Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months. If you have gum disease, smoke, or have certain health conditions, you may need cleanings every 3–4 months.
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Keeping your teeth and gums clean is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Beyond giving you a fresher smile, regular cleanings help prevent gum disease—an infection linked to heart conditions, stroke, and other serious health concerns.
At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, we provide comprehensive teeth and gum cleaning services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re maintaining healthy gums or treating early signs of gum disease, our team is here to help you stay ahead of problems and feel confident in your smile.
Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth. Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, some plaque hardens into tartar in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. That’s where professional cleanings come in.
Routine cleanings:
Gum disease often begins without symptoms. Over time, untreated inflammation can damage the structures that support your teeth. Studies have also shown a strong link between gum health and systemic health—especially for people with diabetes or cardiovascular issues.
At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, we offer routine cleanings and deeper care (like scaling and root planing) to address every stage of gum health.
Our cleanings go beyond a basic polish. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including 3D digital scans and digital X-rays, to understand the health of your teeth and gums.
Your cleaning visit may include:
We’ll also check for signs of gum inflammation or other concerns that may require deeper treatment.
Not all cleanings are the same. Your treatment will depend on your gum health and how much plaque or tartar has built up below the gumline.
Recommended every 6 months for most patients, routine cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the visible surfaces of your teeth. This preventive care helps stop gum disease before it starts.
Routine cleanings typically take about 30–60 minutes and require no anesthesia.
If your exam reveals gum pockets deeper than 4mm or signs of early gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning.
This two-part procedure includes:
Deep cleanings are done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable and may require multiple visits, depending on your treatment plan.
Gum disease begins when bacteria cause inflammation in the soft tissues that surround your teeth. As the condition progresses, the gums pull away, forming pockets that trap even more bacteria.
If left untreated, this process can lead to:
A deep cleaning stops this cycle by removing the source of the infection and creating a healthier environment for healing.
The earlier we catch these signs, the more effective the treatment will be. That’s why consistent dental visits are so important.
Teeth and gum cleanings are essential for everyone, but certain individuals are more likely to need frequent or more involved care.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, which is completely reversible if treated early. Signs include:
These symptoms mean your gums are reacting to bacteria buildup. A cleaning and improved home care can help reverse the problem before it progresses.
Missing a cleaning for over a year increases your risk of plaque buildup and gum inflammation. Even if you haven’t had symptoms yet, an exam and cleaning can help reset your oral health.
We understand life gets busy—and we’re here to help you get back on track comfortably and without judgment.
Tobacco use restricts blood flow in the gums and affects how your body responds to bacteria. Smokers often don’t show the typical signs of gum disease (like bleeding) even when the condition is present.
That’s why tobacco users are encouraged to get cleanings every 3–4 months to help catch early problems.
If you have diabetes, gum disease can be more aggressive—and more difficult to manage. Inflammation in the mouth can also make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Regular professional cleanings help reduce inflammation and support better overall metabolic control.
At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, we perform a full assessment during your exam to determine whether a deep cleaning is needed. Some common indicators include:
If your gums bleed regularly or appear puffy, red, or irritated, this may signal early gum disease. Healthy gums should be pink and firm and not bleed during brushing or flossing.
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of chronic bad breath. Bacteria below the gumline produce odors that brushing and mouthwash can’t eliminate.
When gums pull back from the teeth, more surface becomes exposed. This can make teeth appear longer, increase sensitivity, and create new hiding spots for bacteria.
If your teeth feel looser than normal or extra sensitive to pressure or temperature, it could mean that the surrounding bone has begun to deteriorate.
We measure the depth of gum pockets during your exam. Pockets between 1–3mm are healthy. Anything deeper may require treatment to avoid further gum and bone damage.
We’ll begin by reviewing your dental and medical history and then examine your teeth and gums. If needed, we’ll take digital X-rays or 3D scans to assess your bone levels and identify hidden tartar.
We’ll also use a special tool to measure your gum pocket depths and check for inflammation or recession.
Depending on your needs, we’ll perform a routine cleaning or begin scaling and root planing.
After your cleaning, we’ll provide tips and product recommendations to help you maintain healthy gums at home.
It’s normal to experience some sensitivity, mild swelling, or light bleeding after scaling and root planing. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
To aid recovery:
We’ll follow up with you as needed and schedule maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months if gum disease was diagnosed.
After a deep cleaning, your gums may be more sensitive for a short time. To reduce irritation:
Avoid:
Recommended soft foods include:
Within a few days, you can return to your normal eating habits.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits:
If you’ve had gum disease in the past, maintenance visits every 3–4 months are essential to prevent relapse.
Bella Dental provides expert teeth and gum cleaning services designed to help you maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and long-term comfort. We use advanced tools like digital X-rays and 3D scans to deliver accurate, comfortable care every time.
Our team offers:
Located in Port Hueneme, Bella Dental is here to make dental care simple, supportive, and focused on your goals.
Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months. If you have gum disease, smoke, or have certain health conditions, you may need cleanings every 3–4 months.
We use local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. After the procedure, you may feel some tenderness for a few days, which can be managed with saltwater rinses and over-the-counter medication.
Yes, if not properly managed. That’s why ongoing maintenance visits and good home care are so important after deep cleaning.
You may notice your teeth look cleaner and brighter. In cases of gum recession, your teeth may appear slightly longer after tartar is removed.
We’ll assess your gum pocket depth and signs of inflammation during your visit. If pockets exceed 4mm, or if bleeding and swelling are present, a deep cleaning may be recommended.
Most insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year. Deep cleanings are typically covered at a different rate under basic services. Our team can help you understand your specific coverage.
Yes, but be gentle. You may want to wait a day or two before resuming flossing in tender areas. We’ll provide personalized guidance.
If you’ve had scaling and root planing, we’ll schedule a follow-up to check your healing. Ongoing maintenance cleanings are often needed every 3–4 months afterward.
Flossing removes plaque from between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach. It helps prevent tartar buildup and keeps your gums healthier between cleanings.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is reversible with professional cleaning and improved hygiene. More advanced stages (periodontitis) can be managed with deep cleaning and maintenance care.
Call Bella Dental at (805) 394-3000 for more information on booking an appointment, or fill out the form below and we will reach out to you!
