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Knowledge about teeth cleanings is key to maintaining optimal oral health.

 
OVERVIEW
ROUTINE CLEANING
DENTAL HYGIENE
CANCER SCREENINGS
X-RAYS/IMAGING
DENTURES
TELEDENTISTRY
DENTAL SEALANTS
FLUORIDE TREATMENT
FILLINGS
SEDATION DENTISTRY
DENTAL CROWNS
BRIDGES
 

What is a Teeth Cleaning and Why is it Important?

Two minutes. Twice a day. And don’t forget floss. You’ve heard this time and time again from your dentist to keep your teeth in terrific condition. While regular brushing and flossing are important for good oral health, they may not be enough on their own. In fact, routine dental cleanings can prevent more serious oral health complications like gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.

 

During a routine dental cleaning, your dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar above, around, and just below the gumline. It also allows your dentist and dental hygienist the chance to look for signs of gum disease, oral cancer and other oral health issues. Staying on top of teeth cleanings can play an essential role in your oral and overall health.

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The Benefits of Routine Dental Cleanings

 

Regular dental cleaning counts for more. By getting your teeth cleaned and checked twice a year, you reduce the risk of potential diseases and keep your smile healthier. It’s a win-win.

 

Prevent Cavities

a single tooth that is decaying

Prevent Gum Disease

tooth and roots

Improve Your Overall Health

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Whiten Your Teeth

a clean and shining tooth
 
Image of an individual smiling
 

How Often Should You Have Routine Teeth Cleanings?

It is recommended to see your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleanings and oral examinations to obtain a healthier, happier smile. But if you have signs of gum disease, a shorter interval of every three to four months may be necessary.

Illustration of a patient's view sitting in the dental chair while the dentist works on their teeth
 
 

What to Expect During a Routine Dental Cleaning

Getting a routine cleaning? Here’s what to expect and how to prepare. Generally, a routine dental cleaning takes around 30 minutes. Because the professional cleaning helps get rid of tartar, dental hygienists may use a variety of dental instruments: dental mirrors, dental scalers, ultrasonic scalers, saliva electors, and air-water syringes. And hopefully, you’re just as excited by the smooth plaque-free feeling when you glide your tongue over your teeth as your Smile Generation-trusted dentist is.

Mouth Exam

First things first, your dental hygienist will examine your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems. Don’t be alarmed if they ask questions about your overall health – certain health conditions and medications may affect your dental cleaning.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

Your dental hygienist will use teeth cleaning instruments to remove plaque and tartar. First, they’ll scrape the surfaces of your teeth with small, metal tools. They’ll also clean between your teeth and around your gum line. The more plaque and tartar you have, the longer this step will take. Some people find this step of the routine cleaning uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Flossing

After plaque and tartar removal, your dental hygienist will floss your teeth. They’ll clean between your teeth and along your gum line. This professional flossing session helps remove any leftover plaque.

Polishing

Polishing is a cosmetic procedure that your dental hygienist may perform. The polishing process involves a gritty paste and electric tooth polishing brush. Be excited for the shiny, smooth-gliding feeling.

Fluoride Treatment

The final step: a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities. It may be applied by either a mouth rinse or varnished onto your teeth.

Oral Hygiene Education

Your oral health doesn’t stop in the dentist chair. To ensure a healthier, happier smile your dental hygienist may provide at-home oral care tips.

Dental Mirror

A dental mirror is a small, round mirror that helps your dental hygienist get a clear view of tartar build up in hard-to-see parts of your mouth.

Dental Scalers

Dental scalers are a metal tool with sharp, curved blades used to scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth.

Ultrasonic Scalers

Ultrasonic scalers, also called Cavitron machines, are powered dental instruments that use ultrasound to break up and remove tartar – usually accompanied by a jet of water to wash away debris.

Saliva Ejector

A saliva ejector is a straw-like suction tube used to remove excess saliva and other unwanted liquids.

Dental Air/Water Syringe

A dental air/water syringe is a device that delivers a stream of water, air, or a combination of both. This tool is used to rinse away debris and dry a tooth.

 
 

Routine Cleanings Protect Against More Serious Dental Problems

It is a dental fact: dental cleaning helps you maintain a healthy, happy smile. While routine cleaning is performed preventively, scaling and root planing may be necessary to treat more serious issues like periodontal disease. Unlike routine dental cleaning, scaling and root planing cleans not only the surface of the teeth and pockets between the teeth and gums. For this reason, scaling and root planing procedures are more extensive, lengthy, and costly, depending on your individual circumstance.

Illustration of a dentist, hygienist, and dental assistant working on a teeth cleaning
 
 
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How Much Do Dental Cleanings Cost?

The total cost of a dental cleaning depends on factors like procedure, location and age.

 

Paying out-of-pocket? Routine dental cleanings, which include a mouth exam and dental cleaning, can range in cost from about $125 to $170, while scaling and root planing is anywhere from $160 to $290. On the other hand, most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care.

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Got questions?

 

If you have questions about dental cleaning, we saved you the trouble and provided answers to commonly asked questions. Find your answers just a click away.

 
SEE ALL FAQS
 

Routine dental cleaning generally costs between $125 and $170, depending on where you live. The cost may be much lower if you have dental insurance. Many plans cover the total cost of preventive care. Check your plan details to determine what coverage you have for dental cleanings.

Having your teeth cleaned at least twice a year is a great way to prevent issues from forming or getting worse. A routine dental visit typically includes an exam and cleaning. A standard exam and cleaning might cost you anywhere from $125 - $170. Keep in mind; prices vary based on where you live and if you have insurance. Luckily, most plans tend to cover all the costs associated with preventative dental care.

Your dental hygienist will start by examining your mouth for signs of cavities or other dental problems at your dental cleaning appointment. Then they will use small, metal tools to scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth. Professional flossing follows this thorough cleaning to remove plaque from between your teeth. Your dental hygienist may finish the cleaning by polishing your teeth and applying a fluoride treatment.

As a general rule, dentists may recommend getting your teeth cleaned once every six months, but you may need cleanings more or less frequently. For example, if you have poor oral health and are at risk of cavities or other dental problems, your dentist may want to see you once every three months. On the other hand, if you take good care of your teeth at home, your dentist may recommend cleanings as infrequently as once every two years.

 

Many insurances pay for two cleanings a year, along with a comprehensive exam. So, even if you do not have any concerns and good dental practices, you might still want to take advantage of the second cleaning.

 
 

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Sources

Eten Dental. (n.d.). Routine Cleaning: What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning. https://etendental.com/routine-cleaning/

Bonham Dental. (n.d.). The Difference Between Routine Cleanings and Deep Cleanings. https://bonhamdental.com/blog/difference-routine-cleanings- deep-cleanings/

Healthline. (n.d.). What Happens During a Tooth Cleaning: Dental Cleaning Procedure. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-happens- during-a-tooth-cleaning

Stamford Dental Spa. (n.d.). Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings Essential? https://www.stamforddentalspa.com/blog/why-are-routine-dental-cleanings- essential/