Office Hours
-
Monday - Thursday8am - 5pm
-
FridayBy Special Arrangement
-
Saturday & Sundayclosed
Professional Teeth Cleaning in Encino
Regular professional teeth cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. No matter how diligently you brush and floss at home, there are areas of your mouth that are difficult to clean completely—and that’s where professional cleanings make all the difference.
At Encino Holistic Dentistry, Dr. Linda Makuta and our skilled dental hygienists provide thorough, gentle cleanings that leave your teeth feeling fresh and your smile looking its best. More importantly, regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can affect your overall wellness.
Why Professional Teeth Cleanings Matter
You brush twice daily and floss every night—so why do you need professional cleanings? The answer lies in what happens in your mouth between dental visits.
The Plaque Problem
Even with excellent home care, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—constantly forms on your teeth. This plaque accumulates in hard-to-reach areas:
- Between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
- Along the gum line
- Behind back molars
- In areas with crowding or slight misalignment
- Around dental work like fillings or crowns
- Below the gum line where you can’t see or feel it
When Plaque Becomes Tartar
Within 24-72 hours, plaque that isn’t removed hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Unlike plaque, which you can remove with brushing and flossing, tartar is rock-hard and can only be removed with professional instruments.
Tartar creates several problems:
- Provides a rough surface where more plaque accumulates
- Harbors bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease
- Irritates gums leading to inflammation and bleeding
- Causes bad breath that brushing can’t eliminate
- Can only be removed professionally with special instruments
The Gum Disease Connection
Tartar buildup along and below the gum line causes gum disease—one of the most common chronic diseases in adults. Gum disease progresses through stages:
Gingivitis (Early Stage):
- Gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily
- Reversible with professional cleaning and good home care
- Often painless, so many people don’t realize they have it
Periodontitis (Advanced Stage):
- Gums pull away from teeth, forming pockets
- Bone that supports teeth begins to deteriorate
- Teeth can become loose or be lost
- Linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes
- Requires more intensive treatment
Regular professional cleanings prevent tartar buildup and catch gum disease in its earliest, most treatable stage.
The Whole-Body Health Connection
From a holistic perspective, oral health and overall health are intimately connected. Research has shown links between gum disease and:
- Heart disease: Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to arterial plaque
- Diabetes: Gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control; diabetes makes gum disease worse
- Pregnancy complications: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight
- Respiratory infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs
- Alzheimer’s disease: Some research suggests a connection between gum disease and cognitive decline
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation from gum disease may worsen joint inflammation
By maintaining healthy gums through regular professional cleanings, you’re not just protecting your teeth—you’re supporting your whole-body wellness.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
The American Dental Association recommends professional teeth cleanings at least every six months for most people. This twice-yearly schedule works well for patients with:
- Good oral health
- No history of gum disease
- Effective home care habits
- Low risk factors for dental problems
When More Frequent Cleanings Are Needed
Some patients benefit from cleanings every 3-4 months. Dr. Makuta may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have:
- Active gum disease: More frequent cleanings help manage infection and prevent progression
- History of gum disease: Maintenance cleanings prevent recurrence
- Heavy tartar buildup: Some people form tartar more quickly than others
- Diabetes: Higher risk for gum disease requires closer monitoring
- Smoking or tobacco use: Significantly increases gum disease risk
- Dry mouth: Reduced saliva leads to more plaque accumulation
- Orthodontic appliances: Braces or other appliances make cleaning more challenging
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can increase gum inflammation
- Certain medications: Some drugs affect oral health
Dr. Makuta will work with you to determine the ideal cleaning schedule for your individual needs.
What Happens During Your Professional Cleaning?
Understanding what to expect makes your cleaning appointment more comfortable. Here’s the typical process at Encino Holistic Dentistry:
Step 1: Review of Your Health History
Your hygienist will review any changes to your medical history, medications, or health conditions. This information helps us provide the safest, most effective care.
Step 2: Examination
Before cleaning, your hygienist will examine your mouth, looking for:
- Signs of cavities or tooth damage
- Gum inflammation or recession
- Tartar buildup
- Oral cancer signs
- Any areas of concern
If significant issues are found, Dr. Makuta will be consulted before proceeding with the cleaning.
Step 3: Ultrasonic Scaling
Your hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler—a specialized instrument that vibrates at high frequency to break up tartar deposits. You’ll hear a characteristic whistling sound as it works.
The ultrasonic scaler:
- Gently vibrates to dislodge tartar
- Sprays water to wash away debris and keep the area cool
- Is more comfortable than traditional hand scaling for large tartar deposits
- Thoroughly cleans below the gum line
Step 4: Hand Scaling
After ultrasonic scaling, your hygienist uses fine hand instruments (scalers and curettes) to remove any remaining tartar, especially in areas the ultrasonic instrument couldn’t reach completely.
This detailed work ensures:
- All tartar is removed from tooth surfaces
- Areas below the gum line are thoroughly cleaned
- Teeth feel smooth and clean
Step 5: Polishing
Once all tartar is removed, your hygienist will polish your teeth using a rotating rubber cup and professional polishing paste. The gritty texture of the paste buffs away surface stains and leaves your teeth smooth and shiny.
Polishing:
- Removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and food
- Makes teeth feel incredibly smooth
- Creates a surface that’s harder for plaque to stick to
- Gives you that “just cleaned” feeling you’ll love
Step 6: Flossing
Your hygienist will floss between all your teeth to remove any remaining debris and polish residue from between teeth.
Step 7: Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
If recommended, a fluoride treatment can strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent cavities. We can discuss whether fluoride treatment is appropriate for you based on your cavity risk and preferences.
Step 8: Home Care Discussion
Your hygienist will discuss your home care routine and provide personalized recommendations for:
- Brushing technique improvements
- Flossing methods
- Areas needing extra attention
- Product recommendations (toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.)
- Dietary factors affecting your oral health
Step 9: Examination by Dr. Makuta
After your cleaning, Dr. Makuta will examine your teeth and gums, checking for:
- Cavities or areas of concern
- Gum health status
- Oral cancer screening
- Bite and jaw alignment
- Any changes since your last visit
She’ll discuss any findings and recommend treatment if needed.
What Makes Our Cleanings Different
Gentle, Comfortable Care
Our hygienists are skilled at providing thorough cleanings that are as comfortable as possible. We take time to ensure you’re comfortable and can communicate if you need a break.
Personalized Attention
We don’t rush through appointments. Your hygienist takes time to address your individual needs, answer questions, and provide customized home care guidance.
Holistic Approach
We consider how your oral health connects to your overall wellness. Our hygienists are trained to recognize signs that may indicate systemic health issues and will discuss any concerns with Dr. Makuta.
Education-Focused
We believe informed patients make better health decisions. Your hygienist will explain what they’re doing, why it matters, and how you can maintain optimal oral health at home.
Relationship-Based Care
We strive to build long-term relationships with our patients. You’ll see the same hygienist consistently, allowing them to track changes in your oral health over time and provide continuity of care.
Latest Techniques and Technology
We use modern ultrasonic scalers, comfortable polishing systems, and advanced techniques that make cleanings more effective and comfortable than ever.
Special Cleaning Situations
If It’s Been A While Since Your Last Cleaning
Life happens. If it’s been longer than six months—or even years—since your last professional cleaning, don’t be embarrassed. We’re here to help, not judge.
When significant time has passed:
- You may have more tartar buildup requiring extra time
- Your cleaning may take longer or require multiple appointments
- Gums may be more sensitive initially but will improve with regular care
- We’ll work with you to create a plan to get back on track
The important thing is taking the step to schedule your appointment. It’s never too late for a fresh start.
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)
If you have gum disease with deep pockets around your teeth, you may need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) rather than a regular cleaning. This more intensive procedure:
- Removes tartar and bacteria from deep below the gum line
- Smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach
- Usually requires local anesthesia for comfort
- May be done in sections over multiple appointments
- Is followed by more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3-4 months)
Dr. Makuta will thoroughly explain if deep cleaning is recommended and why.
Cleanings During Pregnancy
Professional cleanings are safe and important during pregnancy. In fact, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis), making regular cleanings especially beneficial.
We’ll ensure you’re comfortable and work with your obstetrician to coordinate care if needed.
Cleanings for Children
Children should begin professional cleanings once their first teeth come in—usually around age 1. Early cleanings help establish good habits and allow us to monitor development.
Our hygienists are experienced at making children comfortable and creating positive associations with dental care.
Maximizing Your Cleaning Results at Home
Professional cleanings provide a fresh start, but daily home care maintains that cleanliness between visits:
Brushing
- Twice daily for two minutes each time
- Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid gum damage
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
- Brush gently in circular motions, not aggressive scrubbing
- Don’t forget your tongue to remove bacteria
- Consider an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning
Flossing
- Daily is essential—brushing alone misses 35% of tooth surfaces
- Use proper technique to clean below the gum line
- Try different flosses to find what works best for you
- Consider floss alternatives if traditional floss is difficult (water flossers, floss picks)
Additional Care
- Rinse after eating to remove food particles
- Drink plenty of water to wash away bacteria and support saliva production
- Limit sugary and acidic foods that promote plaque and decay
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva after meals
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco which dramatically increases gum disease risk
Signs You Need a Cleaning (Don't Wait for Your Scheduled Appointment)
Schedule an appointment sooner if you notice:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Pain when chewing
- Changes in your bite
- Increased tooth sensitivity
These symptoms may indicate gum disease or other problems requiring prompt attention.
Cost and Insurance
Professional teeth cleanings in the Encino area typically cost $150-$250 depending on the extent of cleaning needed.
You can use any dental insurance plan you have, and we’ll provide detailed documentation for you to submit claims directly to your insurance company. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care—including cleanings—at 100%, recognizing that prevention saves money long-term.
We also offer flexible payment options through CareCredit for patients without insurance or for treatments not covered by insurance.
Why Choose Encino Holistic Dentistry for Your Cleanings?
Experienced, Caring Hygienists
Our skilled hygienists combine technical expertise with genuine care for patient comfort and education.
Holistic Philosophy
We understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness, providing care that supports your whole-body health.
Continuity of Care
Seeing the same hygienist over time allows them to track changes and provide personalized recommendations.
No Judgment, Only Support
Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last cleaning, we welcome you with understanding and support.
Modern Comfort
We use the latest technology and techniques to make cleanings as comfortable and effective as possible.
Convenient Location
Located in the heart of Encino, just down the street from Ventura Blvd, serving patients throughout the San Fernando Valley.
It's Time for Your Cleaning
Regular professional cleanings are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your oral health and support your overall wellness. Whether you’re due for your routine six-month cleaning or it’s been longer than you’d like to admit, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait until you have problems. Prevention is always easier, more comfortable, and more affordable than treatment.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning Today
Take the first step toward a healthier smile. Our friendly hygienists are ready to provide the gentle, thorough cleaning you deserve.
Contact Encino Holistic Dentistry:
Call (818) 986-7470
Located at 5400 Balboa Blvd #211, Encino, CA 91316
Serving patients throughout the San Fernando Valley including Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and Van Nuys.
It’s always a good time for a fresh start. Schedule your cleaning today and give your smile—and your health—the care they deserve!
Holistic Dental Checkups
Comprehensive exams that connect your oral health to overall wellness, using biocompatible materials and preventive care.
Safe Mercury Removal
Mercury-free dentistry with SMART protocol for safe amalgam removal, protecting your health and the environment.
Teeth Whitening
Safe, customized whitening for a radiant smile. Whitening for Life program available for long-lasting results.
Invisalign & ClearCorrect
Discreet clear aligners straighten teeth without metal braces. Comfortable, effective, and virtually invisible.