Dental cleaning
A cleaning removes the plaque and tartar a brush can no longer reach, especially below the gumline. It is the simplest treatment there is and the one that prevents the most: most cavities and gum problems are found at this visit, while they are still small.
When to come in
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss.
- Your teeth feel rough, or you see dark marks near the gum.
- Bad breath that brushing does not fix.
- It has been more than a year since your last cleaning.
What you should know
Gums may bleed a little during the cleaning and stay tender for a day or two. That is normal when inflammation had built up. If there is advanced gum disease, a routine cleaning is not enough and the doctor will tell you so at the same visit.
How the visit goes
Examination
The whole mouth is checked, not only where it bothers you. X-rays if needed.
Cleaning
Tartar is removed above and below the gumline, and the tooth surface is polished.
What we found
You see it on screen, and we tell you whether anything needs attention.
Common questions
How often should I have a cleaning?
Every six months is typical, but it depends on your mouth. Someone who builds tartar quickly may need it sooner. The doctor will tell you your interval.
Does a cleaning whiten teeth?
No. It removes surface stains from coffee, tea or tobacco, which already brightens the look, but it does not change the natural colour of the tooth. That is whitening, a separate treatment.
Does it hurt?
Usually not. If there is a lot of inflammation or sensitivity, local anaesthetic can be used. Say so at the start of the visit, not after.
Other treatments
Root canal
Saves a tooth with a damaged nerve instead of extracting it.
Dental implants
Replaces a missing tooth with its own root, so nothing moves when you chew.
General dentistry
Fillings, crowns, extractions and the regular check-up.
Smile design
Whitening, veneers and composite work — planned before any tooth is touched.
Shall we book it?
Write to us and we will tell you what is available. If you are travelling, send your dates and we will say plainly whether they are realistic.