A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing cannot, while a checkup catches problems before they become expensive to treat.
A professional dental cleaning and checkup is the foundation of good oral health. Even with excellent daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar in areas you cannot reach — only a professional cleaning removes it.
A dental hygienist performs most professional cleanings. They begin by examining your gums using a small probe to measure pocket depths — the space between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets measure 1–3 millimetres; deeper pockets indicate gum disease.
The hygienist then uses hand scalers and an ultrasonic instrument to remove all tartar (calculus) and plaque from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. After scaling, teeth are polished with a slightly abrasive paste that removes surface stains. Finally, the hygienist flosses between every tooth.
After the cleaning, your dentist examines all teeth visually and with X-rays, looking for:
Bitewing X-rays (showing the crowns of teeth and the spaces between them) are typically taken annually for adults. A full set of X-rays is usually taken every three to five years. Modern digital X-rays use very low radiation and are quick and painless.
Most adults benefit from cleanings every six months. Patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or who build up tartar quickly may benefit from three or four-month intervals. Ask your dentist what interval is appropriate for your situation.
Find a verified general dentist near you — free search, no sign-up required.
Search Dentists Near You →