A professional teeth cleaning is done by the hygienist at a dentist’s office. The hygienist uses tools to remove tartar from your teeth — both above and below where the gum meets the tooth. The Academy of General Dentistry strongly recommends that you go to the dentist to receive a dental cleaning every six months. This professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives the dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention.

Those who practice good oral hygiene at home regularly with proper brushing and flossing techniques typically do not experience discomfort during a cleaning. However, those who have neglected their oral hygiene habits may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during a dental cleaning. The dentist can use a topical anesthetic before the cleaning to alleviate any discomfort you may experience during the process.

There are different types of teeth cleanings, depending on how healthy your gums are. The preventative services that you may receive include the removal of plaque and tartar, stain removal and polishing teeth, fluoride application, sealants, cleaning and the adjustment of dentures and partial dentures.

Here is how the typical cleaning will go, depending on the health of your teeth.

No Gum Disease
This is the best case scenario and what you should aim for when you go for a gentle cleaning. When the hygienist flosses your gums, no bleeding occurs. The best thing you can do for the next six months is to maintain your excellent oral health habits. Just because you have healthy teeth does not mean you should skip your dental cleanings. It is important to see your dentist to ensure that you are in the best possible dental health.

Gingivitis
Around 80% of people in the United States have gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums will bleed when the hygienist flosses them. There might be some redness along the edge of the gum where it meets the tooth. You will need to floss more frequently and properly. Your dentist will provide techniques to brush and floss in order to get you to a state of better oral health.

Early Stages of Periodontist
You’ve had gingivitis for some time and it has become more serious. Your gums will bleed if flossed or probed. It’s possible you may even have some ligament damage to the place where your gums attach to your teeth. It is possible that your gums may be receding. If this is the case, a scale and root planing will be necessary.

Moderate to Severe Periodontist
Your gums will definitely bleed is flossed or probed. Your gums are extremely inflammed and show signs of recession. After a scale and root planing, it is imperative that you maintain a strict habit or brushing and flossing. If you do not, you will not be able to reverse the disease.

No matter which level of gum disease you all under, your oral hygiene at home is critical. Follow through after your teeth cleaning is everything