Why Professional Cleanings Matter

Even if you brush twice a day and floss regularly, plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. Tartar buildup can lead to cavities, gum inflammation, bad breath, and even gum disease.

A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar before they cause more serious problems, helping you maintain long-term oral health.

Step 1: Reviewing Your Health History

Your appointment typically begins with a brief review of your medical and dental history.

You’ll be asked about:

• Any tooth pain or sensitivity
• Bleeding gums
• Changes in medications
• Health conditions that may affect your mouth

This information helps your dental team tailor your care and identify potential concerns early.

Step 2: Examining Your Teeth and Gums

Before the dental cleaning begins, a dental hygienist will carefully examine your teeth and gums. They may check for signs of inflammation, gum recession, or plaque buildup along the gumline.

In some cases, they will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth, while deeper pockets can signal gum disease. This quick step helps detect problems early.

Step 3: Removing Plaque and Tartar

Next comes the scaling process, where plaque and tartar are gently removed from the surfaces of your teeth and around the gumline using specialized tools.

You may hear light scraping sounds, but this is completely normal. Most patients find the procedure comfortable, and your hygienist can adjust techniques if you have sensitive areas. Removing hardened tartar is one of the most important parts of the cleaning because it prevents gum irritation and infection.

Step 4: Polishing Your Teeth

After scaling, your teeth are polished with a soft rotating brush and a gritty toothpaste-like paste. This step removes surface stains from foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and wine.

Polishing also smooths the enamel, making it more difficult for plaque to stick to your teeth in the future. Many patients say this is the part that makes their teeth feel especially clean and refreshed.

Step 5: Flossing and Rinsing

Your hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and check for areas that may bleed. This step ensures that every surface is thoroughly cleaned.

You’ll then rinse your mouth to clear away loosened particles before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Fluoride Treatment (If Recommended)

Depending on your risk for cavities, a fluoride treatment may be applied at the end of your appointment. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and provides extra protection against decay. It’s quick, painless, and especially helpful for children and adults prone to cavities.

Final Exam and Next Steps

After your professional dental cleaning, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums for cavities, cracks, or other concerns. If any treatment is needed, they’ll discuss your options and next steps.