Professional Dental Cleaning

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional.

A typical dental cleaning appointment includes:

• A quick check-up of your teeth and gums

• Scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline

• Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and remove surface stains

• Flossing and a personalised oral hygiene review

If there are signs of gum disease, your dentist may suggest a more detailed deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) in specific areas.

For most healthy adults, dentists recommend a dental cleaning every 6 months. People with higher risk – such as gum disease, diabetes, smoking, orthodontic appliances, or a history of heavy tartar build-up – may benefit from cleanings every 3–4 months instead of twice a year.

A regular dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline and lightly at the gum margin to maintain healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes deeper under the gums to remove hard deposits and smooth the root surfaces, and is used to treat gum disease (periodontitis) rather than just prevent it.

Dental cleanings are generally not painful. Some sensitivity might occur, especially if there is significant buildup or gum inflammation, but our team prioritizes your comfort.

A deep cleaning is recommended when there is moderate to advanced gum disease – for example, deep periodontal pockets, bone loss, persistent bleeding, or heavy tartar deposits below the gumline. In these cases, a standard cleaning is no longer enough to control infection and protect the supporting bone.

A standard routine cleaning usually takes about 20–60 minutes, depending on how much plaque and tartar have built up. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may take 1–2 hours, sometimes split over 2 visits to treat different sides of the mouth.

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, it’s impossible to remove all plaque in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, remaining plaque hardens into tartar, which you cannot remove at home. Professional cleanings remove this buildup, reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth loss, and allow early detection of problems while they are still small and affordable to treat.

Yes. Preventive dental cleanings during pregnancy are considered safe and recommended by major organisations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), as good gum health reduces the risk of infections and pregnancy-related gum problems (such as pregnancy gingivitis). Always inform your dentist that you are pregnant so timing and medications can be planned correctly.

After a routine cleaning, you can usually eat and drink straight away, though your teeth and gums may feel slightly sensitive for a few hours. It helps to:

• Avoid very hard or sticky foods immediately if your gums feel tender

• Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or acidic drinks

• Continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily

If you had a deep cleaning, you may experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days – your dentist may suggest pain relief, special mouthwash, or a temporary soft-food diet.

A professional dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains, so your teeth usually look brighter and cleaner afterward. However, it does not change the internal colour of the enamel as teeth whitening does. For a lighter shade beyond your natural colour, you may combine cleaning with a professional whitening treatment.

Most children should have a check-up and dental cleaning every 6 months, starting when their first teeth appear and certainly by around age 1. Children with a high risk of cavities or orthodontic appliances may need more frequent visits to keep plaque and tartar under control and to protect their developing teeth.

You may benefit from cleanings every 3–4 months if you have:

• A history of gum disease or bone loss

• Diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system

• Smoking or heavy staining habits

• Braces / orthodontic appliances that trap more plaque

In these situations, more frequent professional cleaning can significantly improve long-term gum stability and help avoid advanced periodontal treatment.