Published by South Sound Dental Care | Tacoma, WA
When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, professional teeth cleaning is your first line of defense against cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. At South Sound Dental Care in Tacoma, we believe that understanding the importance of regular dental cleanings—and how to maintain your oral health between visits—empowers our patients to make the best decisions for their smiles.
Why Professional Teeth Cleaning Matters
Professional teeth cleaning goes far beyond what you can achieve with your daily brushing and flossing routine. During your cleaning appointment at our Tacoma office, our skilled dental hygienist removes plaque buildup from areas that are nearly impossible to reach with regular brushing—particularly underneath the gumline and between teeth where bacteria love to hide.
After your thorough cleaning, we apply fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and provide additional protection against decay. This fluoride application represents a crucial advancement in dental health, with research consistently showing that moderate, consistent fluoride exposure helps strengthen tooth structure and prevent cavities.
How Often Should You Schedule Professional Cleanings?
The Standard Recommendation
Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and South Sound Dental Care recommend scheduling professional teeth cleanings every six months. This twice-yearly schedule has proven effective for most patients in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Personalized Care for Individual Needs
However, recent research from the Journal of Dental Research suggests that cleaning frequency should be tailored to each patient’s unique risk factors for periodontal disease. Our dental team may recommend cleanings every 3-4 months for patients with certain risk factors, including:
- Smoking habits
- Diabetes
- History of gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Genetic predisposition to dental problems
For low-risk patients with excellent oral hygiene, annual cleanings might suffice, though we still recommend the standard six-month schedule for comprehensive preventive care that addresses both tooth decay and gum health.
The key takeaway? Every patient is different, and your treatment plan should reflect your individual needs. During your visit to South Sound Dental Care, we’ll discuss the optimal cleaning schedule for you and your family.
Maximizing Your Oral Health Between Cleanings
While professional cleanings are essential, your daily oral care routine plays an equally important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Here’s what our Tacoma dental team recommends:
Proper Brushing Technique
Think you’ve mastered brushing? Even patients who’ve been brushing for decades can benefit from technique refinement:
Time and Frequency: Brush for at least two minutes, twice daily (three times is even better). Most people don’t brush long enough—consider an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer if you’re unsure.
Sectional Approach: Divide your mouth into four sections, spending 30 seconds on each area.
Equipment Matters: Choose a soft-bristled brush that fits comfortably in your mouth. Replace it every 3-4 months—a worn brush won’t effectively clean your teeth.
Angle and Motion: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, using short strokes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and maintain fresh breath.
Mix Up Your Routine: Start brushing in different areas of your mouth to ensure consistent attention to all surfaces.
Hygiene: Rinse your brush thoroughly after use and store it upright to air dry. Never share toothbrushes—tooth decay is actually an infectious disease!
Effective Flossing: The Missing Link
At South Sound Dental Care, we frequently ask patients about their flossing habits. While brushing is crucial, it doesn’t remove all food particles and bacteria from between teeth, where periodontal disease often begins.
Proper Flossing Technique:
- Use approximately 18 inches of floss, wrapping the ends around your index fingers
- Gently slide floss between teeth using a “C” motion, moving up and down
- Allow floss to dip 2-3 millimeters below the gumline to reach tooth contours
- Use fresh floss for each tooth
- Don’t skip the back of your rear molars—these areas are decay-prone
- Rinse afterward to remove loosened particles
Don’t Give Up: If your gums bleed during flossing, it’s actually a sign you need to floss more consistently. The ADA recommends 2-3 minutes of daily flossing—a small investment for significant oral health returns.
Choosing the Right Oral Care Products
With countless options in the oral care aisle, selecting the right products can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to choose wisely:
Toothpaste Selection
Look for the ADA Seal: This certification means the product has been tested and claims verified.
Cavity Prevention: Choose fluoride toothpaste with anti-cavity properties if you’re prone to decay.
Whitening Needs: Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help prevent new stains but have limited impact on existing discoloration. For significant whitening, ask us about professional treatments.
Tartar Control: If you’re prone to tartar buildup, look for toothpastes containing pyrophosphates or zinc citrate, which help prevent plaque hardening.
Sensitivity Relief: For sensitive teeth, choose products containing strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, both ADA-approved for sensitivity relief.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
Beyond the standard 3-4 month replacement schedule, replace your toothbrush immediately after illness. Viruses and bacteria can survive on toothbrush bristles for weeks, potentially causing reinfection. Even healthy oral bacteria can cause problems if they enter your system through cuts in gum tissue.
Pro Tip: Even new toothbrushes aren’t required to come in sterile packaging, so proper care from day one is essential.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity affects millions of Americans and can significantly impact quality of life. Sensitivity occurs when gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin layer that connects to your tooth’s nerve center.
Common Sensitivity Triggers:
- Aggressive brushing
- Teeth grinding
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Age-related changes
- Plaque buildup
- Acidic foods and beverages
- Whitening products
Managing Sensitivity:
- Use gentle brushing technique with soft bristles
- Choose sensitivity-specific toothpaste
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks
- Wear a night guard to prevent grinding
- Maintain regular professional cleanings
If home care isn’t providing relief, don’t suffer in silence. Our Tacoma dental team can recommend additional treatments to manage sensitivity and protect your comfort.
Your Partners in Oral Health
At South Sound Dental Care, we’re committed to providing personalized dental care that meets your unique needs. Our comprehensive approach combines professional treatments with patient education, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools necessary for optimal oral health.
Ready to schedule your next cleaning? Contact South Sound Dental Care at (253) 473-4303 or visit us at 3402 South 18th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405. We offer convenient scheduling and same-day appointments for dental emergencies.
Office Hours:
- Monday through Thursday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
- Friday-Sunday: Closed
Beyond routine cleanings, we provide comprehensive dental services including emergency treatment, cosmetic dentistry, restorative care, and specialized treatments for patients of all ages.
Remember: investing in regular professional cleanings and maintaining excellent home care habits today prevents more extensive—and expensive—dental problems tomorrow. Your smile is worth it!
Have questions about professional teeth cleaning or want to discuss your personalized oral health plan? Contact South Sound Dental Care today. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health with comfortable, comprehensive care in Tacoma, Washington.