Professional dental cleaning starts with an assessment of your teeth and gums. We discuss where deposits build up, how to remove them and how to clean hard-to-reach areas more effectively at home.
What happens during professional dental cleaning?
Plaque is a film that continually forms on teeth. If left in place, it can harden into tartar. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, but tartar that has already formed needs professional instruments.
At the clinic, a dentist or hygienist assesses your teeth and gums, removes deposits and can show you where plaque tends to accumulate. Depending on your needs, the visit may include removing surface stains and advice on care at home.
What this visit does not replace
Professional cleaning does not replace daily care. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth remain the foundation of prevention. The right tool for these spaces — floss or interdental brushes — depends on your anatomy and gum health.
Different deposits do not always call for the same treatment. If there are signs of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend an assessment and cleaning below the gumline, which differ from routine cleaning.
How often should you return?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. How often you need check-ups and professional cleaning depends on your risk of decay, gum health, deposits and care at home. At your consultation, we discuss the interval that is right for you and why.
If your gums often bleed or swell, you have persistent bad breath or a tooth feels loose, arrange an assessment rather than waiting for your routine visit.
Sources and further reading
This article provides general information and does not replace a dental consultation.
