What a Professional Teeth Cleaning Involves
A professional dental cleaning is one of the most effective preventative tools for protecting oral health and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Dental plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up naturally on the teeth, even with regular brushing and flossing. Over time, this buildup contributes to gum disease, tooth decay, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and other oral health issues. The American Dental Association recommends routine dental cleanings every six months to keep teeth and gums healthy and prevent early signs of periodontal disease.
At Wright Perio & Implants in San Clemente, each dental cleaning procedure is performed with precision and care to remove plaque, polish your teeth, strengthen enamel, and support whole-body health. If you’d like to schedule a teeth cleaning session or need a deeper cleaning for gum disease, call (949) 361-4867for an appointment.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Essential for Oral Health
A dental cleaning is more than a cosmetic service. Dental patients who receive professional teeth cleanings regularly experience fewer dental issues, lower risk of gum disease, and improved oral hygiene overall. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms daily on the teeth. If it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed at home with regular brushing.
Routine dental cleanings benefit oral healthcare by:
• Removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line
• Reducing inflammation and bleeding gums
• Preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease
• Keeping teeth polished and clean
• Supporting healthy gums and lowering bacteria levels
• Helping maintain fresh breath
• Reducing the risk of serious oral health issues
Healthy teeth and gums directly support overall health, making professional dental cleanings an essential part of preventative care.
Step-by-Step: The Dental Cleaning Process
Each professional dental cleaning follows a structured process designed to protect your mouth and reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Understanding what happens during a teeth cleaning helps reduce anxiety and encourages patients to maintain regular teeth cleanings.
Here is what a typical dental cleaning process includes at Wright Perio & Implants:
Initial Physical Exam
Before the teeth cleaning begins, the dental hygienist performs a quick evaluation using a small mirror to examine the teeth and gums. This exam helps check for early signs of gum disease, sensitivity, swollen gums, bleeding points, or visible tartar.
If the dentist determines any areas require special attention, such as deeper pockets or inflammation, the cleaning will be adjusted to ensure optimal care.
Removing Plaque and Tartar
The first major step of the dental cleaning procedure is removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and gum line. Dental hygienists may use a combination of hand tools and an ultrasonic scaler, which uses gentle vibrations to loosen hardened plaque and reduce bacteria.
Professional dental cleanings target:
• Plaque and tartar around the gum line
• Tartar buildup between teeth
• Hardened deposits that brushing cannot remove
• Areas of increased risk such as the back molars
Removing plaque early prevents gum recession, irritation, and periodontal disease.
Deep Cleaning When Needed
For patients showing signs of gum disease or periodontal pockets, a deeper dental cleaning may be recommended. This involves scaling and root planing, a procedure that smooths the root surfaces and removes bacteria beneath the gums. Deep dental cleaning helps gum tissue reattach and reduces inflammation.
A deep clean focuses on:
• Removing bacteria below the gum line
• Cleaning the teeth roots
• Reducing pockets around the teeth
• Restoring gum health after infection
Patients with ongoing gum disease may require periodontal maintenance instead of routine cleanings.
Polishing and Cleaning the Teeth
After removing plaque and tartar, the hygienist polishes the teeth using a high-powered electric brush and a special paste, often referred to as gritty toothpaste or prophylaxis paste. This paste helps remove leftover plaque, smooth the tooth surface, and make it harder for bacteria to cling to the enamel.
The polishing step supports:
• Cleaner, smoother teeth
• Reduced plaque retention
• A brighter appearance
• Removal of minor stains
• A fresh, clean feeling inside the mouth
The hygienist may also use a soft rubber cup or other gentle polishing attachments depending on the patient’s teeth and gums.
Flossing and Rinsing
Flossing during a professional cleaning removes any remaining bacteria or debris between the teeth. It also checks for bleeding gums or areas showing sensitivity. Dental hygienists often use professional flossing techniques that reach deeper into the spaces between teeth.
Patients are then asked to rinse their mouth to remove any loosened particles.
Fluoride Treatment
Many dental cleaning procedures finish with a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. Fluoride varnish, gel, or foam may be applied depending on the patient’s needs.
Fluoride treatment helps:
• Support enamel regeneration
• Prevent future tooth decay
• Reduce teeth sensitivity
• Strengthen teeth for months after the appointment
Children and adults can both benefit from fluoride treatments during professional cleanings.
Dental Cleaning for Patients With Sensitive Teeth
Some dental patients experience sore gums or teeth sensitivity during cleanings. The hygienist may adjust the tools used, apply topical numbing gel, use warm water during ultrasonic scaling, or recommend products for at-home relief.
For patients who feel anxious, understanding each step of the teeth cleaning process helps reduce fear. Gentle communication and a slower approach help provide a positive cleaning experience for those with sensitivity concerns.
Dental Hygienists and Their Role in Oral Healthcare
Dental hygienists play a crucial role in oral healthcare and preventative treatment. They are trained to identify early signs of gum disease, remove plaque and tartar effectively, educate patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, and support whole-body health through preventative care.
Hygienists typically hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent specialized training and work closely with the dentist to ensure every patient receives safe, thorough cleanings.
When Deep Cleaning or Gross Debridement Is Needed
In some cases, routine dental cleanings are not enough. When excessive tartar buildup or significant inflammation is present, the dentist may recommend gross debridement to remove thick layers of tartar that make a routine cleaning impossible. This procedure prepares the teeth for an accurate exam and professional cleaning.
Patients may also require scaling and root planing if periodontal disease has started to form pockets around the teeth. Treating periodontal disease early helps prevent tooth loss and supports healthier gums.
At-Home Care After a Professional Teeth Cleaning
Maintaining a healthy mouth requires consistency at home. After the dental cleaning procedure, patients should:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss regularly to remove bacteria between teeth
• Use mouthwash to support gum health
• Avoid tobacco, which increases risk of gum disease
• Replace toothbrushes every three months
• Maintain a routine schedule of professional dental cleanings
Following these steps ensures patients keep their teeth clean and gums healthy between visits.
When to Schedule a Dental Cleaning at Wright Perio & Implants
Patients should schedule a professional dental cleaning if:
• It has been six months since their last routine cleaning
• Bleeding gums or sensitivity appear
• Tartar buildup is visible near the gum line
• They experience persistent bad breath
• Their teeth feel rough due to plaque buildup
• They have a history of periodontal disease
• They want to maintain a healthy smile
If you’re due for a cleaning or want to learn more about the dental cleaning process, call (949) 361-4867 to schedule your appointment in San Clemente.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dental cleaning includes plaque and tartar removal, polishing, flossing, rinsing, and fluoride treatment. The hygienist checks for oral health issues and ensures the teeth and gums are thoroughly cleaned.
Routine dental cleanings are recommended every six months. Patients with gum disease may need more frequent periodontal maintenance.
Most cleanings are comfortable, though some patients with gum inflammation or tartar buildup may experience mild soreness. The hygienist can adjust tools for sensitive areas.
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes bacteria and buildup below the gum line to treat early stages of periodontal disease.
Keep Your Smile Healthy With Professional Dental Cleanings in San Clemente
Regular teeth cleanings are essential for oral health and overall health. At Wright Perio & Implants, professional dental cleanings support healthy gums, remove bacteria, and prevent dental issues before they begin. If you’re ready for a clean, polished smile, call (949) 361-4867 to reserve your appointment.