What happens during a professional dental cleaning?
Professional cleaning removes plaque, calculus and some surface staining that brushing cannot fully eliminate. Teeth and gums are checked first, then ultrasonic or hand instruments, polishing or air polishing may be used according to need.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A routine appointment commonly takes around 30 to 60 minutes, but this is only a guide. The amount of calculus, orthodontic appliances, implants, sensitivity and access can all affect the time. An initial periodontal assessment may also show that routine cleaning is not enough.
How often should you have a cleaning?
There is no single interval for everyone. Six-monthly visits suit some people, while others need closer monitoring or can attend less often. Gum-disease and decay risk, smoking, diabetes, implants, orthodontics, tartar build-up and home care all inform an individual recommendation.
Cleaning and whitening are not the same
Cleaning removes deposits and external stains, helping teeth look cleaner, but it does not significantly change their internal shade. Whitening acts on pigments within the tooth and should follow an oral-health assessment.
Routine cleaning or deeper periodontal treatment?
When periodontitis causes deposits below the gumline or periodontal pockets, scaling and root planing or another periodontal treatment may be needed. This can require several visits, local anaesthetic and follow-up.
When to request an assessment
Persistent bleeding, bad breath, receding gums, mobility, pain or visible calculus should be checked rather than left until a routine date. An examination helps determine whether you need routine cleaning, periodontal care or changes to home hygiene.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a dental cleaning whiten teeth?
It can remove calculus and surface staining, but it does not change internal tooth colour in the way whitening does.
Must everyone have a cleaning every six months?
No. Six months is a common interval, not a universal rule. Frequency should reflect individual dental and gum health.
Can my teeth be cleaned if my gums bleed?
Bleeding often indicates inflammation and should be assessed. Routine cleaning or specific periodontal treatment may be advised depending on the cause.