Professional care and daily habits work together to protect your teeth and gums. At Rudnick Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens, we help you understand your oral health and build a care routine that fits your needs.
Professional Cleanings and Daily Hygiene
Brushing and cleaning between your teeth help remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Once plaque hardens into tartar, professional care is needed to remove it.
A dental cleaning and examination help us assess your teeth and gums, identify areas that need attention, and tailor advice for caring for your smile at home.
Our general dentistry team can help whether you are due for a routine visit or returning after time away.
What to Expect at Your Dental Cleaning
Your visit is planned around your gum health, existing dental work, and any concerns you share. The steps may include:
1. Review Your Oral Health
We discuss your health history and concerns, assess your teeth and gums, and take dental images when clinically needed. This helps us determine the appropriate type of cleaning.
2. Remove Buildup and Polish
Your hygienist uses dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar. Polishing and cleaning between teeth may follow, based on your needs. Let us know about sensitive areas.
3. Plan Your Next Steps
We explain findings, discuss home care, and recommend follow up visits. Fluoride may be suggested based on cavity risk. Any additional treatment is discussed with you.
How Often Should You Have a Cleaning?
There is no single schedule that fits everyone. Your dentist recommends an interval based on gum health, cavity risk, medical history, and previous treatment.
Some people are seen about every six months. Others need closer follow up, particularly after treatment for gum disease. Changes such as dry mouth, pregnancy, or new health conditions may also affect your care plan.
If it has been a while, start with an examination. We can explain what you need and help you plan your next visit.
Routine Cleaning or Gum Disease Treatment?
These services meet different needs. An examination helps us choose the right approach for your gums.
Routine Dental Cleaning
A routine cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains when a preventive cleaning is appropriate. It supports daily home care and regular checks of your oral health.
Care for Gum Disease
If you have periodontitis, you may need scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. This is different from a routine cleaning.
A Simple Dental Hygiene Routine at Home
Small daily habits support the care you receive in the office. We can adapt these steps for implants, bridges, limited hand movement, or sensitive areas.
Brush Twice a Day
Brush for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Use gentle pressure and clean along the gumline and all tooth surfaces.
Clean Between Teeth Daily
Use floss or another suitable tool, such as an interdental brush or water flosser. Ask us to demonstrate a method that works for your teeth and dental work.
Support Your Oral Health
Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks, choose water often, and avoid tobacco. Tell us about dry mouth or medications that may affect your mouth.
Care That Takes Your Concerns Seriously
If dental visits make you anxious, tell us when you schedule. We can discuss the pace of your visit, explain each step, and plan pauses when needed.
For some patients, sedation dentistry may be an option after an assessment of health and suitability. It is not required for every cleaning.
Dr. Andrew Rudnick is an LVI Fellow. Our team focuses on clear explanations and practical advice so you can take part in decisions about your care.
What Our Patients Say
Dental Cleaning and Hygiene FAQs
Does a cleaning whiten my teeth?
A cleaning may remove some surface stains, but it does not change the natural color of your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is a separate treatment.
Can a cleaning help with bad breath?
Removing plaque and tartar and improving daily cleaning may help when buildup contributes to bad breath. Persistent bad breath needs an assessment because dry mouth, gum disease, and other conditions can play a role.
What if I have sensitive teeth or bleeding gums?
Tell us before your cleaning so we can assess the cause and discuss comfort options. Some temporary tenderness can occur afterward. Contact us if pain, bleeding, or sensitivity is severe, getting worse, or not improving.
Can I have a cleaning if I have implants, veneers, or a bridge?
Yes. Tell your hygienist about your restorations so your cleaning and home care advice can be tailored to them. We can show you tools for cleaning around implants and beneath a bridge.
Do I need X rays and fluoride at every visit?
Not necessarily. Dental images are selected based on your examination, history, and clinical needs. Professional fluoride may be recommended based on your risk of cavities.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
The cost depends on the type of care you need and whether an examination or other services are included. We can discuss expected fees and your benefits before treatment. Visit our financing and insurance page for payment information.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Palm Beach Gardens
Request a visit with Rudnick Dentistry to discuss your teeth, gums, and preventive care. Our office serves Palm Beach Gardens and nearby communities, including West Palm Beach and Jupiter.
