Professional teeth cleaning is the essential foundation for a lasting, healthy smile. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, only a specialized hygiene appointment can remove the hardened plaque and tartar (calculus) that lead to decay and gum disease. At Elite Smile, our gentle yet thorough cleanings are designed not just to polish your teeth, but to protect your overall oral health and keep your smile brilliantly fresh. We tailor the frequency of your visits to ensure your unique smile receives the perfect level of care it deserves.

What happens during a professional cleaning?

1. Supragingival scaling: Removal of plaque and tartar above the gum line using specialized hand instruments or ultrasonic scalers.

2. Subgingival scaling: Cleaning below the gum line to prevent periodontitis.

3. Polishing: Smoothing tooth surfaces with a rotating rubber cup and prophylactic paste to delay future plaque buildup.

4. Fluoride treatment (optional): Application of fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk.

Why is it so important?
Even with perfect brushing, some areas (between teeth, below the gums) remain unreachable. Over time, tartar forms in as little as 24–72 hours. Once hardened, only a professional can remove it. Untreated tartar leads to gingivitis (bleeding gums), which progresses to periodontitis (bone loss) in approximately 30% of susceptible individuals.

Statistics:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50% of adults aged 30 and older show signs of gum disease.

• Regular professional cleanings reduce the risk of tooth loss by 40% (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019).

• Patients who receive cleanings twice a year have 60% fewer cavities over a five-year period compared to those who skip cleanings.

References:

• CDC. “Periodontal Disease Surveillance.” 2022.

• Sambunjak, D., et al. “Professional tooth cleaning for preventing periodontal diseases.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019.

• Axelsson, P., Lindhe, J. “The effect of a preventive programme on dental plaque, gingivitis and caries in schoolchildren.” J Clin Periodontol, 1974.