Dental cleaning is a professional preventive procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and hardened tartar that regular brushing cannot eliminate. It helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

Most patients feel little to no pain; you may feel some pressure during tartar removal, especially if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.

Generally, cleanings are recommended every 6 months, though your hygienist may advise more frequent visits based on your oral health.

Polishing is part of dental cleaning that smooths and shines the teeth after plaque and tartar are removed. It removes surface stains and helps make teeth less prone to future buildup.

Yes — polishing helps leave your teeth smooth and brighter, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene at home.

Polishing removes surface stains, but it doesn’t change the underlying color of your enamel like professional whitening does.

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against decay by increasing resistance to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars.

No — while especially important for children, fluoride treatments benefit adults who are more prone to cavities or enamel erosion.

It’s a quick, painless procedure usually completed in a few minutes during your dental visit.

This is a gum health assessment where the dental hygienist measures the spaces (pockets) around your teeth to check for gum disease.

It helps detect early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis so treatment can begin before more serious problems develop.

It’s usually quick and gentle; you may feel slight pressure but no significant discomfort.

Your hygienist teaches proper brushing, flossing, and cleaning techniques and may recommend tools to improve daily care.

Everyone — especially those with gum problems, frequent cavities, or anyone who wants to improve their home care routine.

It varies, but is typically included in your regular cleaning visit and customized to your needs.

A cosmetic procedure that uses professional whitening agents to lighten the color of stained or discolored teeth.

Results vary by person and lifestyle, but typically last from several months to a few years with proper care.

Yes, when performed by a professional — though some people may experience temporary sensitivity afterward.

It’s a visual and manual check of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to look for unusual spots, sores, or early signs of cancer.

Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment if any abnormal tissue is found.

It’s typically part of your routine dental exam, so most patients are screened during every regular check‑up.