What Is Teeth Cleaning and Why Is It Recommended?

Professional cleanings will remove the hardened tartar and plaque that cannot be scraped off or reached by a toothbrush. Let’s see what a visit entails, how it’s different from a deep cleaning, why most people visit, and what to expect at Elegant Smiles Dental Atlanta.

The Facts About Teeth Cleaning

A professional cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist. The idea is to remove buildup from your teeth and gum line before it grows into something larger.

There are two types of buildup. The soft, sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your teeth all day long is called plaque. Most of it is taken care of with brushing and flossing. The plaque that is missed can form tartar (also known as calculus) in days. Tartar is like glue on the tooth and will not come off with a toothbrush.

This only gets worse with time as well. Because tartar is rough, it gives new plaque a surface to adhere to, and the acids released by the bacteria in that plaque can harm the enamel and irritate the gums.

What Happens During a Routine Cleaning?

Most offices follow a similar order.

The hygienist will first examine your teeth and gums. They may also use a small probe to measure the spaces between your teeth and gums (pockets). Shallow pockets are a healthy sign. Your dentist will want to know about deeper ones, as they may be an early indicator of gum disease.

The next step is scaling, which removes plaque and tartar using hand tools, an ultrasonic scaler, or a combination of both. A bit of water will be sprayed out of the ultrasonic tool and you’ll hear a bit of buzzing and feel pressure. It shouldn’t hurt.

Then, your teeth are finished off with a gritty paste to polish them. This removes light stains such as those from coffee, tea, or red wine and makes the surface smoother, making plaque less likely to adhere. The hygienist will also likely floss, and some offices may end with a fluoride treatment to help preserve enamel.

It will take 30 to 60 minutes. If you are having X rays or an exam, it will run longer.

Why We Recommend Regular Cleanings

For the most part, it is much easier to take care of small dental issues than large ones, mainly because it is typically cheaper and more convenient.

Gum health. When plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, they can lead to gingivitis, or gum inflammation. You may see redness, swelling, or bleeding during brushing or flossing. Good oral care at home and a professional cleaning can usually reverse gingivitis. If left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis, a more serious infection that can damage the bone supporting your teeth.

Catching things early. During a cleaning, the dental team has a regular opportunity to inspect for early decay, cracked or worn fillings, and abnormal soft tissue changes in the mouth. This is why it’s always a good idea to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning together.

Breath. The bacteria that accumulate in plaque and tartar often cause bad breath, and eliminating them can help. However, there are other causes of bad breath. If it remains after a cleaning, let your dentist know.

The bigger picture. Research shows a connection between gum disease and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Just because a link is found doesn’t mean that one causes the other, and a cleaning won’t cure either. It is still a good thing to have healthy gums.

Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Many people assume these are the same thing. They aren’t.

A routine cleaning is preventive. It is suitable for those with normal gums and minimal deposits.

A deep cleaning is used to treat gum disease. The dentist or hygienist cleans under the gum line and smooths the roots of the teeth to allow the gums to reattach to the teeth more tightly. It is usually performed in sections over several visits and sometimes with the use of local anesthetic. Whether you need one depends on an exam, pocket measurements, or sometimes even X rays, so it cannot be accurately determined from home.

How Often Should You Get a Teeth Cleaning?

The general recommendation is a visit every six months, and it is a good rule of thumb for many people. It isn’t a rule for everyone. If you have had gum disease, get cavities frequently, have dry mouth, have diabetes, or smoke, your dentist might want to see you more often. A person with a very healthy mouth may be fine on a different schedule. Talk to your dentist about what will work best for you.

What a Cleaning Won’t Do

A cleaning will get rid of surface stains and does not alter the natural color of your teeth. However, if you’re seeking a whiter and straighter smile, flexible cosmetic dental treatments such as whitening, bonding, and veneers may be an option, depending on your desired results and dental health. A cleaning won’t fill a cavity, fix a cracked tooth, or cure advanced gum disease either, and it isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing at home.

Cleanings are a great first step prior to cosmetic or orthodontic treatment. When considering clear aligners like SimplyClear Aligners Atlanta, your teeth and gums should be healthy first, as shifting teeth when there is gum disease can worsen the condition. Your dentist can check this before suggesting any treatment.

Preparing for Your Visit

Don’t let the fact that a couple of years have passed since your last appointment deter you from booking. This is commonplace, and dental teams are here to help, not to lecture.

Brush and floss as you normally would. Bring a list of all your medications and mention any medical conditions, allergies, or pregnancy. If something feels sensitive during cleaning, inform the hygienist, as they can adjust their method of cleaning.

It’s normal to have some gum tenderness or sensitivity afterward, particularly following a heavy buildup. Call the office if the pain is severe or the bleeding doesn’t stop.

Making It Easier to Keep Up With Care

For a lot of people, the hard part is fitting appointments into a busy schedule. Elegant Smiles Dental Atlanta, at 2882 N. Druid Hills Rd, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30329, is one option for anyone looking for a flexible dentist in Atlanta, with cleanings and exams alongside cosmetic and orthodontic services. Whether a cleaning is enough or you need further treatment is something the dentist decides after examining you. More about the practice is at dentalatl.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A professional cleaning does what brushing and flossing can’t: it removes hardened tartar and gives a clinician a regular look at your mouth. It’s preventive care rather than a cure for anything, and how often you need one depends on your own teeth, gums, and health history.

If you’re due, or can’t remember your last visit, a dental checkup and cleaning at Elegant Smiles Dental Atlanta is an easy place to start. The team can examine your teeth and gums, answer questions, and suggest a schedule that fits you.

We proudly serve patients from across metro Atlanta, including communities like : 

Dunwoody
Duluth
Buford

Whether you need a routine checkup or more specialized treatment, we are here to care for your smile.

Call 404-634-4224 or book online anytime to schedule your consultation and find out if SimplyClear Aligners are the right choice for you.

Author Bio

Dr. Kimi Patel, who trained as a dentist at the University of Michigan, joined Elegant Smiles after relocating to Atlanta with her husband. She is passionate about personalized care that puts the patient first and about building lasting relationships with her patients. Outside the office, she enjoys family time, reading, and Michigan sports.