Teeth Cleaning

Dental cleanings are a routine dental procedure designed to prevent various dental issues. Cleanings and checkups also allow us to detect issues early on, and treat them promptly to improve outcomes. Regular cleanings are the foundation of preventive dentistry, and we recommend our Monroe Smiles patients have a professional dental cleaning every six months to maintain their best smile.

What is a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a professional procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. A professional cleaning goes beyond what regular brushing and flossing can accomplish, because the procedure gets to areas that are difficult to clean at home.

Purpose of Dental Cleanings

The primary purposes of dental cleanings are:

•	Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
•	Remove plaque and tartar
•	Polish teeth and remove stains
•	Identify potential dental issues early
•	Maintain oral health
•	Freshen breath

Procedure

A typical dental cleaning involves several steps.

•	Exam We examine your entire mouth using a small mirror.
•	Scaling Using special instruments, we remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces, between teeth, and along the gum line. We use manual scaling tools as well as ultrasonic devices.
•	Polishing A gritty toothpaste-like substance is used with a high powered electric brush to polish the teeth. This removes minor stains and creates a smooth surface that's more resistant to plaque buildup.
•	Flossing Professional flossing removes any remaining plaque or toothpaste from the cleaning process.
•	Rinsing You will rinse your mouth to remove any debris.
•	Fluoride Treatment A fluoride treatment is optional. It is applied to help protect teeth against decay.

Duration

The effects of a dental cleaning can last up to six months with proper maintenance. However, plaque starts reforming on teeth within 24 to 48 hours after cleaning. This is why maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home is crucial.

Maintaining Results

To maintain the effects of your dental cleaning:

•	Brush your teeth at least twice daily
•	Floss before bed each evening to remove plaque between teeth
•	Maintain a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods
•	Avoid tobacco products
•	Stay hydrated to produce saliva, which naturally cleans teeth
•	Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months

It's important to note that dental cleanings are essential to maintain oral health, but they're only one part of a comprehensive dental care routine. Regular care at home combined with professional cleanings provides the best protection against tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

For some patients, such as those with a history of gum disease or rapid tartar buildup, more frequent cleanings may be recommended. We are happy to provide personalized advice based on your specific oral health needs.

Remember, prevention is the key to dental health. Regular cleanings brighten smiles. However, poor oral health has been linked to various systemic conditions, so cleanings also contribute to your health as a whole. When we prioritize these routine procedures and maintain good oral hygiene habits, we invest in our overall wellness.

Contact us at (360) 467-6386 to schedule your next dental cleaning.

Contact Information

14650 N. Kelsey St. Ste. 104-105
Monroe, WA 98272-1456

(360) 467-6386
drj@jljdds.com

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm

Teeth Cleaning Monroe WA
Professional teeth cleanings in Monroe, WA to remove plaque, tartar, and stains. Regular visits support long-term oral and gum health.
Monroe Smiles, 14650 N. Kelsey St., Ste. 104-105, Monroe, WA 98272 : (360) 467-6386 : monroesmiles.com : 11/3/2025 : Tags: dentist Monroe WA :