Professional Teeth Cleaning for a Healthier, Brighter Smile
Professional teeth cleaning isn’t just about a bright, shiny smile—it’s a key step in preventing oral health problems. Regular cleanings at the dentist help keep your teeth and gums healthy, making them one of the most important parts of your dental care routine.
During your cleaning appointment, we’ll also provide personalized tips on your at-home oral care, diet, and any concerns you may have about your smile.
And let’s not forget that refreshing, smooth feeling after a professional cleaning—it’s unbeatable!
Routine dental checkups play a crucial role in maintaining both your oral and overall health. The frequency of your visits to Irvine Smiles Dental will be tailored to your specific needs and dental health.
What Is A Teeth Cleaning?
The only way to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that brushing leaves behind is with a professional cleaning at our office.
Brushing twice a day for two full minutes and flossing daily are essential, but regular cleanings—at least twice a year—help us catch and prevent common issues like cavities and gum disease. Spotting problems early makes treatment easier, more affordable, and less likely to cause complications down the road.
Procedure Overview
The steps and details of your teeth cleaning appointment may vary based on your specific needs, but it typically follows this general process:
- The hygienist or Irvine Dentist will gently remove plaque and tartar using a scaler or “dental pick.” While brushing helps prevent buildup, only professional tools can remove hardened tartar, which forms when plaque isn’t cleared in time. For more stubborn or extensive tartar, we may use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses ultrasonic waves to break it up efficiently with minimal scraping.
- Next, we’ll polish your teeth using a special spinning rubber cup and a mildly abrasive paste. This helps remove surface stains and smooth your enamel for a cleaner, brighter smile. The paste is similar to regular toothpaste but slightly thicker for better polishing.
- During the cleaning, we’ll periodically rinse your teeth with a gentle jet of water and suction away excess liquid to remove plaque, tartar, and polishing paste. If needed, we may also use a quick puff of air to dry a tooth, making it easier to spot buildup or surface irregularities.
- To finish, we’ll floss your teeth to remove any remaining polishing paste and ensure a thorough clean. Once your smile is fresh and polished, we’ll typically move on to an exam, checking your teeth, gums, tongue, and overall oral health.