Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can harden into tartar, which you can't remove on your own. A professional cleaning gets rid of tartar, helps prevent cavities, and stops gum disease before it starts.
Think of it as a reset for your mouth. It helps maintain your overall health, keeps your breath fresh, and can even remove some surface stains to brighten your smile.
Your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
You have persistent bad breath.
You can see yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on your teeth.
Your teeth feel rough or fuzzy.
It has been more than six months since your last visit.
Here is exactly what to expect, step by step. No surprises.
First, the hygienist will use a small mirror to look at your teeth and gums. They are checking for any obvious issues like inflammation or tartar buildup.
Using a small tool called a scaler, the hygienist will gently scrape away plaque and tartar from your tooth surfaces and around your gum line. You'll hear some scraping sounds, which is normal.
Next, your teeth get a polish with a high-powered electric brush and a special gritty toothpaste. This helps remove any remaining tartar and surface stains.
The hygienist will floss your teeth to get deep between them and locate any potential trouble spots where your gums might bleed.
As a final step, you'll get a fluoride treatment. It's a gel or foam that sits on your teeth for a minute to help fight against cavities for several months.
Upload a photo of your teeth and get a free AI assessment in 60 seconds. Understand your situation before you sit in the chair.
Every procedure has some risks. Knowing them ahead of time helps you have a better conversation with your dentist.
It's common for your gums to feel a little tender or sore for a day after the cleaning, especially if there was a lot of tartar to remove.
A small amount of bleeding during or after the cleaning is normal. This usually happens if you have some gum inflammation (gingivitis).
Your teeth might feel sensitive to hot or cold temperatures for a few days. This happens because removing tartar exposes parts of the tooth that were covered.
Though very rare, the metal tools can sometimes nick the gums or soft tissues. These are usually tiny and heal very quickly on their own.
Your mouth will feel great. To keep it that way, just follow a few simple tips for the rest of the day.
For the first 24 hours, try to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine that could stain your newly polished teeth.
When you brush your teeth tonight, use a soft-bristled brush and be gentle, especially around the gum line if it feels a little tender.
If your teeth are sensitive, avoid very hot or cold drinks for a day. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can also provide relief.
Upload a photo of your teeth and get a clear picture of what is going on. Walk into your appointment informed, not anxious.
Not sure if you really need this procedure? Our AI can help you understand your options so you can have a better conversation with your dentist.
After your procedure, use DentaSmart to monitor your healing progress and get reminders for follow-up care.
For most people, a dental cleaning is painless. You might feel some pressure or scraping, but it shouldn't be painful. If you have sensitive teeth, let your hygienist know.
Most dentists recommend a professional cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease or are prone to plaque, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits.
A cleaning removes surface stains, which can make your teeth appear brighter. However, it does not change the natural shade of your teeth like a whitening treatment does.
Yes, it is not only safe but also recommended. Pregnancy can cause hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease, so regular cleanings are very helpful.
That's okay, it's never too late to start. The process is the same, but it might just take a little longer to remove the extra tartar buildup. Your hygienist will take good care of you.
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