Regular dental cleanings are a critical part of any solid oral hygiene routine. At The Bastida Dental Group in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, Dr. Jason Bastida, DDS, and Dr. Ismael Bastida, DDS, view dental cleanings as a foundation for your overall dental health. Don’t delay coming in for a cleaning, as accumulated plaque and tartar can lead to serious dental issues if left in place for lengthy periods of time. If you’re overdue for a professional cleaning, call the office today to book your visit. Online booking is also available, making it easy to find an appointment time that fits your busy schedule.
You only get one set of permanent teeth, taking care of them should be your top priority. Scheduling routine dental cleanings is the first line of defense against tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Yes. A cavity is a hole in your tooth created by bacteria, they’re dangerous because they break the protective barrier your enamel provides.
Cavities begin at the level of your enamel, then begin working their way down through the inner layer called dentin. Eventually, a cavity can lead to infection at the innermost layer, the pulp, of the affected tooth; this is where the blood and nerve supply of teeth are housed. This can often lead to sharp shooting pain and almost always mean your teeth need a root canal.
Cavities begin with food and drink particles, and since eating and drinking is an unavoidable part of life, no one is immune to dental decay. Those food particles combine with saliva, bacteria, and acids to form plaque, a sticky substance that can build up on the surface of your teeth.
Left in place, dental plaque can harden into tartar, which can’t be removed through normal brushing and flossing. Left unremoved, this buildup can damage teeth, lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and eventually gum disease (periodontutis). Routine maintenance through professional dental cleanings will remove plaque and tartar, thereby preventing cavities and maintaining healthy gums.
A thorough dental exam is the first step before your cleaning. During the exam your dentist checks for signs of dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Next comes the thorough manual removal of all signs of plaque and tartar. This part of the process takes longer if you have significant plaque and tartar. Your dentist also includes professional flossing with your cleaning. No matter how well you floss at home, nothing compares to having a pro floss your teeth.
For many men and women, tooth polishing is the best part of a professional cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist uses a special gritty paste and a high-powered electric toothbrush to remove every last trace of plaque and tartar and give your teeth that amazing post-cleaning feel.
Depending on your needs, they might also give you a fluoride treatment at the end of your cleaning appointment. The solution only takes a moment or two to set, and provides lasting protection to help fight dental decay.
If you’re overdue for professional teeth cleaning, schedule an appointment with us today.
Dental examination
A complete dental examination must be done by your dentist at your initial dental visit. This procedure will include the following:
Professional dental cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by dental hygienists, after a doctor's review that will indicate to the hygienist what type of dental cleaning each patient requires. This appointment also includes a dental examination and the following procedures: