Teeth Cleanings

Our Davie, Plantation and Tamarac offices offer teeth cleanings for patients in Broward County to keep your smile bright and healthy. Brushing and flossing are important, but you should also schedule regular cleanings to get rid of built-up plaque, tartar, and food from harder-to-reach areas.

Even if you floss and brush your teeth the recommended two times a day, you should be visiting a dentist for yearly checkups and cleanings. Before the cleaning process begins, the hygienist uses a small mirror to check the teeth and mouth. If they find any issues, they may refer you to a dentist.

The hygienist then uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar around the gums and between the teeth. The more tartar there is in your mouth, the more time they’ll need for removal. Professional teeth cleanings are a simple process that offers several benefits to your overall health.

How Often Should I Get My Cleaned at the Dentist?

Most dentists recommend professional teeth cleanings every six months to maintain healthy gums and prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Regular cleanings help catch early signs of decay, gum disease, or oral health issues before they become serious. If you’re prone to gum disease, have braces, or experience frequent plaque buildup, your provider may suggest more frequent cleanings.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning includes plaque and tartar removal, deep polishing, flossing, and an examination of your gums and teeth. Your hygienist will the use a specialized set of tools to remove buildup that can’t be removed at home because it gets stuck in places patients can’t reach. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Your dentist may also recommend X-rays or fluoride depending on your oral health needs and risk factors.

Does a Teeth Cleaning at the Dentist Hurt?

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a routine dental cleaning. If your gums are sensitive, inflamed, or if there’s significant tartar buildup, you may feel mild pressure or tenderness. Dentists can provide numbing gel or adjust their techniques to help you stay comfortable. Regular cleanings reduce sensitivity over time because they keep your teeth and gums healthier.

What’s the Difference Between Regular Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings?

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, cleans underneath the gumline to treat advanced gum disease. Deep teeth cleanings are recommended when pockets have formed around the teeth and trapped bacteria. This treatment helps stop bone loss, reduce inflammation, and prevent periodontal disease from getting worse.

Do Dental Cleanings Whiten Your Teeth?

Teeth cleanings do not change the natural color of your enamel, but they do remove surface stains left behind from coffee, tea, wine, and regular day-to-day plaque. Most patients notice their teeth do look brighter and fresher after a cleaning. For more dramatic whitening results, your dentist can recommend and apply whitening treatments after your cleaning is complete and your gums are healthy.

Do I Still Need Dental Cleanings If I Brush & Floss Every Day?

Yes; even with the healthiest at-home habits, plaque is going to form and harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional because it is very hard and forms in places you can’t reach without specialized tools. Routine cleanings prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath while allowing your dentist to monitor your oral health.