Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-30
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Even daily brushing might not fully clean your teeth, so dentists recommend regular cleanings for that extra shine. How often should you go? What’s the process, benefits, and key precautions? Bowtie breaks it down with 2023 price insights to keep your smile bright!
What is Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning is a medical procedure for maintaining oral hygiene, typically performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It aims to remove plaque, tartar, and stains stuck to the tooth surfaces and gum lines , restoring your teeth to a clean and smooth state while reducing the risk of periodontal disease. Plaque is a cluster of bacteria in the mouth; if not cleared promptly, it can lead to gingivitis and tooth decay. Tartar is the hardened, mineralized form of plaque that usually requires professional tools for removal. During the cleaning, the dentist will also monitor your teeth’s condition. If cavities or other issues are spotted, they can be treated early to prevent things from getting worse—which is why regular teeth cleanings are a must for everyone.
Teeth Cleaning Procedure
- Oral Examination: The dentist or hygienist will have you rinse with mouthwash, then carefully inspect your mouth to identify any obvious oral health issues.
- Ultrasonic Scaling: In most cases, the dental professional uses an ultrasonic device with vibrations and water flow to dislodge and flush away plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces.
- Polishing: This step involves polishing the teeth to strengthen the outer layer, keeping the surfaces smooth so stains and debris can’t easily stick, reducing bacterial growth.
- Manual Cleaning: The dental professional may use tools like scalers to further clean the tooth surfaces and gum lines.
- Rinsing: After cleaning, you’ll be asked to rinse with water to remove any residue from your mouth.
- Final Check: The dental professional will re-examine your mouth and offer advice, such as whether fillings or extractions are needed.
Benefits of Teeth Cleaning
- Removes Plaque and Tartar: Teeth cleaning effectively clears plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and gum lines, protecting your teeth and gums while lowering the risk of oral diseases .
- Prevents Periodontal Disease: Regular cleanings help prevent periodontal issues (like gingivitis and periodontitis), avoiding loose teeth or damage to the jawbone .
- Improves Breath: It removes bacteria and odor sources in the mouth, helping to freshen your breath .
- Enhances Appearance: Cleaning restores your teeth’s bright, white shine, boosting your overall look .
- Avoids Chewing Difficulties: Clean surfaces help prevent chewing problems caused by cavities or other oral issues .
Post-Teeth Cleaning Tips
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keep up good habits like brushing, flossing or using interdental brushes, and rinsing with mouthwash.
- Watch Your Diet: Avoid excessive sugar and carbs, as they can easily lead to cavities.
- Skip Smoking and Caffeine: Tobacco and caffeinated drinks like tea or coffee can stain teeth and affect oral health.
- Schedule Regular Check-ups: Visit your dentist routinely for exams and cleanings to keep your mouth healthy.
- Avoid Biting Hard Objects: Steer clear of chewing on hard items to prevent tooth damage.
- Follow Dentist’s Advice: If given specific recommendations or prescriptions, stick to them.
- Monitor for Issues: If you experience discomfort like toothache, numbness, or sensitivity after cleaning, seek medical attention promptly.
How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Teeth cleaning at dental clinics in the market generally costs between $400 and $1,000. If special treatments are needed, such as root planing, the fees will be higher. Root planing is a method to treat more severe periodontal disease. When suffering from periodontal disease, “periodontal pockets” form, which are hard to clean and easily accumulate a large amount of plaque. Only through root planing can the plaque and tartar inside the periodontal pockets and on the root surfaces be thoroughly removed.
Teeth cleaning is performed by dentists or dental hygienists. When booking, you can inquire with the clinic in advance. Whether it’s done by a dentist or a hygienist, it helps in early detection of dental issues and prevents oral diseases.
FAQs
How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaning?
Dentists recommend that most people get their teeth cleaned every 6 months to 1 year . However, certain individuals, including smokers, those wearing dentures, or those who have had or are undergoing orthodontic treatment , are more prone to gum diseases, so it’s suggested to get it done every 3 to 6 months . If you want to know how often you should go, visit a clinic for a dental check-up and seek the dentist’s advice.
Why Does Teeth Cleaning Cause Bleeding?
During and after teeth cleaning, many people experience gum bleeding or numbness, which can make them reluctant to go. Actually, these are normal occurrences, so no need to worry.
During cleaning, swollen gums may shrink, and the high-frequency vibrating tools remove tartar, while water jets impact the teeth and gums, irritating inflamed areas and causing bleeding or a tingling sensation.
Another reason for tooth sensitivity is that cleaning removes tartar that was covering the roots, exposing them. Rest assured, these discomforts usually subside within a week.
Does Teeth Cleaning Damage Enamel?
No need to worry about teeth cleaning harming the enamel, as it’s the outermost layer of the tooth crown, mainly composed of minerals, and is the hardest tissue in the human body. Plus, cleaning primarily uses tools to remove tartar from the teeth, so it won’t damage the tooth structure.
Can Skipping Teeth Cleaning Lead to Periodontal Disease?
If teeth aren’t thoroughly cleaned, plaque accumulates long-term along the gum edges and between teeth. Bacteria in the plaque release toxins that irritate the gums, causing inflammation. If not addressed promptly, ongoing gum inflammation can cause the gums to separate from the tooth roots, forming a space called a “periodontal pocket.”
These “periodontal pockets” easily trap food debris, plaque, and tartar, leading to continuous destruction of periodontal tissues. Eventually, it may worsen into severe periodontal disease, where gums and alveolar bone are severely damaged, causing gum recession. Teeth lose support, become loose, shift, and may even fall out.
What’s the Difference Between Teeth Cleaning and Teeth Whitening?
Teeth cleaning removes stains, making teeth appear whiter and brighter, but its main purpose isn’t whitening. For whitening, you need a teeth bleaching treatment, which uses chemical agents to oxidize and break down pigments on the teeth. Since bleaching agents contain oxidizing chemicals, a dentist must diagnose beforehand to determine if whitening is needed, plan the treatment, and adjust the concentration. Never buy over-the-counter bleaching products yourself, as they could harm periodontal tissues.
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