly, more than 40% have mouth pain, 80% have at least one cavity by age 34, and nearly $45 billion in productivity is lost due to dental emergencies requiring unexpected dental care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach and Avalon, California, it’s our mission to change this statistic. Take a closer look at Dr. Ryan Fait’s top reasons for not skipping your dentist cleanings. 

Stain removal

Worried about discoloration? You don’t have to be if you get regular cleanings. Our thorough cleaning procedures keep your teeth free of stains and stain-causing substances like plaque and tartar.

Control bad breath

There’s nothing worse than knocking people over with your breath. You could keep a tin of mints handy, but the only way to truly banish bad breath is to get regular cleanings. We help you control the bad breath-causing bacteria that can quickly build up in your mouth. 

Catch problems early

Cavities are one of the most untreated health issues. Nearly 1 in 4 American adults aged 20-64 has at least one cavity. We don’t want you to be a part of that statistic. When you come in every six months, we can easily monitor your oral health and address cavities in their earliest stages.

Prevent disease

The CDC estimates that just under half of the US population aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the result of infection and inflammation of the gums that stems from excessive bacteria buildup. 

When you get regular cleanings with Dr. Fait, you have fewer bacteria than the average person, and therefore, less risk of periodontal disease. 

We can also help you catch and treat oral cancer early when you maintain your cleanings. 

Repair damaged restorations

If you have a crown, veneer, or other dental restoration, it’s essential that an expert dentist checks them regularly. Otherwise, cracks, chips, and other weaknesses leave you vulnerable to infection and disease. 

If we notice a problem, we can take steps to restore it quickly. 

What you can expect from your professional cleaning

Your professional cleaning begins with a thorough review of your oral health history. Then, we examine your teeth, gums, and bite.

Following the initial exam, we dive into your cleaning. That typically includes the following services:

• Plaque and tartar removal
• Tooth polishing
• Professional flossing
• Mouth rinsing
• Fluoride rinse

If we need to, we take X-rays of your mouth to find issues we can’t spot with a visual exam alone. 

Ready to get your oral health under control? You can request an appointment online or over the phone at either our Long Beach or Avalon, California, office today.