What is a dental cleaning?

Dental cleanings are crucial to maintaining healthy gums and teeth. In the course of a dental cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist will remove bacterial deposits, plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth surfaces. Providers may also perform other preventive treatments during the same visit, such as tooth sealants and fluoride application.

If you have dental anxiety or fear, talk to your dentist. Sedation dentistry options are available to help you stay comfortable and relaxed during your visit.

Types of dental cleanings

There are different kinds of dental cleanings, each tailored to your needs. Each cleaning has the same objective - to remove bacteria that is harmful to oral and overall health and reduce the risk for dental problems and infections.

Prophylaxis

A prophylaxis, or cleaning as it is most often called, is a routine, preventive cleaning for patients who overall have healthy teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is the most common type of dental cleaning.

Gross debridement

Patients who haven't had a dental visit in a year or more, or who have extensive plaque buildup, can benefit from a gross or complete debridement. It's similar to a typical prophylaxis cleaning, but it may take more time, or more than one visit. The main objective of debridement is to remove heavy buildup and evaluate teeth and tissues for any underlying disease that may have been hidden by the bacterial accumulation.

Scaling and root planning

Scaling and root planning, also known as a 'deep dental cleaning', cleans deep beneath your gum line to remove and flush out bacteria and hardened tartar (calculus) around the roots of your teeth. Dentists reserve this procedure for those with gum disease (periodontitis). Patients who have scaling and root planning receive local anesthetic to numb their gums during the procedure.

How often should dental cleaning be performed?

According to the American Dental Association, people should schedule teeth cleanings at regular intervals as recommended by their dentist. Each interval will be customized for each patients’ individual needs. A minimum interval of six months works for many patients, but three-to-four-month intervals are also common. This can also change based on your life and health changes. For example, patients with braces will come more often for cleanings due to build up around their wires, and pregnant patients will come more often to help prevent issues like Pregnancy Gingivitis.

Treatment Details

What is involved in a cleaning at the dentist?

Dental cleanings involve scaling and polishing your teeth. Depending on your specific conditions and needs, your dentist or hygienist may also advise other diagnostic and preventive treatments.

Procedures commonly performed during a dental cleaning include:

Scaling

The dentist or hygienist will commonly use Ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments called scalers. Your provider will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth surfaces with these instruments. An ultrasonic scaler vibrates and sprays a jet of water and hand scalers manually debride the teeth to remove bacterial build up and stains. Though you may hear some occasional noise during this step, it shouldn't hurt. Some patients may have cold sensitivity or inflamed, sore gums, and your provider can discuss options to keep you comfortable.

Polishing

The dentist or hygienist will polish teeth using a soft rubber cup and a special paste or powder. This removes a thin layer of bacteria called biofilm on tooth surfaces and reduces bacterial buildup without damaging enamel.

Preventive treatments

Based on each patient's unique oral health needs, the dentist or hygienist may recommend other preventive services like dental sealants or fluoride treatments. Back teeth (premolars or molars) often have deep grooves or crevices and dental sealants can 'seal' these areas to prevent harmful, cavity-causing bacteria from breaking into the tooth structure. Fluoride treatments help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk for cavities. Both children and adults benefit from sealants and fluoride treatments.  You can ask your dentist if these preventive treatments are right for you.

Dental Radiographs

Most people need new dental radiographs (X-rays) every 6 to 36 months. However, some areas or issues require regular monitoring, and more frequent X-rays maybe needed. Routine X-rays are critical for the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions, including regular cleanings.

Treatment recommendations

During your appointment, if your dentist or hygienist find any issues or conditions, they will discuss it with you and help you formulate a plan of care.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

Routine dental cleanings typically take 30 minutes to an hour. Treatments such as debridement or scaling and root planning may take longer.

Risks / Benefits

What are the advantages of regular dental cleanings?

Routine dental cleanings offer a multitude of benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of oral health issues, like cavities and gum disease, both minor and major.

• Improved overall-body health. There is a well-studied and well documented link between oral health and overall or whole-body health. Routine dental cleanings can help reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia.

• Halitosis (Bad breath) prevention. Plaque and tartar can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Routine cleanings can help control this by removing microbes (microorganisms that cause disease) from your teeth surfaces.

• Reduced cost. Preventive dental care, such as dental cleanings, can help stop dental problems before they start. Patients who keep their regularly scheduled dental hygiene appointments typically spend less time and money at the dentist, and can free themselves from dental anxiety and undue worry.

What are the risks or complications of routine dental cleanings?

Dental cleanings are safe and effective. While there aren't risks or complications, you may experience some temporary side effects, such as teeth sensitivity or sore gums.

To manage discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen. Tenderness should go away in a few days.

Recovery and Perspective

Is it worth it to have Dental cleanings?

Dental cleanings are a necessary part of oral healthcare. Preventive treatment is much more affordable than reparative treatments like fillings, crowns or bridges. Dental cleanings reduce the risk of common oral health problems. which means they can actually help save money.

When To Call 

When should I see my dentist?

Dental cleanings should be scheduled at least every six months. Your dentist can evaluate how often you will need dental cleanings for optimal oral health. You may need to have visits more frequently if you're prone to cavities or gum disease.

Be sure to talk to your dentist if you develop new or concerning symptoms such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, toothaches, or other issues. The sooner you seek and receive treatment, the better your chances at improved and lasting oral health.

Additional Info

Who needs more frequent dental cleanings?

Having cleanings every six months works for most patients, but you may need more frequent cleanings if you have:

• Gum disease.

• Family members with a history of plaque build-up or cavities

• A weakened immune system

• Are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant

• Other illnesses or have been experiencing a lot of stress (Some conditions can cause changes in your mouth.)

Ask your dentist how often you should have your teeth cleaned.

Proper brushing and flossing at home can clean much of the food and bacteria around and between your teeth. Professional dental cleanings remove the bacteria that is harder to reach, or has become stuck with time. For optimal oral health, you need good at-home oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.