Or call us directly:
+1 (909)885-8707
(909) 885-8707 Se Habla Espanyol

Open hours:
Monday - Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday - Appointment only

Location:
1655 N. Mount Vernon Ave
San Bernardino, CA
Make an appointment
M-Cal /PPO / New patients
Direction
Se habla Espanol

Dental Hygiene in San Bernardino

Professional preventive dental care focused on long-term oral and gum health.

Home / Services / Hygiene

Book Appointment

Preventive Dental Care That Protects Your Smile

Comprehensive hygiene services designed for long-term oral health
Dental hygiene is the foundation of healthy teeth and gums. At Vernon Dental Specialty, our dental hygiene services in San Bernardino focus on prevention, early detection, and maintaining oral health over time. Even patients who brush and floss daily can develop plaque and tartar buildup. These deposits cannot be fully removed at home and may lead to cavities, gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and tooth loss if left untreated. Professional dental hygiene visits help control harmful bacteria, protect gum tissue, and significantly reduce the need for advanced dental treatment in the future. Our hygiene services are not quick or superficial cleanings. They are an essential part of a long-term preventive dental care plan.

New to Vernon Dental Specialty?

If you’re new to our office, your first hygiene visit may include a free dental exam, X-rays, and standard cleaning. Our team will assess your oral and gum health and create a personalized preventive care plan.

Deep cleaning and advanced hygiene therapy are not included and are recommended only when needed.
Schedule Your First Visit

Who Needs Dental Hygiene Care?

Common signs and situations where professional hygiene is essential

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding during brushing or flossing is often an early sign of gum inflammation that requires professional hygiene care.

Plaque & Tartar Buildup

Hard deposits that cannot be removed at home increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Chronic Bad Breath

Bacteria below the gumline can cause persistent odor that routine brushing cannot eliminate.

Gum Sensitivity or Irritation

Tender, swollen, or irritated gums may indicate early gum disease or bacterial imbalance.

History of Gum Issues

Patients with previous gingivitis or periodontal concerns benefit from consistent hygiene maintenance.

Preparing for Dental Treatment

Healthy gums are essential before orthodontics, implants, or other restorative procedures.

Stay Ahead of Dental Problems

Preventive hygiene care helps protect your teeth and gums before issues become painful or expensive to treat.
Book a Hygiene Appointment

What’s Included in a Dental Hygiene Visit

Professional preventive care performed by experienced dental hygienists

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Removal of plaque and surface buildup to help prevent decay and gum inflammation.

Tartar Removal Below the Gumline

Careful cleaning in areas brushing and flossing cannot reach.

Gum Health Evaluation

Assessment of gum condition and early signs of inflammation or disease.

Advanced Hygiene Therapy

Deeper cleaning techniques when standard hygiene is not sufficient.

Localized Antibacterial Therapy (ARESTIN)

When indicated, targeted antibacterial treatment applied by the hygienist to help control bacteria in gum pockets.

Personalized Home Care Guidance

Recommendations tailored to your oral health needs and risk factors.

Why Dental Hygiene Is Essential

Preventive care that supports long-term oral health

Cavity Prevention

Routine hygiene visits help remove bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities.

Gum Disease Prevention

Gum disease often develops quietly, with minimal symptoms. Regular hygiene visits allow early detection and timely care.

Early Detection of Dental Problems

Routine appointments help identify dental issues before they require advanced treatment such as root canal therapy, oral surgery, or dental implants.

Whole-Body Health Benefits

Long-Term Tooth Preservation Preventive care helps patients maintain natural teeth and avoid complex or invasive procedures.

Dental Hygiene and Gum Health

Advanced hygiene care for gum inflammation and periodontal pockets
Healthy gums are essential to maintaining healthy teeth. Gum disease often begins with mild inflammation or bleeding that may go unnoticed. Without proper care, it can progress and affect the bone supporting the teeth. In our practice, dental hygienists play a key role in managing gum health, including identifying inflammation, measuring periodontal pockets, and providing advanced hygiene care when needed.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Personalized hygiene schedules based on your oral health

Standard Preventive Schedule

Most patients with healthy teeth and gums benefit from professional dental hygiene visits every six months. This schedule allows for regular removal of plaque and tartar, early detection of cavities, and monitoring of gum health before problems develop. Routine cleanings help maintain oral health, prevent gum inflammation, and reduce the risk of more complex dental treatment in the future.

Patients Who May Need More Frequent Visits

Patients with gum inflammation, early periodontal changes, or higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent hygiene visits. This can include patients with bleeding gums, a history of gum disease, diabetes, smoking habits, or heavy plaque buildup. More frequent cleanings allow the hygiene team to better control bacteria, monitor gum response, and help prevent progression of gum disease.

Individualized Hygiene Plans

Dental hygiene frequency is always based on clinical findings, not a generic schedule. During your hygiene visit, the dental hygienist evaluates your gum health, plaque levels, and overall oral condition to determine the most appropriate maintenance plan. This personalized approach helps ensure that your teeth and gums receive the level of care they actually need — no more and no less.










Dental Hygiene Within a Multispecialty Dental Office

Seamless care beyond routine cleanings
Dental hygiene at Vernon Dental Specialty is fully integrated into our multispecialty dental practice. While routine cleanings focus on prevention and gum health, our hygiene team also works closely with in-house specialists across implant dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. If a hygiene visit reveals signs of gum disease, infection, or other dental concerns, patients can receive further evaluation and treatment planning within the same office. This coordinated approach eliminates unnecessary referrals, reduces delays in care, and ensures a smooth transition from preventive hygiene to advanced dental treatment — all in one location.

Your Hygiene Visit — Backed by a Multispecialty Team

Preventive care with seamless access to in-house dental specialists, if needed.
Book My Free Exam

Medi-Cal Accepted for Dental Hygiene Care

Insurance coverage for preventive dental services
Dental hygiene services at Vernon Dental Specialty are accessible and insurance-friendly. We accept Medi-Cal and most PPO insurance plans for routine cleanings and preventive hygiene visits in San Bernardino. Coverage may vary by plan. Our team verifies benefits in advance, explains what is covered, and helps patients understand their options before the appointment. Whether you have Medi-Cal, PPO insurance, or no insurance, we make preventive dental care clear, affordable, and stress-free.

Periodontal Care in San Bernardino

Expert treatment for gum and bone health — from stopping infection to preparing for implants. Led by our Board-Certified Periodontist, proudly accepting Medi-Cal and PPO insurance.
Book Free Consultation

Explore More Dental Services

Periodontics is just one part of what we offer. From implants and oral surgery to orthodontics and pediatric care, all specialists work together in one location for your best results.
See All Services

FAQ

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of your teeth. At Vernon Dental Specialty in San Bernardino, our Board-Certified Periodontist provides expert care to treat gum disease, regenerate bone, and prepare for dental implants.

Why should I see a Board-Certified Periodontist?

A Board-Certified Periodontist has advanced training beyond general dentistry, ensuring precise treatment for gum disease, bone loss, and implant placement. This certification reflects experience and commitment to the highest standard of care.

Do you accept Medi-Cal for periodontal treatment?

At Vernon Dental Specialty, we proudly accept Medi-Cal and PPO insurance. Many periodontal procedures may be covered, and our treatment coordinators verify your benefits before starting care.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Common signs include bleeding gums, swelling, tenderness, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth. If you notice these symptoms, schedule a periodontal exam right away to prevent further damage.

How much do braces cost at Vernon Dental Specialty?

Costs vary depending on treatment. We accept Medi-Cal, most PPO insurance plans, and offer flexible monthly payment plans for patients in San Bernardino.

Can periodontal treatment save my natural teeth?

Yes. By treating gum infection early and restoring bone support, periodontal care reduces the risk of extractions and helps you keep your natural teeth longer.

How does periodontal care support dental implants?

Healthy gums and bone are essential for stable, long-lasting implants. Our periodontist in San Bernardino prepares your mouth for implant success through grafting, regeneration, and disease control.

Is periodontal treatment painful?

Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia or sedation for comfort. Patients usually experience minimal discomfort, and recovery is managed with clear instructions and follow-up care.

How much does periodontal treatment cost?

Costs depend on the severity of your condition and type of treatment. With Medi-Cal and PPO insurance, many services may be covered, and our coordinators will optimize your benefits.

How often do I need maintenance after treatment?

Most patients benefit from maintenance visits every 3–4 months. These check-ups keep gums healthy, prevent relapse, and protect your investment in dental care.

Why choose Vernon Dental Specialty for periodontics?

We combine the expertise of a Board-Certified Periodontist with a multi-specialty team — including an oral surgeon, orthodontist, endodontist, pediatric dentist, and hygienist — all working together in one San Bernardino location. With Medi-Cal and PPO accepted, complete periodontal care is always within reach.

Patient Education & Dental Care Articles

Explore expert articles on dental implants, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, root canal treatment, oral surgery, sedation options, and general dental care. All content is created to help patients make informed decisions and understand their treatment options in San Bernardino.

Patient Education &
Dental Care Articles

Explore expert articles on dental implants, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, root canal treatment, oral surgery, sedation options, and general dental care. All content is created to help patients make informed decisions and understand their treatment options in San Bernardino.