Teeth cleanings
Why professional cleanings matter, even for great brushers
Here is the honest truth about home care. Even if you brush twice a day and floss every night, plaque still
hardens into tartar in the spots your brush cannot reach, mostly along the gumline and between teeth. Once
tartar forms, no toothbrush on earth removes it. It sits there feeding bacteria that irritate your gums and
quietly work on your enamel.
That is the job a professional cleaning does that nothing else can. Our hygienists remove every bit of that
buildup with instruments designed for exactly this work, then polish your teeth smooth so new plaque has a
harder time getting a grip. The difference is something you can feel with your tongue the moment we finish.
Teeth cleanings
A cleaning you might actually enjoy
We know the reputation cleanings have. Scraping, poking, a sore mouth afterward. Our patients consistently
tell us their visits here feel nothing like that, and our Google reviews back it up. Our hygienists are gentle by
philosophy, not just by technique. If you have sensitive teeth or tender gums, say so, and we will adjust. There
is a TV above every chair, and yes, you can watch Netflix while we work.
Dr. Salinas and the hygiene team also genuinely talk with patients during visits. Several of our reviews
mention the laughing coming from our operatories. We are proud of that. Dental care goes better everywhere
when you are relaxed, and it starts with a cleaning that does not feel like a chore.
Teeth cleanings
What happens at your appointment
Your hygienist starts by looking over your gums and noting anything that has changed since your last visit.
Then comes the cleaning itself, removing tartar above and just at the gumline, followed by polishing with a
mildly gritty paste that lifts surface stains from coffee, tea, and red wine. We finish with flossing and, if you
want it, a quick fluoride varnish for extra protection.
Before you leave, we will tell you honestly how things look. If your home routine is working, you will hear
that. If there is one spot you keep missing, we will show you where it is and how to get it. No guilt, just useful
information you can actually do something with.
Teeth cleanings
Keeping it going at home
What you do between visits matters as much as what we do during them. Brush twice a day for two minutes
with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, and floss once a day, ideally before bed. That is the whole
formula. It is not complicated, it is just consistency.
Most patients do best coming in every six months, and we will help you keep that rhythm with reminders. If
we ever notice your gums need more than routine care, we will show you what we see and explain the next
step before anything happens. Book your cleaning online or call (512) 646-4420.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Sedation Dentistry
They should not, and at our office they generally do not. Tell your hygienist about any sensitive spots before
we start and we will work around them. If your gums bleed a little during cleaning, that is usually a sign of
early inflammation, and regular cleanings are exactly what resolves it.
About an hour when paired with your exam. The cleaning portion itself is usually 30 to 40 minutes, depending
on how much buildup we find.
Polishing removes surface stains, so most people leave a shade or so brighter than they arrived. For a bigger
change, ask us about professional whitening, which we offer both in the office and as a take-home kit.
Related services
Preventive Dentistry
Thorough exams, gentle cleanings, digital X-rays, and periodontal care that keep
small problems from ever becoming big ones.
Dental Exams
Plenty of exams amount to a quick glance and a pat on the back. Ours do not. When you sit down in our chair, Dr. Salinas looks at every tooth individually
Fluoride Treatments
Some of the best things we do in this office are also the least dramatic. A fluoride treatment takes about a minute.
Ready to schedule?
Visit Our Office — 512ooth Family Dentistry, 8701 W State Hwy 71 #102, Austin, TX 78735.