What Can I Expect During a Teeth Cleaning?

If you brush twice a day, floss regularly, and take pretty good care of your teeth, it’s easy to assume you don’t need a professional cleaning. However, even the most diligent brushers can miss things: Tartar can still build up in places your toothbrush can’t reach, and stains can stick over time. 

Early signs of decay or gum disease can develop without causing pain, until they become a bigger, more expensive problem. Professional cleanings help catch these problems early. They also leave your teeth feeling fresher and cleaner than you can get at home. 

For most adults, cleanings are recommended every six months. If you have gum issues, a history of decay, or wear braces, you may need them more often. On the flip side, skipping cleanings can lead to tooth sensitivity or decay that you may not notice until it’s advanced.

At LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, California, Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng, our cleanings are thorough but comfortable. We use high-quality tools to ensure nothing gets overlooked. If you’re due for a cleaning or unsure what the appointment will involve, here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: An evaluation

Before the cleaning begins, we take a few minutes to check in on your general oral health. One of our dentists will ask about any new issues you’ve noticed, like sensitivity, soreness, or bleeding when brushing. Then, they’ll do a quick but thorough exam of your gums, teeth, and soft tissues.

We’re looking for things like swelling, gum pockets, plaque and tartar buildup, or signs of decay. If you’re due for X-rays or haven’t had updated ones recently, we may take a few images to get a closer look at what’s happening below the surface.

Step 2: Plaque and tartar removal

Once the exam is done, we move on to scaling. We gently scrape away plaque and hardened tartar from the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. It might feel like gentle scraping or tapping, but it isn’t painful, and it’s the only way to remove tartar that’s hardened too much for brushing to fix.

Step 3: Polishing and stain removal

After the tartar is removed, we polish using a spinning rubber cup and a mildly abrasive toothpaste to buff and shine each tooth. It helps remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, or just everyday wear. Polishing also smooths the surface of your teeth so that it’s harder for plaque to stick in the future. 

Step 4: Flossing and final rinse

Next, we’ll floss between your teeth to catch anything that’s been loosened during the cleaning. We may also point out areas where you’re missing spots when flossing at home and show you how to reach them more easily. After that, you’ll rinse with a fluoride solution to clear out any debris. The solution also provides additional protection against cavities, and your cleaning is done. 

Step 5: Recommendations and follow-up

If we notice anything that needs more attention, like signs of early gum disease, cavities, or areas that are wearing down, we’ll recommend another visit for a deep cleaning or suggest you see the dentist for a closer look. We’ll also remind you when your next cleaning should be and whether any changes to your at-home routine could help. 

Brushing and flossing are essential, but they aren’t enough on their own. Professional teeth cleanings help protect against gum disease, catch problems early, and reduce your risk of tooth loss. They can also help manage issues like bad breath or dry mouth. 

On the other hand, skipping cleanings allows plaque and tartar to build up and cause avoidable damage. If it’s been some time since your last cleaning, schedule your appointment online or call us at 415-477-3700 today.