Preventive Care & Cleanings in San Diego, CA

How often should you get a dental exam? Every six months for most people. Depending on factors like smoking, cavity frequency, and genetic susceptibility to decay and gum disease, we may recommend more frequent visits.

What happens at an exam? We thoroughly clean your teeth, removing surface stains and hardened deposits (tartar or calculus) that home brushing can't budge. We check every tooth for decay and your gums for disease, take X-rays when they're needed for a closer look, and review your home-care habits — then show you specific ways to improve them. Exams also let us detect problems early, when they can be fixed quickly and easily.

How can you prepare? Brush and floss before you arrive so we can focus on the difficult areas, bring your medical history and insurance information, and be honest about your habits — we're not here to judge you, we're here to work with you. Plan to schedule your next check-up before you leave.

A dental prophylaxis is a professional cleaning that thoroughly cleans the teeth and gums — and it's one of the most effective tools for stopping gingivitis and periodontal disease before they progress. Benefits include:

• Complete plaque and tartar removal. Even with excellent home brushing and flossing, it's impossible to remove all bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized instruments catches the buildup that would otherwise become a problem.
• A healthier-looking smile. Cleaning removes the surface stains that yellow and dull your teeth.
• Fresher breath. Persistent bad breath usually signals advancing gum problems — routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria noticeably improves it.

We recommend prophylaxis twice a year as a preventive measure — and every three to four months for patients managing periodontitis.

Both decay and periodontal disease are caused by bacterial plaque — a colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth at the gum line. Thorough daily brushing and flossing removes it; left alone, it hardens into calculus (tartar), a rough, porous substance that only professional cleaning can remove.

Gum disease usually starts between the teeth, exactly where your toothbrush can't reach — which is why daily flossing matters so much. Proper technique takes practice; ask us to demonstrate at your next visit and we'll gladly coach you.

Caring for sensitive teeth: teeth are sometimes sensitive to hot and cold after dental treatment. This shouldn't last long — as long as the mouth is kept clean. If sensitivity persists or is severe, tell us; a medicated toothpaste or rinse made for sensitive teeth often solves it. If you ever have pain while brushing, call us at the office.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums — making them red, swollen, and quick to bleed. Prolonged irritation causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets; as disease progresses, the supporting tissue and bone deteriorate, and untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Beyond plaque, several factors accelerate gum disease: smoking, diabetes, stress, clenching and grinding, certain medications, and poor nutrition. Once periodontal disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to stop its progress — it can be halted, but not fully reversed, which is why consistent maintenance visits every three to four months matter so much for periodontitis patients. For advanced cases, we offer modern laser gum therapy — dramatically more comfortable than traditional surgery.