How Often Should You Get a Professional Dental Cleaning in Encino CA?

Dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis. Our skilled dentists and dental hygienists use advanced tools and techniques to thoroughly remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth—especially in areas that are hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing at home.

Regular dental cleanings play a critical role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can quickly harden into tartar if not removed. Tartar cannot be eliminated by brushing alone and requires professional attention. When tartar remains on the teeth, it can cause gum inflammation (gingivitis) and may eventually lead to more serious periodontal disease if left untreated.

Beyond cleaning your teeth, each visit to Encino Advanced Dentistry gives our experienced team the opportunity to thoroughly examine your mouth for early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental concerns. Early detection is key to providing effective, minimally invasive treatments and maintaining your long-term oral health.

Professional dental cleanings are a cornerstone of maintaining excellent oral health. Our experienced dental team recommends that most patients schedule a professional cleaning every six months. These routine visits help remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can miss, and give us an opportunity to detect early signs of dental issues.

However, we understand that every patient is unique. The ideal frequency of dental cleanings can vary depending on your individual oral health needs. For example, patients with a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, smokers, or those with certain medical conditions like diabetes may benefit from more frequent cleanings—sometimes every three to four months. Conversely, patients with consistently excellent oral health and low risk factors may be able to maintain their teeth and gums with annual cleanings, though this is less common.

During your visit, our dentists will evaluate your specific needs and recommend a cleaning schedule tailored to you. Regular dental appointments not only keep your smile healthy and bright but also allow us to monitor your oral health and provide preventive guidance.

A routine dental cleaning begins with a warm welcome from the dental hygienist, who will briefly review your medical and dental history to note any concerns or recent changes. You’ll be seated comfortably, given a protective bib, and encouraged to mention any specific issues or questions before the cleaning starts.

The hygienist will begin with an oral examination using a small mirror to check your gums, teeth, and mouth for signs of cavities, inflammation, or other concerns. If needed, digital X-rays may be taken to identify problems not visible during the visual exam, such as early decay or bone-related issues.

Next, plaque and tartar are gently removed from your teeth using professional instruments designed to reach areas regular brushing and flossing may miss. Once the buildup is cleared, your teeth are polished with a mildly abrasive toothpaste and an electric polishing tool to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. The hygienist will then floss between each tooth to eliminate any remaining debris and may offer guidance on improving your at-home oral care routine.

After the cleaning, the dentist will come in for a full examination, reviewing your X-rays and checking each tooth and gum area closely. Any findings are explained clearly, and recommended treatments—if needed—are discussed.

To complete the visit, a fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen enamel and help prevent future cavities. Before you leave, the team will schedule your next checkup and offer personalized tips for maintaining a healthy smile at home.

Dental cleaning (also known as dental prophylaxis). Our experienced dental hygienists use state-of-the-art instruments to gently and thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gumline—areas that regular brushing and flossing simply can’t reach.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that, if not removed, hardens into tartar. Both plaque and tartar harbor harmful bacteria that release acids and toxins, which can erode tooth enamel and irritate your gums. This can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and, if left untreated, more advanced forms of gum disease (periodontal disease).

During your dental cleaning appointment, our team not only removes these harmful buildups but also carefully examines your teeth and gums for any early signs of dental issues. This proactive approach means we can address potential problems before they become serious—saving you time, discomfort, and expense in the future.

At Encino Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Alireza Moshaverinia, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., and our experienced team are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. One of the most important steps in preserving your smile is scheduling regular professional dental cleanings.

While daily brushing and flossing are essential, professional cleanings at Encino Advanced Dentistry go beyond what you can accomplish at home. Our skilled dental hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from even the hardest-to-reach areas of your mouth. This thorough cleaning helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath—protecting your smile and overall oral health.

Dr. Moshaverinia recommends that most patients visit Encino Advanced Dentistry for a cleaning and checkup at least twice a year. If you have specific dental concerns or are at higher risk of oral health issues, we may suggest more frequent visits. These appointments do more than just clean your teeth—they allow Dr. Moshaverinia to catch early signs of problems such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, or even oral cancer. Early detection means early intervention, often preventing the need for more extensive (and expensive) treatments down the line.

In addition to safeguarding your health, professional cleanings at Encino Advanced Dentistry can brighten your smile by removing surface stains from foods, drinks, and tobacco.

Prevention is always easier and more cost-effective than treating dental problems after they arise. Trust Dr. Moshaverinia and our dedicated team to help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5363 Balboa Blvd, #434 Encino, CA 91316. We serve patients from Encino CA, Tarzana CA, Van Nuys CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Calabasas CA, and surrounding cities.