Routine Cleanings

What is it?

A routine dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is a professional removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains that build up on teeth over time, followed by polishing and fluoride application. It goes beyond what brushing and flossing at home can achieve.

Why do you need it?

Even with excellent home care, tartar deposits form in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Left untreated they cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and eventual tooth loss. Regular professional cleanings break this cycle and let your dentist catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

Who is it for?

Everyone - adults, teenagers, and children. Most patients benefit from a cleaning every six months. Those with a history of gum disease may need visits every three to four months.

Treatment Procedure

1. 1Full mouth examination and X-rays if required.
2. 2Ultrasonic scaling to break down heavy tartar deposits.
3. 3Hand scaling to remove remaining calculus and biofilm.
4. 4Polishing with a mildly abrasive paste to remove surface stains.
5. 5Flossing between every tooth.
6. 6Fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
7. 7Personalised home-care instructions and scheduling of the next visit.

Aftercare

• Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after fluoride application.
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily.
• Limit sugary foods and acidic drinks.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse if recommended.
• Return for your next scheduled cleaning - do not wait until problems arise.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will examine gum pocket depths, tooth surfaces, existing restorations, and take digital X-rays as needed to detect decay, bone loss, or other pathology before and after cleaning.

Prognosis

Patients who attend routine cleanings every six months have dramatically lower rates of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Combined with good home care, professional cleanings are the single most cost-effective investment in long-term oral health.