Madison Dental is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help patients in Manhattan and across the New York City metro region maintain healthy teeth and gums with comprehensive preventive care including routine and deep teeth cleaning.

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What happens during teeth cleaning?

At your cleaning appointment, special instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar as well as disease-causing bacteria at the gum line. During the cleaning, the hygienist will be looking for areas of plaque and tartar buildup that indicate poor brushing and flossing techniques. Once the cleaning is complete, you’ll be given guidance and tips on improving your technique to help prevent buildup and gum disease from occurring.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when bacteria collect at the gum line, releasing toxins that cause the gum tissue to pull away from the surface of the tooth. As the tissue pulls away from the tooth, the bacteria are able to penetrate more deeply, releasing more toxins can cause gum recession to continue. Left untreated, infection will develop around the tooth root, causing the tooth to become loose and to eventually fall out. Gum disease can be prevented and early stages of the disease can be controlled with regular teeth cleaning combined with proper at-home care, including brushing and flossing. More severe disease may be treated with deep-cleaning techniques that reach below the gums and around the tooth root.

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, you should have your teeth cleaned every six months. If you have gum disease, you may need to have them cleaned more frequently to prevent the disease from becoming more widespread.

Does teeth cleaning hurt?

Sometimes, cleaning may cause discomfort if you have sore or tender gums from the early or advanced stages of gum disease, or if there are areas of untreated decay at or near the gum line. The hygienists at Madison Dental use advanced, gentle techniques designed to minimize discomfort. A local anesthetic can be used if you’re extremely sensitive to discomfort.