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14 Glen Cove Road Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

Dental Cleaning Roslyn Heights, NY

Dental CleaningAn Overview

When we think of visiting the dentist, a dental cleaning is often what comes to mind. An integral part of routine dental care, a professional cleaning performed by one of our highly trained and knowledgeable dental hygienists will leave your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best. Dental cleaning is part of the general dentistry services that East Hills Dental Associates offers in Roslyn Heights, NY.

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our Roslyn dental office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, helping you keep your teeth for your lifetime.

Why Visit the Dentist?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than to tooth cavities. Three out of four adults are affected by gum disease at some time in their lives. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by using proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques daily.

Both periodontal disease and dental caries are caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thoroughly brushing and flossing daily, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Routine visits with us keep your oral health on track and allow Dr. Sousa or Dr. Ahdoot to spot developing concerns early. Our staff will also make personalized oral hygiene recommendations for your specific needs and at-home care.

Always a fantastic experience with lovely staff. Couldn’t ask for a better dentist !Michelle Cassera
It is always a pleasant experience to go to Dr. Sousa's office. I completely rely on Dr. Sousa's expertise in dentistry and his cosmetic aesthetic (he is an artist) as well as the upbeat positive environment with Dr. Sousa's staff. Conversation is always sprinkled with a sense of humor; yet…Anonymous
Dr. Sousa always provides a pleasant, professional, and cheerful dental experience. His appointments are punctual, his staff is friendly, and the dental care is thorough, efficient, and done with the finest equipment to the highest standards. Whether just a simple cleaning, or in the event of more extensive procedures, the…Theodore Ryder

Dental Cleaning What to Expect

A trained and experienced dental hygienist completes a dental cleaning as part of your routine preventive dental care. Using a professional dental brush and fluoride toothpaste, all surfaces of your teeth will be polished, and any plaque or tartar that has built up along the gum line or on the biting surface of the teeth will be removed.

As needed, a fluoride varnish will be applied afterward to strengthen the tooth enamel. Dr. Sousa or Dr. Ahdoot will perform a thorough exam. screening for decay, signs of gum disease, and other oral symptoms related to both dental and overall health.

Dental Cleaning FAQs

How should I brush my teeth?

Dr. Sousa recommends using a soft to medium toothbrush. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.

Next, you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.

How should I floss my teeth?

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.

To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gumline then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.

To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the backside of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.

When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

What kind of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?

There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.

Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes called Rotadent and Interplak.

Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your doctor.

Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpaste will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring the early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

Can I eat after a dental cleaning?

You can eat after a dental cleaning. There are no restrictions on eating following a routine dental cleaning. The procedure does not involve invasive treatments or numbing agents. However, you should choose soft, non-acidic, and non-sticky foods immediately after the cleaning to avoid discomfort. Additionally, if your dentist gives you a fluoride treatment, they will advise you to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Waiting 30 minutes ensures the fluoride has enough time to stick to your teeth.

How often should you get a dental cleaning?

There is generally no frequency recommendation for dental cleanings. However, dentists generally advise scheduling a dental cleaning every six months. The frequency can vary depending on individual oral health needs. Some patients might need to visit the dentist more frequently, while others with good oral health might only need a dental cleaning once a year. For instance, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you are at a higher risk for gum disease. Consult with your dentist to determine the optimal cleaning schedule for you.

Does a dental cleaning whiten teeth?

A dental cleaning can help whiten your smile. It’s not the same as a professional teeth whitening treatment, but it does remove surface stains from your teeth. This can make your teeth appear whiter. However, if you’re looking for a significant color change, you will want to consider professional whitening treatment. Always consult your dentist to find the best option for your teeth.