Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Tooth cleaning, also known as dental prophylaxis or dental hygiene appointment, is a professional dental procedure aimed at removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from the teeth. It is an essential part of preventive dental care and helps maintain oral health by preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Gallery
Visual insights to help you understand what to expect from your treatment. For more content, please refer to our Education Hub.
Benefits & Considerations
Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Benefits
Plaque Removal
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Regular teeth cleaning removes plaque buildup, preventing it from hardening into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Tartar Removal
Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist involves scaling and polishing to remove tartar and smooth the tooth surfaces, making them less susceptible to plaque buildup.
Gum Health
Teeth cleaning helps maintain healthy gums by removing plaque and tartar that can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation (gingivitis) or gum disease (periodontitis).
Fresh Breath
Removing plaque and tartar buildup also helps eliminate bacteria that can cause bad breath (halitosis), leaving your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
Early Detection
Regular teeth cleaning appointments allow dental professionals to detect early signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, enabling prompt treatment and intervention.
Considerations
Temporary Sensitivity
Some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum sensitivity following teeth cleaning, particularly if tartar buildup was significant or if deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) was performed.
Minor Irritation
In rare cases, teeth cleaning may cause minor gum irritation or bleeding, especially if the gums are inflamed due to gum disease.
Restoration Preservation
If you have dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or bridges, your hygienist will take care to clean around these areas without causing damage to the restorations.
Treatment Procedure
Let's walk through your treatment procedure from start to finish.
Assessment
Your dental hygienist will review your medical and dental history and may ask about your oral hygiene habits.
Examination
Your teeth and gums will be examined for signs of plaque, tartar, gum disease, or other dental problems.
Scaling
Using specialized dental instruments, your hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including below the gumline if necessary.
Polishing
After scaling, your teeth will be cleaned and polished using our Airflow machine (see 'Our Technologies for more info) to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surfaces.
Flossing
Your hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove plaque and debris from areas that may be difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
Fluoride Treatment
In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to the teeth to strengthen enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
Post-Operative Care
Simple steps to protect your smile and ensure optimal results.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent buildup between dental cleanings.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months or as recommended by your dentist to monitor your oral health and maintain the results of your teeth cleaning.
Healthy Lifestyle
Eat a balanced diet, limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and avoid tobacco use to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Tooth cleaning is an essential component of preventive dental care that helps maintain oral health and prevent dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
By removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth, teeth cleaning promotes a clean, healthy mouth and a confident smile. Make sure to schedule regular teeth cleaning appointments with your dental hygienist to keep your smile bright and your oral health in top condition.