Why a Professional Cleaning Matters
Plaque that isn't removed hardens into tartar within a couple of days, and once it's hardened no amount of brushing will shift it. Only professional instruments can.
Left in place, tartar irritates the gums and drives the inflammation that becomes gum disease — the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
A routine cleaning is not the same as a deep cleaning. If the gums are healthy, we stay at and just under the gum line, polish, and point out the spots your brush is missing. If the pockets are deeper, we schedule scaling and root planing instead of forcing it into one visit.
If it has been a long time since your last cleaning, the first visit can take longer and the gums may be tender. That tenderness usually improves once the tartar is gone and the gums can heal.
What Happens During Your Cleaning
- Plaque and tartar removed from above and below the gum line
- Teeth polished to lift surface stains
- Gum health measured and recorded
- Personalized advice on the spots you're missing at home
Between Cleanings
The hygienist can remove tartar, but it starts forming again within a day. A two-minute brush morning and night, plus cleaning between the teeth, is what keeps the next visit short and comfortable.
If your gums bleed for more than a week after a cleaning, or if a tooth stays sensitive to cold, tell us. That can be a spot we need to recheck rather than something you should wait six months to mention.
How Often Should You Come In?
Every six months suits most people. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or you smoke, we may recommend every three to four months to stay ahead of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cleaning hurt?
What's a deep cleaning?
Is it covered by insurance?
Book Your Cleaning
Twice a year is all it takes to avoid most of what we'd otherwise need to fix.