Is Teeth Cleaning Painful?

A professional teeth cleaning is not painful for most patients. You may feel pressure during scaling as tartar is removed from tooth surfaces, but it shouldn’t hurt. Patients with inflamed gums, exposed root surfaces, or heavy tartar buildup may notice more...

Why Do I Need a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

You need professional cleanings because your toothbrush and floss can’t remove tartar, the hardened form of plaque that builds up on teeth over time. Tartar irritates your gums and, if left in place, leads to gum disease, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss....

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

During a professional teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, cleans below the gumline, polishes the tooth surfaces, and flosses between every tooth. The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. It’s one of...