Dental Cleaning

It’s a treatment that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. During a professional teeth cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist will remove bacteria, plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth surfaces. They might also offer other preventive treatments, like dental sealants or fluoride.

If visiting the dentist makes you nervous, let them know. Many dentists offer sedation to help you feel calm.

Why are dental cleanings important?

Regular dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque, tartar and germs that brushing alone can’t reach.

Think about washing a car. Spraying it with water removes dirt, but a thin film of grime stays behind. To get rid of that grime, you need to scrub. Brushing your teeth is like spraying a car, but professional cleanings do the deeper cleaning your mouth needs.

For the healthiest teeth, combine brushing at home with regular dental cleanings.

Types of dental cleanings

There are different types of cleanings, depending on your needs:

• Routine cleaning (prophylaxis): The most common type, meant for people with healthy teeth and gums.
• Gross debridement: A deeper cleaning for people who haven’t visited the dentist recently or have heavy plaque buildup.
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing): A special cleaning for people with gum disease. This cleaning reaches under your gums and around tooth roots. Your dentist will numb your gums first.

How often should you get a dental cleaning?

Most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months. Some people might need cleanings more often. Ask your dentist how often is right for you.

What does a dental cleaning include?

Every dental cleaning includes two main steps: scaling and polishing. Sometimes, you may also get X-rays or other preventive care.

Scaling

Your dentist or hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth using special tools. They might use a vibrating tool called an ultrasonic scaler. You might hear scraping sounds, but scaling shouldn’t hurt.

Polishing

Next, they polish your teeth with a soft rubber cup and special toothpaste. Polishing removes leftover germs without hurting your teeth.

Other treatments

Your dentist might also suggest:

• Dental sealants: Protective coatings for teeth with deep grooves
• Fluoride treatments: Strengthen teeth and prevent cavities
• X-rays: Help your dentist see hidden problems

Your dentist will tell you if you need these extra treatments.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

Most cleanings take 30 to 60 minutes. Special cleanings might take longer.

Benefits of regular dental cleanings

Regular dental cleanings can help:

• Lower your chance of cavities and gum disease
• Improve your overall health by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia
• Reduce germs that cause bad breath
• Save money by avoiding bigger dental problems

What’s the disadvantage of teeth cleaning?

Dental cleanings are safe. You might have sensitive teeth or sore gums afterward, but this usually goes away in a few days. Pain medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®) can help.

When should I call my dentist?

Visit your dentist at least twice a year. But call your dentist sooner if you have:

• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Loose teeth
• Toothaches

Early treatment can protect your oral health.

Who needs more frequent cleanings?

You might need dental cleanings more often if you:

• Have gum disease
• Have a family history of cavities
• Have a weak immune system
• Are dealing with illnesses or stress

Ask your dentist how often you should visit.