Why Professional Cleanings Matter
Even if you brush twice daily and floss religiously, plaque still accumulates in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. This sticky film of bacteria hardens into tartar within about 24 hours, and once it calcifies, your toothbrush can’t remove it. Tartar buildup irritates your gums and creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to cavities and gum disease.
Professional teeth cleanings eliminate this buildup before it causes damage. The specialized tools our hygienists use can access areas you simply can’t reach effectively at home, like below the gumline and between teeth that sit very close together. Regular cleanings significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Beyond preventing problems, cleanings also remove surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods that discolor teeth over time. You’ll leave our Shelby Township office with teeth that feel smooth and look noticeably cleaner and brighter.
What Happens During Your Cleaning
Your dental cleaning is more than just a polish—it’s a full checkup for your oral health. Dr. Kyle Borton and our hygiene team take a detailed, step-by-step approach to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Initial Examination
Every visit begins with a careful evaluation of your teeth and gums.
- The hygienist checks for cavities, gum inflammation, and early signs of disease.
- Dr. Borton reviews the findings and performs his own examination to ensure nothing is missed.
This comprehensive review helps catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
Scaling: Removing Plaque and Tartar
The cleaning process starts with scaling, which removes hardened buildup from your teeth and below the gumline.
- Our hygienists use a combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers.
- The ultrasonic scaler vibrates at high frequencies to loosen stubborn tartar.
- A gentle stream of water flushes away debris as it cleans.
This step is key to preventing gum disease and maintaining a healthy foundation for your smile.
Polishing and Flossing
Once the plaque and tartar are gone, your teeth are polished using a mildly gritty paste that smooths the enamel surface.
- Removes surface stains from coffee, tea, or daily wear.
- Makes it harder for plaque to build up between visits.
- Leaves your teeth feeling fresh and smooth.
After polishing, your hygienist flosses between every tooth to clear any remaining particles and ensure your smile is spotless.
Fluoride Treatment and Finishing Touches
Many patients finish their cleaning with a quick fluoride treatment.
- Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect against cavities for months.
- The application is fast, comfortable, and ideal for both kids and adults.
Most cleanings take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much buildup needs to be removed. When you leave, your teeth feel clean, smooth, and refreshed—and you’ll have a healthier smile to show for it.
Digital X-Rays for Complete Assessment
Professional teeth cleanings at Regency Family Dental include periodic digital X-rays that reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. These images show decay between teeth, problems below the gumline, bone loss, and other issues invisible during a visual examination.
Dr. Borton uses digital X-ray technology that exposes you to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The images appear instantly on a screen, allowing you to see exactly what we see and understand any treatment recommendations. Most patients need X-rays once a year, though some situations require more frequent imaging to monitor specific concerns.
Personalized Oral Hygiene Education
Your cleaning appointment isn’t just about removing buildup—it’s also an opportunity to learn better techniques for caring for your teeth at home. Our hygienists take time to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing methods tailored to your specific needs.
Maybe you’re missing certain areas consistently, or perhaps you’re brushing too aggressively and damaging your gums. We identify these issues and show you how to correct them. If you have braces, bridges, or other dental work that makes cleaning more challenging, we’ll teach you techniques and recommend tools that make the job easier.
Dr. Kyle Borton may also suggest products that could benefit your oral health, such as electric toothbrushes, water flossers, or specific types of toothpaste designed for sensitivity or gum health. These recommendations are always based on your individual situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Signs You Might Need More Frequent Cleanings
Most people benefit from a dental cleaning every six months, but some patients may require visits every three to four months. Dr. Kyle Borton helps determine the optimal schedule for you, taking into account your oral health, lifestyle, and personal risk factors.
Who May Need More Frequent Cleanings
Certain conditions and habits can accelerate the buildup of plaque and tartar, increasing the need for professional care. You might need more regular cleanings if you:
- Have a history of gum disease or are currently managing periodontal issues.
- Develop tartar quickly, even with good brushing and flossing habits.
- Smoke or use tobacco products, which affect gum health and healing.
- Live with diabetes, which can make you more prone to infection and inflammation.
- Are prone to cavities or have a diet high in sugar or acidic foods.
When to Schedule a Cleaning Sooner
If you’re between regular appointments, keep an eye out for warning signs that it’s time to come in sooner. These include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with routine hygiene.
- Swollen, tender, or red gums.
- Visible tartar buildup along the gumline.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait for your next six-month visit—schedule a professional cleaning to protect your smile and prevent further issues.
Making Cleanings Comfortable
We understand that some patients feel anxious about dental appointments. Regency Family Dental creates a relaxing environment where you feel comfortable and cared for. Our Shelby Township office offers amenities like music, pillows, and blankets to help you relax during your visit.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know before your cleaning begins. We can adjust our techniques and use desensitizing agents to minimize discomfort. Our goal is to make your experience as pleasant as possible while still providing the thorough care your teeth need.
Invest in Your Long-Term Health
Professional teeth cleanings represent one of the best investments you can make in your oral health. These preventive appointments cost far less than treating cavities, gum disease, and other problems that develop when cleanings get neglected. Plus, there’s strong evidence linking oral health to overall health, with gum disease connected to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions.
Don’t wait until you have pain or problems to schedule your next cleaning. Contact Regency Family Dental in Shelby Township today and book your appointment with Dr. Kyle Borton’s team. Your teeth and gums deserve the professional care that keeps them healthy for a lifetime.