What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Cleaning at the Dentist

A regular professional teeth cleaning appointment with a dentist in Jensen Beach, FL isn't a scary experience. Read here about what to expect during your visit.

The CDC reports that 63% of Americans visited the dentist at least once in 2020. Were you one of those Americans?

Most dentists recommend a visit to the dentist for a checkup and professional teeth cleaning every six months for both adults and children. Yet almost 40% of adults miss these visits.

Have you missed an appointment in the past? Perhaps it's because you're not sure what to expect from an oral examination and a professional dental cleaning. It's easy to feel anxious when you don't know what will happen.



We're here to shed light on what happens during a routine exam and cleaning so you can come to your visit with confidence.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

At your appointment, it's possible that your teeth cleaning will come first, performed by a dental hygienist. The purpose of professional teeth cleaning is tartar and plaque removal.

Dental plaque is a film containing bacteria that sticks to your teeth. If plaque stays on your teeth too long, cavities and gum disease can form. Tartar, or hardened plaque, collects around and below the gum line and can cause stains on your teeth.

The dental hygenist will use a small mirror and a scaler (a metal, hand-held device with a curve or a hook at the end) to scrape the tartar and plaque from your teeth and around your gum line. You'll hear a scraping noise, but this should not hurt.

Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, it's time to polish your teeth. This is done with an electric brush and gritty toothpaste. These tools—along with some flossing—will help clean out any remaining tartar and plaque.

After your mouth is all rinsed out, a fluoride treatment may be the final step in your cleaning. A gel, varnish, or paste is left on your teeth for about a minute to harden. This treatment will encourage the restoration of minerals to your teeth and help prevent bacteria from sticking.



A typical teeth cleaning lasts about 30 minutes.

The Checkup

A dental professional, or the dentist, will perform an oral exam during your visit. Like the cleaning, this exam should not hurt.

The dentist will examine your teeth for any abnormalities. They will also check your gums, your soft palette, your neck, and your throat to make sure these are all in good shape.

X-rays may be taken to check for cavities or other issues which may need to be addressed. If there is dental work the dentist recommends, they will go over those procedures with you.



Finally, your dentist will go over the best oral hygiene routines to follow to make your next visit a breeze.

Finding a Dentist

Now that you know what to expect, it's time to schedule an appointment with a dentist. If you live in the northeast portion of Martin County, FL, consider Signature Smiles, a dentist in Jensen Beach, FL.



We're here to serve all your dental needs, including professional teeth cleaning and oral exams. Contact us for an appointment today.