Teeth Cleaning and Deep Cleaning in Long Beach, CA
Even with great brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, and our team provide gentle regular cleanings and deep cleanings for gum disease, for children and adults.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Why patients choose Salem Dentistry for teeth cleaning
- Gentle, thorough cleanings by Dr. Salem or one of our dental hygienists.
- Regular and deep cleanings in one office, with no referral needed for most gum disease treatment.
- The right cleaning for you. We measure your gums first, so you only get a deep cleaning if you truly need one.
- Comfort comes first. Deep cleanings are done with the area numbed, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available if you’re anxious.
- The whole family in one office. We see children from 6 months old through adults.
- All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted, with affordable options if you don’t have insurance.
- Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.
Why professional cleanings matter
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is always forming on your teeth and along your gums. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starches in what you eat and drink, and they cause both cavities and gum disease. Plaque that isn’t brushed and flossed away hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which sticks to your teeth and gumline and can’t be removed at home.
Left untreated, gum disease weakens the gums and bone that hold your teeth, and it can lead to tooth loss. A professional cleaning removes the buildup, freshens your breath, and lifts surface stains.
What happens at a regular cleaning
- Gum check. We look at your gums and measure them if needed.
- Removing plaque and tartar. We gently clean your teeth and along the gumline with special instruments.
- Polishing. Your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and leave them smooth.
- Flossing. We floss your teeth and show you any spots you’re missing at home.
- Fluoride. Fluoride is applied when it’s recommended for you.
If your teeth are sensitive or your gums bleed, we’ll explain why and what you can do about it. Most patients have a dental exam with Dr. Salem at the same visit.
Signs of gum disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- Loose teeth
Gum disease is often painless, so many people don’t know they have it. In its early stage, called gingivitis, it can usually be reversed.
Deep cleaning for gum disease
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums. When tartar has collected under the gumline, where brushing, flossing, and a regular cleaning can’t reach, you may need a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.
- Numbing. We numb the area so you stay comfortable.
- Scaling. Tartar and bacteria are removed from below the gumline.
- Root planing. The tooth roots are smoothed, so bacteria have fewer places to collect and your gums can heal and reattach to your teeth.
- Follow-up. We check your gums a few weeks later to see how they’ve healed.
A deep cleaning can treat one section (quadrant) of your mouth at a time or more than one in a visit, depending on your needs. Some insurance plans limit how many sections can be treated in one visit, and we’ll plan your appointments with that in mind.
After a deep cleaning
- Your gums may be tender for a few days, and your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold
- Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help
- Eat soft foods until the numbness wears off and your gums feel better
- Keep brushing gently and flossing every day
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums
- Dr. Salem will prescribe an antibiotic if you need one
After treatment for gum disease, most patients need periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months to keep it from coming back.
Questions patients ask
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
Most people should have a cleaning twice a year. If you have gum disease or certain health conditions, Dr. Salem may recommend coming in more often.
Does a teeth cleaning hurt?
A regular cleaning should not hurt. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, tell us and we’ll go gently. For deep cleanings, we numb the area first.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums and removes plaque, tartar, and stains. A deep cleaning treats gum disease by removing tartar from under the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
We measure the space between your teeth and gums and look at your X-rays. Deeper pockets and bone loss are signs of gum disease. Dr. Salem will show you the results and explain her recommendation.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of gum disease. Caught early, it can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and good home care.
Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
A cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and food, so your teeth will look brighter. It doesn’t change the natural color of your teeth the way whitening does.
Does insurance cover teeth cleaning?
Most dental plans cover two cleanings a year, and many help with deep cleanings. We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental, and we do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We have affordable options for patients without insurance. Call us at 562-435-8339 for current pricing.
Schedule your cleaning
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. Between visits, see our oral hygiene page for brushing and flossing tips.