Dental cleaning
Dental cleaning — for your long-term oral health
No matter how well you brush and floss at home, plaque and tartar build up in areas that only professional instruments can reach. A professional clean every six months keeps costly treatment at bay
Types of cleaning
The right clean for your gum health stage
Not every cleaning is the same. The type recommended depends on the current health
of your gums and bone — determined at your exam.
of your gums and bone — determined at your exam.
Prophylaxis (routine clean)
Removal of plaque, tartar, and surface staining above the gumline. Polishing and flossing included. The standard biannual clean for patients with healthy gums and no bone loss.
Recommended Every 6 months.
Scaling & root planing
A deep clean that extends below the gumline to remove tartar deposits from tooth roots and smooth root surfaces to help gum tissue re-attach. Usually done in two appointments, one side per visit
Periodontal maintenance
A more thorough routine clean every 3–4 months for patients who have been treated for gum disease. Prevents recurrence and monitors pocket depths at every visit. Recommended Every 3–4 months
What happens during your cleaning
Step by step — from start to sparkling
A professional cleaning is more thorough than most patients expect — here's exactly what our hygienist does at every appointment.
Why regular cleaning matters
Six situations where removal is necessary
Heart disease link
Research consistently links gum disease bacteria to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, arterial inflammation, and endocarditis. Treating gum disease reduces this risk.
Diabetes management
Gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control in diabetic patients — and conversely, diabetes accelerates gum disease. Regular cleaning is part of diabetes management.
Pregnancy health
Gum disease during pregnancy is linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Cleanings every trimester are recommended for pregnant patients.
Cognitive health
Emerging research links oral bacteria associated with gum disease to Alzheimer's pathology. Oral health is increasingly viewed as part of whole-body health.
Cost prevention
Two cleanings a year catch problems early — a $0 copay cleaning versus a $1,500 crown or $3,000 implant is the real argument for staying on schedule.
Fresh breath
Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is almost always caused by bacteria in tartar deposits and below the gumline — not food. A professional clean resolves it at the source
Signs your gums need attention sooner than your next routine visit
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red, puffy, or feel tender
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away
- Gums pulling away from teeth (recession)
- Visible tartar or dark deposits at the gumline
- Teeth feeling loose or sensitive to pressure
100% covered by most plans
A professional cleaning isn't just about aesthetics — it's the foundation of every other dental treatment we do. Healthy gums are what makes veneers last, implants succeed, and orthodontics hold.
New patients welcome