Want your smile to look and feel great? Regular cleanings are a big part of it. Over time you’ll find saliva, food and drinks cause a sticky film called plaque to form on your teeth. If plaque sticks around for too long, it hardens into tartar.
Brushing and flossing at home help – but once tartar builds up, only a dentist can safely remove it. This is where professional teeth cleaning comes in: it wipes away the plaque and tartar, leaving your teeth clean and smooth.
This makes it harder for bacteria to stick, so your daily brushing and flossing actually work better afterward.
What happens at a cleaning appointment?
When you sit down in the dentists’ chair for a cleaning, here’s what usually happens:
- Scaling– the dentist uses a special tool, sometimes manual and other times powered, to gently scrape off the plaque and tartar, even from hard-to-reach spots above and just below your gumline.
- Polishing – after cleaning, your teeth are polished so they’re smooth and shiny. This helps prevent bacteria from sticking again.
- Floss & Rinse – any remaining bits of plaque or particles between your teeth are removed.
- Check-up & Advice – The dentist will check your teeth for early warning signs, like gum irritation, cavities or other issues.
Usually, the appointment takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The result? Fewer bacteria, cleaner teeth and a reduced chance of gum disease or cavities down the track.
How often should I get a professional clean?
Here at Smile Dental, we recommend a cleaning every six months – twice a year – for most people. This keeps plaque and tartar from building up too much, and it gives your dentist a chance to spot any early problems.
That said, your personal needs might change this schedule. If you’re prone to gum disease, if you smoke, have certain health conditions or struggle to keep up with regular brushing at home, we might encourage more frequent appointments.
What can I do at home to help?
You don’t need to rely on cleanings at the dentist. A few good habits go a long way.
Brush your teeth – twice a day (morning and evening) for at least two minutes. Make sure to reach every surface.
Floss once a day – floss between your teeth where your brush can’t reach.
Use a fluoride toothpaste – fluoride helps keep your teeth’s enamel strong.
Avoid harmful products for teeth – things like excessive coffee, soft drinks, alcohol and smoking can make your teeth look dull and discoloured over time.
Eat tooth-friendly foods – think calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese, crunchy fruits/vegetables that clean your teeth naturally and drink plenty of water to help rinse away acids and food debris.
Is a tooth cleaning worth it?
Regular teeth cleaning does more than just freshen up your smile – it helps to keep your mouth healthy in the long run. A professional clean removes the buildup that brushing and flossing can’t reach, leaving your teeth looking brighter and feeling smoother.
Many people notice that their smile looks noticeably cleaner, sometimes even bright enough that they don’t feel the need for whitening.
Keeping up with routine cleanings also helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss by catching problems early, before they turn into painful or expensive issues. Good oral health is closely connected to your overall wellbeing, so looking after your teeth can have wider health benefits too.
In short, regular check-ups and cleans mean fewer surprises, less stress and a smile that stays for years to come.