Brushing and flossing cannot remove hardened plaque (tartar). A professional cleaning removes it, polishes your teeth and lets us check the health of your gums.
What happens
- We check your gums and measure the small spaces around each tooth
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
- Polishing smooths the tooth surface and removes surface stains
- We show you where to focus your home care
Why it matters
Plaque that is left in place irritates the gums and leads to bleeding, bad breath and, over time, gum disease and bone loss. Regular cleanings are one of the most effective ways to keep your own teeth for life.
Good to know
- Most cleanings are comfortable. If you are sensitive, tell us and we will adjust our approach
- If you have bleeding gums or deeper pockets, we may recommend a deeper cleaning or more frequent visits
- Most people benefit from a cleaning about every six months