Dental Cleanings in San Francisco, CA

Regular dental visits are an important part of maintaining good oral health. Our team at Symphony Dental Studio performs professional teeth cleanings for kids and adults at our office in San Francisco, CA. If it’s time for you or your child to have a dental cleaning, we invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

Routine dental cleanings are an important part of oral health. Dental professionals are trained to identify oral health issues that you may not see. Even if you brush and floss regularly, there may be areas of plaque buildup that a professional can clean. Removing plaque and tartar with a professional dental cleaning twice per year keeps your teeth healthy and prevents tooth loss.

There are different types of dental cleanings. The first type is routine cleanings, also known as prophylaxis cleanings, which involve a dental professional cleaning all around your teeth and gums to remove plaque and check for any dental issues. Another type is called scaling and root planing, which involves scraping tartar off of the teeth and below the gum line.

A third type of cleaning is called gross debridement, where a dentist removed large amounts of plaque or tartar buildup. This heavy-duty deep clean is performed when a patient has not been to the dentist in a long time or when there is a lot of hardened buildup on the teeth. During your consultation, we will examine your mouth and determine the right treatment for you.

What To Expect During a Dental Cleaning

First, you will take a seat in our treatment chair and we will take dental X-rays of your teeth. These images help your dentist examine your teeth roots and facial bones to check for decay or bone loss beneath the surface. 

Dental cleanings are performed by dental hygienists who are trained to thoroughly clean around the teeth and examine the mouth for signs of any oral abnormalities. Routine cleanings often do not require local anesthetic, though we ‌offer sedation options to help patients feel more comfortable.

During cleanings, we will look at your gums, cheeks, under your tongue, and around your teeth to check for any abnormalities like sores, lumps, patches, or other conditions that would require treatment. We will use a scaler to get rid of plaque and tartar around the gum line. 

After all the tartar has been removed, we will brush your teeth using an electric brush and professional-grade toothpaste. This toothpaste is grittier than standard toothpaste and thoroughly scrubs away plaque and bacteria. We will floss between your teeth and have you rinse your mouth, either with water or with a solution that contains fluoride. If you are receiving a fluoride treatment, we will start this after your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned and flossed. 

The dentist will perform a final examination of your teeth and gums to complete your cleaning. After your teeth cleaning, we will talk about any future treatments you may need between now and your next visit in 6 months.

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Appointment? 

A child should go to the dentist for the first time when baby teeth begin to emerge or by their first birthday, whichever happens first. This early visit ensures your child does not have tooth decay and to check that their teeth are developing properly. If you wait until your child is 3 or 4 years old, they may already have cavities and tooth decay that could have been prevented with a routine checkup. 

We like to make dental appointments fun and comfortable for everyone. We always welcome parents to meet our staff and visit our office to feel comfortable with our team before bringing their child in for an appointment. 

How To Clean Your Teeth at Home

Attending regular dental appointments is an important part of good oral hygiene, but it is not the only part. At-home daily care will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, keep your teeth feeling clean, and prevent tooth decay and infection. 

Here are steps you should take every day to maintain proper oral hygiene: 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day—every morning and every night.
2. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and begin brushing. Brush the inner, outer, and all surfaces of the teeth in a circular motion and short back-and-forth strokes.
3. After brushing your teeth, brush your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Bacteria that stays on the tongue causes bad breath, so keeping your tongue clean will keep your breath nice and fresh.
4. Clean between your teeth daily using dental floss or a water flosser because toothbrushes cannot always reach cavity-causing bacteria between teeth. 
5. After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with water.
6. You can use mouthwash for extra freshness or protection. There are mouthwashes that help reduce plaque, control bad breath, and prescription formulas. 

Using the right tools and products are also important. The toothbrush you use should fit in your mouth and be able to reach all areas. Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

When shopping for toothpastes or mouth rinses, look for products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with this seal have been thoroughly evaluated for safety and efficacy by the American Dental Association.

Dental Cleanings in San Francisco, CA

Routine dental cleanings can contribute to a lifetime of good oral health. If it's time for you or your child's professional teeth cleaning, contact Symphony Dental Studio today to set up an appointment. Our team provides dental cleanings and exams to all ages, including young children.