Healthy gums are the foundation of every great smile. At Blue Dental Clinic on the Upper East Side, our hygiene visits go beyond “just a cleaning.” We tailor prevention to your mouth, habits, and goals—so you leave feeling fresh and confident with a plan that actually fits your life.

Why choose us for dental hygiene

• Personalized prevention: Risk-based plans for cavities, gum disease, wear, and staining.
• Comfort-first: Gentle techniques, topical numbing when needed, and clear tips to reduce sensitivity.
• Whole-mouth focus: Cavity check, gum measurements, bite/wear review, and oral cancer screening.
• Insurance-friendly: Up-front estimates, benefits verified, and claims filed on your behalf.

Types of hygiene visits

• Routine Prophylaxis (healthy gums): Removes plaque/tartar above the gumline, polishes away surface stains, and fine-tunes home care.
• Periodontal Maintenance (history of gum disease): Targeted cleaning around deeper areas after scaling and root planing or periodontal therapy—typically every 3–4 months.
• Scaling & Root Planing (“deep cleaning”): Therapeutic treatment to remove tartar and bacteria below the gumline when pockets are present; often completed by quadrant with localized anesthesia.
• Pregnancy & medical-focused hygiene: Gentle protocols and prevention plans tailored to changing needs (e.g., dry mouth from medications, diabetes).

What your appointment includes

1. Review & goals: Health history, medications, and any concerns (sensitivity, breath, bleeding).
2. Assessment: Gum measurements (pocket depths/bleeding), cavity check, bite/wear review; digital X-rays only when indicated.
3. Cleaning: Ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove buildup; polish for a smooth finish; flossing and targeted stain removal.
4. Prevention add-ons (as needed): Fluoride varnish for sensitivity/cavity control; sealant review for high-risk grooves.
5. Home-care plan: Tools and tips that match your routine—so you’ll actually use them.

Stain, breath, and sensitivity care

• Stain: We’ll identify the culprits (coffee/tea/wine, chlorhexidine, tobacco) and give simple maintenance tips.
• Breath: Tongue cleaning, interdental care, and targeted rinses keep breath fresh longer.
• Sensitivity: Desensitizing gels, fluoride varnish, and gentle settings reduce “zingers” during and after visits.

Tools that make home care easier

• Soft electric toothbrush (2 minutes, light pressure)
• Floss or interdental brushes; water flosser for tight or hard-to-reach areas
• Fluoride toothpaste/rinse if you’re cavity-prone; xylitol mints/gum for dry mouth
• Night guard if you clench/grind (protects enamel and restorations)

How often should I come?

• Healthy gums: Every 6 months works for most patients.
• History of gum disease, heavy buildup, or braces: Every 3–4 months for best stability.
  We’ll tailor the interval based on your measurements and risk factors.

Special focus by life stage

• Kids/teens: Sealants for deep grooves, sports mouthguard advice, braces hygiene coaching.
• Adults: Wear/crack monitoring; night guard guidance for clenching.
• Seniors/dry mouth: Root-surface cavity prevention, saliva-saving tips, and gentle products that work.

Whitening & esthetics

Cleanings remove surface stains; professional whitening can boost your shade after buildup is gone. If you’re planning veneers or bonding, whiten first so we can color-match beautifully.

Cost & insurance

Fees depend on visit type (prophy vs. periodontal maintenance vs. scaling/root planing) and whether X-rays/fluoride are included. Most PPO plans cover routine cleanings; periodontal services have specific benefits. We verify coverage in advance, provide clear written estimates, and submit claims on your behalf.

FAQs

Do cleanings hurt?
They shouldn’t. Tell us where you’re sensitive—we can use topical anesthetic, gentler settings, warmed water, and desensitizers.

Do I need X-rays every visit?
No. We take them only when they’ll impact diagnosis—based on your cavity and gum-disease risk.

Can a cleaning whiten my teeth?
It removes surface stain. For a brighter base color, ask about in-office or take-home whitening.

What if my gums bleed when I floss?
That’s a sign of inflammation, not a reason to stop. A thorough cleaning plus daily interdental care usually improves bleeding quickly.

I haven’t had a cleaning in years—where do I start?
Book a comprehensive exam + cleaning. If deeper treatment is needed, we’ll phase care and keep you comfortable.

Ready for a cleaner, healthier smile?

Schedule a dental hygiene visit at our Upper East Side office. We’ll make your appointment gentle, thorough, and tailored—so your mouth feels fantastic and stays that way.