Dental question about taxonomy:treatment:teeth-cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and calculus from surfaces and areas that daily brushing and interdental cleaning miss.

Plaque is a soft bacterial film, while calculus is plaque hardened by mineral in saliva. A hygienist or dentist uses instruments, ultrasonic vibration, or polishing to clean tooth surfaces; deeper deposits may require periodontal instrumentation.

Brush along the gumline twice daily and use floss or interdental brushes every day. Tell the clinician about sensitivity, bleeding, implants, braces, blood-thinning medicines, or conditions that affect healing before cleaning.

Arrange cleaning when deposits, bleeding, persistent bad breath, or gum tenderness remain despite home care. Prompt assessment is needed for loose teeth, pus, deep gum swelling, or pain with chewing.

Ask whether you need a routine scale and polish or periodontal cleaning below the gumline. Ask which interdental size fits, whether sensitive areas need desensitising care, and when your next maintenance visit should be planned.