Teeth Cleanings in El Segundo, CA

Teeth cleanings, or a prophylaxis, are a preventive dental procedure in which a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to help keep the mouth healthy and prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. 

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What Is a Teeth Cleaning? (Prophylaxis)

Even children who brush and floss consistently can still develop plaque and tartar buildup over time. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth throughout the day. If plaque is not removed properly, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be brushed away at home. Tarter is also known as calculus. 

Professional dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar before they lead to more serious dental problems such as:

• Cavities
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Enamel damage
• Gum irritation

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Children are especially vulnerable to cavities because they are still learning proper brushing techniques and often consume foods and drinks high in sugar. Baby teeth also have thinner enamel than adult teeth, which means cavities can develop more quickly.

Routine teeth cleanings help protect both baby teeth and permanent teeth while encouraging strong oral hygiene habits early in life.

How Often Should Children Get Their Teeth Cleaned?

As a pediatric dentist Dr. Hamze recommends dental cleanings and exams every six months. These regular visits help monitor your child’s oral development and allow her to identify small concerns before they become larger problems.

Some children who are more cavity prone may benefit from more frequent cleanings depending on factors such as:

• Diet
• Oral hygiene habits
• Previous cavities
• Orthodontic appliances
• Enamel strength
• Medical conditions

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Routine preventive care is usually much simpler and more affordable than treating advanced dental problems later on.

What Happens During a Pediatric Teeth Cleaning?

Many parents are surprised by how gentle and simple pediatric dental cleanings can be. At a typical cleaning appointment, your child’s visit may include several important steps:

Brushing and Plaque Disclosing

Before the cleaning begins, your child will first brush their teeth at the brushing station. Before they brush, a plaque disclosing solution will be applied to their teeth. Plaque disclosing solution allows us to see where the plaque buildup is on your child's teeth. It also allows us to guide and teach children where and how to brush their teeth. Once brushing is complete they will move to the dental chair where their professional teeth cleaning will begin.

Polishing the Teeth

In our office, children get to choose their polish flavor. Then we use a soft rotating brush and polishing paste to remove plaque and surface stains. This leaves teeth feeling smooth and clean.

Children usually enjoy this part of the appointment because of the fun flavors and smooth feeling afterward.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

After polishing, using specialized dental instruments, Dr. Hamze will remove any remaining plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and around the gumline. This process helps reduce harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments are often recommended after cleanings to strengthen enamel and help protect teeth from cavities. Fluoride works by remineralizing weakened enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugar.

Oral Hygiene Education

An important part of our practice is teaching children and their families how to properly care for their teeth at home. Our team will review: 

• Brushing and flossing technique and habits
• Healthy snack choices
• Limiting sugary drinks
• Thumb sucking or pacifier concerns

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Creating positive dental habits early can help children maintain healthier smiles as they grow.

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Are there different types of teeth cleanings?

Yes there are two types of cleanings. The first type is a “routine cleaning” or a prophylaxis. This is recommended for patients who have generally healthy or slight inflammation in their gums, and plaque and tartar only above their gumlines. The second type is a “deep cleaning” or scaling and root planing. This is recommended for patients who have gum disease and any plaque and tarter buildup under their gumlines.

Routine cleanings are important because they help prevent cavities, reduce plaque buildup, keep gums healthy, remove stains from food and drinks and catch dental problems early.

Deep cleanings are important because untreated gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, bad breath and tooth loss.

Although deep cleanings are more common in adults, some teenagers may require this treatment if gum inflammation or buildup becomes severe.

What Are the Benefits of a Teeth Cleaning?

Regular professional teeth cleanings are one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health for both children and adults. Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque and bacteria can still build up in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Professional cleanings help remove this buildup and prevent more serious dental problems from developing over time. 

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Some of the biggest benefits of professional cleanings include: helping to prevent or slow the onset of cavities and gum disease, removing plaque and tartar buildup, helping to maintain a fresh breath and brightening your smile, detecting dental problems early, supporting overall health and wellness and developing healthy habits.

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Long term benefits for children include: avoiding painful cavities, building confidence in their smile, reducing dental anxiety, develop lifelong healthy habits, protect developing permanent dentition, decrease the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. 

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