We start with a dye that makes plaque visible. That way you and we can see exactly which spots get missed when you brush. Then we remove stains with a fine powder jet, take off tartar with a vibrating instrument and, where needed, by hand, and polish your teeth smooth.
You go home with a clean mouth and a few practical tips for the spots that need extra attention.
Why a cleaning is more than just cleaning
You can’t brush tartar away yourself, and it often sits exactly where gums get irritated easily. A cleaning deals with that and shows you what you can change at home.
Tartar and stains removed
Tartar is hardened plaque. It sticks mostly to the inside of your lower front teeth and between your molars. We remove it gently, including just under the gum line.
Tips that suit your mouth
Not a general leaflet, but an explanation of your own spots. Often it is about between the teeth: we show you which interdental brushes or which floss suit you and how to use them.
How your appointment goes
1
A quick catch-up
We ask how you are, whether anything bothers you and whether anything has changed since last time.
2
Colouring the plaque
A harmless dye shows where plaque sits. You can see it yourself in a small mirror.
3
Cleaning
We remove stains, plaque and tartar. Do give a signal if something feels sensitive, and we will slow down.
4
Polishing and explanation
We polish your teeth smooth and show you how to keep the coloured spots clean at home.
Sensitive? Just say so
Some people feel nothing, others find it sensitive, especially when there is a lot of tartar. That is not a problem: we agree on a stop signal, take breaks and can numb a spot if that is more comfortable.
How often do you need a cleaning?
That differs from person to person. For some, once a year is enough; for others two or three times helps, for example with braces, quick tartar build-up or gums that get inflamed easily.
Together we look at what we see in your mouth and agree a rhythm that suits you. If something changes, we adjust it.
Good to know
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Usually not. It can feel sensitive if there is a lot of tartar or if your gums are inflamed. Tell us if you feel something: we can work more slowly, pause or numb a spot.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If it stays, it hardens into tartar. You can brush plaque away, but not tartar.
Why is my plaque coloured?
Plaque is almost invisible. A dye shows exactly where it is, so we can clean in a targeted way and you know which spots you miss more often at home.
Does a cleaning help with bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums often come from plaque and tartar along the gum line. A cleaning and better cleaning between your teeth usually help. If they keep bleeding, we check whether there is more going on.
Will my teeth look whiter too?
Stains from coffee, tea or smoking disappear, so your teeth often look lighter. The natural colour of your teeth doesn’t change; that is what whitening is for.
