Teeth Cleaning

Following your dental cleaning, you can expect clean teeth, fresh breath, and an attractive smile. Dental cleanings are painless and usually take less than 45 minutes. During your cleaning, our dentist will scrape off any plaque on your teeth, and then clean and polish your teeth to remove bacteria biofilm on and between your teeth. We may also provide a fluoride treatment if it seems that your teeth are at a higher risk for tooth decay.

The American Dental Association recommends that both children and adults receive a professional teeth cleaning and exam twice a year. Patients with a history of periodontal disease or another recurring oral disease or condition may require more frequent treatments.

Dental cleanings keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, and help you avoid paying for expensive dental procedures in the future. For example, when gum disease is left untreated, you may require deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), gum grafting, bone grafting, or a tooth replacement.

Dental cleanings are not painful. They do, however, involve small tooth vibrations and small amounts of pressure. If these sensations make you feel uncomfortable, the dental team is more than happy to do whatever they can to help you feel more comfortable and safe. If it helps, you can establish a key word or signal that means “stop” before you begin your cleaning. That way, you will have the control and comfort you need in the dental chair.

In order to keep your smile clean, you will need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss your teeth at least once a day, and rinse your mouth daily. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after each meal and snack. As you brush, please use fluoride toothpaste. As you rinse, please use bacteria-killing or fluoride mouthwash.