In-Office Dental Cleaning

Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits at home, some plaque will eventually harden into tartar, especially between teeth and along the gumline. Once tartar forms, it can’t be removed with at-home tools and requires a professional cleaning to maintain your oral health.

Professional cleanings are performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist and are tailored to your specific needs. The type of cleaning you receive depends on the amount of buildup present and the condition of your gums. Most cleanings are paired with a routine dental exam to ensure your oral health is fully evaluated.

Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s the Difference?

Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed daily, it can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and cavities. Left untreated, this can develop into periodontal disease, an infection linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and complications during pregnancy. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), a rough substance that adheres above and below the gumline and must be removed with specific dental tools.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a powerful mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. When applied topically in the form of a varnish, rinse, or foam, fluoride is absorbed by the tooth and enhances its resistance to acid attacks.

What to Expect During a Routine Cleaning

During a standard cleaning, the hygienist uses a combination of tools to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. These include handheld scalers, ultrasonic devices, polishing tools, and a suction system. The scalers gently dislodge hardened tartar from hard-to-reach areas like between teeth and along the gumline. Once buildup is removed, a flavored polishing paste is used to smooth the enamel, making it harder for plaque to accumulate in the future. Flossing helps to clear away any remaining debris and leave your smile feeling fresh. It’s normal for sensitive gums to bleed slightly during the process, and your hygienist will offer personalized tips to help you improve your at-home care.

When a Deep Cleaning is Needed

Annual periodontal measurements are taken using a small probe to assess the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth. Pocket depths over 4mm, especially with signs of bleeding or inflammation, indicate active gum disease. In these cases, a deeper procedure called scaling and root planing is often recommended.

This form of deep cleaning involves removing bacterial buildup from the root surfaces beneath the gumline. Using longer-reaching instruments and ultrasonic tools, the hygienist carefully clears away tartar and smooths the root to help the tissue reattach and heal. Irrigation with antimicrobial solutions may also be used to flush out lingering bacteria. For comfort, many patients choose to be numbed during this more involved treatment.

Routine and deep cleanings are essential parts of keeping your smile healthy and preventing more complex issues down the road. Your dental team will guide you every step of the way and tailor your care to ensure your comfort and lasting results.