professional cleaning
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?
A professional cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, including areas along and slightly below the gumline that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss alone. The process typically includes scaling to remove tartar, polishing to smooth the tooth surface and remove surface stains, and in many cases, flossing. Cleanings are usually paired with an exam by Dr. Ebrahimi, allowing for a comprehensive check of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health during the same visit.
The Benefits of Professional Cleanings
1. Removes Tartar That Brushing Can't
Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed with professional instruments. Left in place, tartar continues to accumulate and contributes to gum inflammation and decay.
2. Helps Prevent Gum Disease
Regular removal of plaque and tartar along the gumline reduces the bacteria responsible for gingivitis and helps prevent the progression to more advanced periodontal disease.
3. Catches Problems Early
Because cleanings are typically paired with an exam, they offer a regular opportunity to catch cavities, cracks, or other concerns while they're still small and more easily treated.
4. Removes Surface Stains
Polishing during a cleaning can help remove some surface stains from food, drinks, or tobacco, contributing to a brighter, cleaner appearance between more involved whitening treatments, if desired.
5. Supports Fresher Breath
Removing built-up plaque and tartar reduces the bacteria that commonly contribute to persistent bad breath.
Common Myths About Professional Cleanings
Myth: "If I brush and floss well at home, I don't need professional cleanings." Even with excellent home care, plaque can harden into tartar in places a toothbrush and floss can't fully reach. Only professional instruments can remove tartar once it has formed.
Myth: "Cleanings damage your enamel or make your teeth more sensitive." Professional cleaning instruments are designed to safely remove plaque and tartar without harming healthy enamel. Some temporary sensitivity can occur afterward, particularly if significant tartar buildup was removed, but this is not a sign of damage and typically resolves quickly.
Myth: "You only need a cleaning once a year." Most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months for most patients, though some patients with a history of gum disease or higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent visits.
Myth: "A cleaning whitens your teeth significantly." Polishing during a cleaning can remove some surface stains, but it isn't designed to change the underlying shade of your teeth the way a dedicated whitening treatment would.
Myth: "Cleanings are only about appearance, not health." While cleanings do improve the look of your teeth, their primary purpose is preventive, removing bacteria and buildup that contribute to cavities and gum disease.
Myth: "If your gums bleed during a cleaning, something went wrong." Some bleeding during a cleaning, particularly if there's existing gum inflammation, is common and generally reflects the condition of the gum tissue beforehand rather than an issue with the cleaning itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a professional cleaning? Most patients are advised to have a cleaning every six months, though your specific interval may be adjusted based on your gum health, cavity risk, and other individual factors.
Does a professional cleaning hurt? Most patients find cleanings comfortable, though some mild sensitivity can occur, particularly if there's significant tartar buildup or existing gum inflammation. Let your hygienist know if you experience discomfort so they can adjust their approach.
What's the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning? A routine cleaning addresses plaque and tartar above and slightly below the gumline for patients with generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more thorough procedure used when periodontal disease has caused deeper buildup below the gumline.
Will my teeth feel different after a cleaning? Many patients notice their teeth feel smoother and their mouth feels fresher immediately after a cleaning, since plaque and tartar have been removed from the tooth surfaces.
Can I eat right after a cleaning? Yes, you can generally eat normally after a routine cleaning. If fluoride treatment was applied, your hygienist may recommend waiting a short period before eating or drinking.
Do cleanings include an exam with the dentist? In most cases, yes. Cleanings are typically scheduled alongside an exam with Dr. Ebrahimi, allowing for both preventive care and a check of your overall oral health during the same visit.
Is a professional cleaning covered by dental insurance? Many dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, often at a higher percentage than other procedures, as part of preventive care. Our office can help verify your specific coverage.
Schedule Your Next Cleaning
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, professional cleanings are a cornerstone of preventive care, helping catch issues early and keeping your smile healthy between visits. If it's been more than six months since your last cleaning, we encourage you to schedule an appointment.
Professional Dental Cleanings: Why They Matter Beyond a Bright Smile
Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but they can't fully replace what happens during a professional dental cleaning. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi and the hygiene team provide thorough cleanings designed to remove what home care alone can't reach, while also monitoring your oral health along the way.