Teeth cleaning is essential not just for clean teeth, but a healthy mind and body as well. But for such a routine visit, there’s lots that people don’t know about. Here’s what you should know and what you should expect out of your next teeth cleaning.

Before You Go

Many people see the mouth as separate from the rest of their body. But the reality is that it’s all connected — and problems in your mouth can cause or even act as an indicator of disease in other parts of your body — including dementia and heart disease.

Teeth cleanings are an essential part of keeping your mouth, and the rest of your body, disease-free. I’ve designed this guide to give you everything you need to know to get a quality teeth cleaning, get your money’s worth, and what to expect.

After you finish this guide, I’ll expect you to eliminate “whatever you say, Doc” from your vocabulary. Yes, teeth cleanings are routine, but there are some things you need to know.

Find Out Your Family History

You might know if there is cancer or heart disease in your family in case your doctor asks — and gum disease family history is just as important. Find out what type of gum disease and how severe.

I know it’s not exactly dinner time conversation but it doesn’t hurt to ask. There’s a strong genetic predilection for gum disease and this information can help your dentist with your teeth cleanings and overall care.

Find Out If You’ll Need an Antibiotic

We all have bacteria in our mouths and certain dental treatments can allow that bacteria to enter the bloodstream (called bacteremia). For most of us, this isn’t a problem. A healthy immune system prevents these bacteria from causing any harm.

When you have a teeth cleaning, the bacteria that are in your mouth can get into the bloodstream after the proceure. This is very common, well-known, and safe — if you’re healthy.

For certain groups of people, there is concern that this bacteremia could cause an infection elsewhere in the body. An antibiotic makes sure you cover all your bases.

If you fall into that category, click here to read my recommendations.

Understand Why Teeth Cleanings Are Necessary

We need teeth cleanings for two reasons:

To prevent diseases in the rest of the body like heart disease, dementia, and complications of diabetes
To prevent tooth loss

The mouth is an area that’s completely different from the entire body, and it takes quite a beating from the food we eat and the talking we do all day long. And this unique environment requires special care.

Teeth cleanings remove the buildup of plaque and tartar. This buildup is for the most part natural — kind of like how a boat picks up barnacles just by being in the ocean. But too much buildup leads to gum disease.

The reason tartar needs to be removed is because your body sees it as a foreign invader. As with any other foreign invader, like a flu bug or an infection, your body “sends in the troops” using the immune system to fight off the infection. There is a battle in your mouth at all times, and the war is never over. Teeth cleanings level the playing field by keeping things in check.

Gum disease is when your body’s immune system is responding to this tartar buildup with inflamed and bleeding gums. The immune system response is successful at killing off invaders like infection and flu bugs, but at a cost: like a war, there are innocent bystanders that get slaughtered. As gum disease progresses, so does the destruction to your bone and tissues in your mouth.

Your immune system is meant only to fight off infection for a short period of time — chronic activation of the immune system means it can get worn out and it won’t be as strong to fight off an illness. Chronic activation of the immune system can lead to diseases in the rest of your body.

That’s why preventing gum disease reduces risk of stroke, heart disease, and dementia.

At a certain stage, this damage is irreversible, so prevention is the best way to maintain overall health and keep beautiful teeth for a lifetime — and teeth cleanings are a critical piece of this prevention.

What Is a Teeth Cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning is done by the hygienist at a dentist’s office. The hygienist uses tools to remove tartar from your teeth — both above and below where the gum meets the tooth.

Back to Periodontal Treatment

Testimonials

When I first found this office I was terrified of the dentist and I had constant anxiety when seeing dentists. Now I look forward to cleanings and my anxiety is... read more

Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)

I have been going to this office now for the past 3 years. From Jessica working the front, to having my teeth cleaned, and both Drs. working on my teeth,... read more

Joanne Purdy (Wellington, FL)

Love Dr. Gorbatov! He is skilled, professional, thorough, nice, and always keeps me comfortable. The assistants and office staff are great too. I highly recommend Dr. Gorbatov!

fannabl (Hallandale Beach, FL)

The dentist fit me in last minute when my normal dentist was unavailable I tried them on the recommendation of a friend after I broke a veneer and had 3... read more

Mark Krawiec (Hollywood, FL)

I have been with the dentist for a few years now and love the care I receive. You are taken care of from the front desk person, through your visit!... read more

Juan Rodriguez (Greenacres, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry he can offer. He provides an attentive service, and... read more

Natallia Harbacheuskaya (Hollywood, FL)

Benjamin R. (West Pam Beach, FL)

First time here the staff and Dr were so informative and professional thank you for making my experience run so smooth ?

Evelyn Garcia (Greenacres, FL)

Awesome service. Highly recommended

Iliana Gonzalez (Royal Palm Beach, FL)

Had an amazing experience. Staff was very caring and nice. They are very honest

Billie Selinsky (Wellington, FL)

From the minute I walked in the dr Gorbatov office till the and of my treatment I was pleasantly surprised with professionalism and care of Dr and his staff. I... read more

Anna (Hollywood, FL)

This is the Best Dental Office I ever was. Great personality, gentle touch and perfectionism in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for creating Smile I always... read more

Yuriy Gorobets (Hallandale Beach, FL)

This is IT!!!! As good as it gets!!! If you want a celebrity smile call his number.

Jacob F. (Miami)

I switched my dentist because i was dissatisfied with their service and decided to go to Dr.Gorbotov's office for my wisdom tooth extraction. I never thought I would see the... read more

Oleg Solovey (Sunny Isles, FL)

I finally found a great dentist who does its all, root canals, caps, and implants. I needed major work on my mouth all at once, although it was expensive because... read more

Diane O’Brocki (Loxahatchee, FL)

Everyone in the office is super amazingly fantastic! They're informative and understanding. Dr. Gorbatov has done great work on my teeth! The dental hygienist has been a charm, makes every... read more

John Kern (Hollywood, FL)

I have been having a lot of issues with my teeth for quiet some time, including broken molars and bad procedures at other dental facilities. I came to Dr. Gorbatov... read more

Felix Spengler (Miami, FL)

I want to say that I never write reviews. However I have to say that this dentist center is amazing! From the moment you enter you feel like family. Everyone... read more

Lisa Jerkins (Wellington, FL)

Good quality office, and dental work.

Igor Gonchar (Hallandale Beach, FL)

I know Dr. Gorbatov and use his service already for 15 years since we moved to Florida. He is an amazing doctor capable to do all types of dental and... read more

Eugenia Aulov-Volchek (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Absolutely amazing. Jess and Jessica at the front made me feel so comfortable and helped me conquer my fear of the dentist. The office is clean and welcoming I completely... read more

Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)

Excellent service , friendly & professional !!!

Mauricio Bonifacio (Sunny Isles, FL)

I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly... read more

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I feel I have the best care possible under Dr. Gorbatov and his team. His work is top quality and because of him I know my teeth and the health... read more

Alex P. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly... read more

ML GG (Hollywood, FL)

The receptionist goes above and be on for the customers. Excellent service the doctor treats you with all his attention feels like I’m right at home and explain everything detailed.... read more

Sophie Garcia (Royal Palm Beach, FL)

For me, dental work always came with the presumption of pain and discomfort. That's why it was always very difficult to get any recommended work done, because all I'd have... read more

Iry T. (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Been going here forever and they do an excellent job with all your dental needs and even with cosmetic dentistry as well!

Lauren Harris (Lake Worth, FL)

I had a procedure done by Dr. Gorbatov, it was amazing, I didn't feel anything, he has very gentle hands and techniques and I didn't even feel the shot! I... read more

Jessica Y Montero (West Palm Beach, FL)

Love the staff and great service!!

Rebeca Saravia (Dania Beach, FL)

I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years now and can surely say that the customer service provided is one of the best in town. Make sure to be nice... read more

Hype Kay (Royal Palm Beach, FL)

Had a great experience with Dr.Gorbatov, he is really professional and doing great his job always with a smile)) Definitely recommending him

Tanya Kusiumova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

No teeth fell out mid cleaning. 10/10

Erik Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)

Fast service and the best staff! I highly recommend this Dentist. I've been going to this Dentist for 2 years and I travel far now just to come here. They... read more

Christine (Orlando, FL)

Loved coming here, very nice Doctor and wonderful experience with a great cleaning. Receptionist is awesome too.

Lina Lobo (Greenacres, FL)

You are the best guys! You definitely make me smile more :) Thank you sooooo much! Olga Aksenova ❤️

Olga Axenova (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Very helpful and amazing response time! Found them on Instagram and I'm happy I did!

Cece Esk (Hollywood, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov is an outstanding dental surgeon and professional in every sense of the word. He and his entire staff are wonderful--- by far the most knowledgeable and compassionate of... read more

Salt&Light (West Palm Beach, FL)

I had a great experience with Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov. He was able to save my tooth from getting a root canal. All the staff was really nice, and attentive. I... read more

Arthur R. (North Miami Beach, FL)

A Center for Dental Excellence is fantastic. They’re understanding and extremely competent. Not only is the dental care itself excellent, but their quality of caring about their patients is unparalleled.... read more

Haylee J (Aberdeen, FL)

Very high professionalism, excellent atmosphere and responsiveness of employees have made this business one of the best. A well-functioning team led by one of the best professionals of the US... read more

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S u p e r b ...Immaculate dentistry! I was impressed with a GREAT attention to details! His work is truly an ART and priceless! Everyone in the office is... read more

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High-level professionals. Thank you, Dr. Gorbatov. I'm going to recommend your clinic to my friends. With best regards!

Vlad Shishko (Sunny Isles, FL)

Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!

Ellen Zlobinskiy (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for the great experience, your gentle touch and quality work you have done on my teeth. I have been very pleased with your professional, yet personable... read more

Irina D. (Port Orange, FL)

Thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and consideration you showed my mom, Catherine the other day! ?

Patrizia Rondelli (Hollywood, FL)

I are retired dentist and visit dr Gorbatov,s office like a patien for dental works. We graduate the same school New York university and l can tell you the dr... read more

Shmuil Aronovich (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Jessica at the front has helped me tremendously and the Dr has made the large amount of work that I have had done painless

Celeste Clossin (Wellington, FL)

Thank you doctor for my beautiful smile!

V V (Hollywood, FL)

Very impressed with Dr. Gorbatov's ethics. He truly cared about my situation, the fact that I was from another city and had limited time off of work to address my... read more

Tatiana Safonova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Very good cleaning

Riley Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)

Great staff I was nervous but they made me feel at ease. I am confident that they will give me the smile that I airways wanted. The receptionist personality is... read more

Uuggh uggh (West Palm Beach, FL)

Very happy with quick service, suggestions & prices. Will be a repeat customer

Jaclyn Franceschini (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Since me and my wife moved to Florida from Nj several years ago, we were looking for good dentist, the one we can trust. We tried a few but were... read more

Tatiana Lapushchik (Hollywood, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov placed an implant for me, I am extremely happy with the result, I had absolutely no pain during the procedure after few month doctor put a crown, looks... read more

Sergey Kasatkin (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

Incredible how I was just taking my mother to her dentist appointment to me ending up becoming a patient, Jessica greeted me with such warmth and compassion and immediately noticed... read more

Aracelis Figueroa (Wellington, FL)

I went to the office to get teeth cleaning! The receptionist was overwhelmed with something, but she was the sweetest. My dental hygienist did great job, made sure I feel... read more

Elizaveta C. (Miami, FL)

Painless, professional and efficient. Dr Gorbatov is great!

Suzanne Wilt (West Palm Beach, FL)

I have lived and worked all over North America. One of the greatest challenges of relocating is finding the best dental practice. "Center For Dental Excellence" was recommended to me... read more

Gregory Sutton (Wellington, FL)

What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root... read more

Craig Balsam (Wellington, FL)

This is the best dentist in the world who really cares about each and every patient and makes your smile look perfect! After visiting the new office you will be... read more

Kseniia Dursinova (Sunny Isles, FL)

I have been going to Dr Gorbatov at A Center For Dental Excellence for many years now and their use of "Excellence" isn't just a marketing ploy and they definitely... read more

Lawrence F. (Lake Worth, FL)

Very professional office. Good dentist.Clean dental office

Anna K. (Hollywood, FL)

Excellent Service! Friendly, Clean and Prompt!

Deidre Reid-Thomas (West Palm Beach, FL)

The dentist is very friendly and gentle during procedures.

Sofie M (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

The atmosphere in this office is beyond believe, I instantly felt comfortable with Dr Dimitiri and his assistant Yuri. They work great together. I had 6 veneers put in and... read more

Ruslan Gahramanov (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

I always have a great experience when I come here, the staff is wonderful and I would not change my dental office for anything in the world.. Jessica is amazing... read more

Shiloh Robinson (Wellington, FL)

Entire office & staff is very accommodating and attentive to all your needs. The dentist was very nice and professional and really took the time to explain to me everything... read more

Tiffany D. (Hollywood, FL)

I recommend this place to anyone that needs any type of dental work done , I always feel welcome from the moment i sign in untill my visit is over... read more

Lyn F (Wellington, FL)

Hello, Dr.Gorbatov is truly THE BEST ,so please just forget about all the rest! I truly witnessed MIRACLE IN MAKING!!! My sister now have a MOVIE STAR SMILE! Thank you... read more

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I take my 90yr great grandmother to this office and they are so kind and she feels so loved here. Every visit she receives excellent service and quality work. Thank... read more

Farron Ann (Wellington, FL)

I had been looking for a dentist for a few months and I was referred to Dr. Gorbatov and I can certainly see why. I've always been a little skeptical... read more

Jazlyne Jimenez (Hallandale Beach, FL)

I have been Dr. Gorbatov's patient for over 8 years and have always received excellent service. The facility and staff are wonderful. I would highly recommend A Center for Dental... read more

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I would like say that this office is at the TOP of my list. The staff is awesome, it is very clean and you made at home as soon as... read more

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Wonderful service

Noel Reyes (Lake Worth, FL)

Well I’ve been going to Dr. Gorbatov since 1996.... Yes ! I’m a loyal. With all the dental issues I’ve had, he’s been able to resolve them and been keeping... read more

Burke Crump (Wellington, FL)

Wonderful facility and staff, very professional.

(Sunny Isles, FL)

I was very fortunate to find Dr. Gorbatov right when I had a major issue with an old crown that fell off and led to a major infection just a... read more

Octavian Miron (Aventura, FL)

Dr. Gorbatov was very thorough and went over all concerns I had (I'm not really a fan of the dentist). He is definitely the nicest Dentist I have ever been... read more

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Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist. I went to several other dentist and they all wanted to do a root canal, but Dr. Gorbatov was able to save my tooth.... read more

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Very professional nice staff great service.

(Aventura, FL)

My experience was great.Doctor is very professional.I really recommend.The best place to go for your dental.

Olga Meverden (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)

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