Introduction

Do you notice stubborn plaque, yellowish buildup, or occasional bleeding gums despite brushing regularly? 

You are not alone! Many San Antonio residents face similar concerns, such as the buildup of tartar in hard-to-reach areas of their homes. 

According to the American Dental Association, nearly 47% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older show signs of periodontitis. At Heritage Dental, we believe that preventive care is the foundation of a perfect, healthy smile.

At Heritage Dental Care, we help patients with effortless teeth cleaning in San Antonio, TX. We provide preventive dental care for patients that meets modern standards. 

So if you’re looking for effective teeth cleaning, this is the guide for you. It will help you understand: 

• What dental plaque is and how it forms
• Common Causes of Dental Plaque Buildup
• What is Professional Dental Cleaning and How Does it Work?
  Benefits of Routine Dental Cleanings
• Why Patients Across Prairie Village Trust Us?

Let’s begin with the basics of professional dental cleaning and learn more about how it protects your smile. 

Dental Plaque: All You Need To Know 

Dental plaque is a colourless film that sticks on your teeth and along the gumline. It usually consists of:

• Bacteria
• Remaining food particles
• Saliva. 

When they are not removed regularly through daily brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens into tartar. If you cannot remove the hardened layer in the home, it can lead to:

•  Tooth decay
•  Gum disease, 
• Persistent bad breath

In such instances, it’s best to connect with our professionals at Heritage Dental Care. While these signs may seem common at first, they tend to worsen over time. 

Common Causes of Dental Plaque

Usually, plaque buildup is primarily caused due to poor oral hygiene, but some other factors can make it worse-

Irregular brushing and flossing

Irregular brushing and flossing leave irregularities in your cavity. It allows food particles to become stuck, feeding bacteria and affecting your overall oral health. Besides, if you skip daily cleaning, bacteria can thrive.

Sugary and starchy foods

Sugary foods are another major cause of bacteria producing germs. Bacteria feed on sugar, producing acids that damage the enamel.

Xerostomia

Your saliva plays an important role in cleansing your mouth. Therefore, a lack of saliva reduces the natural cleansing of teeth. 

Smoking or Tobacco Use

Regular smoking and tobacco use promote plaque formation and gum inflammation. 

Neglecting Professional Dental Visits 

If you do not visit your dentist regularly or get regular cleansing, the plaque may accumulate, and you might not even notice it yet!

What is Professional Dental Cleaning?

Professional cleanings are also known as prophylaxis treatments, go far beyond what brushing and flossing can achieve. They involve a series of carefully sequenced steps performed by our skilled professionals, who use the best advanced tools to fix your smile. 

However, if you’re that one patient who always thinks, “How long does teeth cleaning take?” 

The answer is simple. Professionals at our clinic execute cleaning in about 45-60 minutes. Our experienced dental professionals will customize the treatment plan according to your oral health needs. 

The Professional Process of Dental Cleaning in Heritage Dental

Oral Examination

Before the cleaning process begins, our dentists will perform a series of necessary examinations of your mouth, gums, and tongue. Your dentist may use digital scans or intraoral cameras to identify:

• Hidden cavities
• Early signs of gum infection
• Plaque and tartar accumulation
• Any  underlying dental concerns

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Scaling will help remove hardened tartar from:

• Tooth surfaces
• Between the teeth
• Below the gumline 

Ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments vibrate to remove hardened tartar gently from your teeth while flushing out any bacterial growth. This process prevents gum disease and reduces the risk of infections during dental teeth cleaning. 

Deep Cleaning for Gum Health

If you are experiencing early signs of gingivitis, a deeper cleaning, root planing, is the option for you. This smooths the tooth root, which prevents further bacterial attachment. It also helps with any inflammation and bleeding. 

Polishing and Stain Removal

Once scaling is complete, your teeth will be polished with a mild abrasive paste to remove surface-level stains. 

Flossing and Fluoride Treatment

Lastly, professional flossing ensures that are debris is cleared from between your teeth as well. This is followed by a fluoride application that strengthens your enamel and reduces sensitivity. 

Why Professional Cleanings Matter? The Benefits and Results of the Process

Professional cleanings play a major role in improving your oral health. While it may seem similar to over-the-counter procedures, the two are very different in their end results. 

Here’s why professional cleaning matters:

• Prevention of Gum Disease

Removes hardened plaque and prevents gum disease that might erupt from tartar buildup.

• Lower Risk of Cavities

Reduces the risk of tooth decay by keeping teeth clean and reducing cavities. This calls for fewer fillings. 

• Fresher Breath

Freshens your breath naturally by inhibiting bacterial growth, which produces odour-causing chemicals as it degrades leftover food particles.

• Brighter Smile 

Brightens your smile while polishing, helping remove surface stains and restoring your teeth’s natural lustre. 

Role of Heritage Dental Care in Professional Cleaning 

At Heritage Dental, we provide seamless preventive dental care. Our clinic serves the neighbouring areas of Aloma Heights, Boerne, Cibolo, and Helotes. Our team brings years of combined clinical experience in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

Here’s why residents should consider consulting professionals at our clinic:

• You will receive the best in advanced, modern treatment options, and our dental professionals are specifically trained in these procedures. 
• We offer flexible scheduling so you don’t have to take a day off to visit our dental professionals. We also offer family block appointments to simplify scheduling. 
• In addition, financing options and insurance coordination are available for all treatment procedures. 
• At our clinic, we strictly follow sterilization protocols exceeding ADA and CDC standards, ensuring a safe, hygienic environment for your visits. 

Patients Also Ask

• Does Dental Cleaning Hurt?

Most of our patients have reported experiencing little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Ultrasonic tools will remove your tartar gently without scraping. You might experience a mild sensitivity, but it fades within a day. 

• How Long Does a Cleaning Appointment Take?

Standard cleaning procedures at Heritage Dental usually take about 45-60 minutes. This includes your oral exam, scaling, and polishing. 

• How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?

The American Dental Association recommends that people have dental cleanings every six months. However, if you have gum disease, you may require more frequent visits. 

Conclusion

Professional dental cleaning in San Antonio is an extensive procedure that involves numerous stages. Patients visiting our clinic trust us to bring the best out of their smiles and we strive for the same.

Takeaway:

• Dental plaque is a sticky bacterial film that can harden into tartar and lead to gum disease, decay, and bad breath if not removed regularly. 
• Common causes of plaque include poor oral hygiene, sugary foods, dry mouth, smoking, and irregular dental visits.
• Benefits of professional cleanings include preventing gum disease, reducing cavities, freshening breath, and brightening your smile.