Teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral health and hygiene. Professional teeth cleanings performed by a dentist or hygienist can remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing at home might miss. However, the effects of a professional cleaning are not permanent. While a cleaning can make your teeth look whiter and feel smoother initially, it does not permanently remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque begins to rebuild in just 24 hours, which is why daily brushing and flossing are so crucial. Read on to learn more about the effects and limitations of professional teeth cleanings.
What does a professional teeth cleaning involve?
A professional teeth cleaning appointment involves the dentist or hygienist using specialized tools to thoroughly clean above and below the gumline. This includes:
- Removing plaque buildup – Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar.
- Removing tartar – Tartar (also called calculus) is calcified plaque. It binds to the tooth surface and can only be removed by professional cleaning.
- Polishing the teeth – This smoothes rough spots and removes surface stains for a brighter, whiter smile.
Additional procedures like fluoride treatment may also be done to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities. The cleaning appointment takes around 30-60 minutes depending on your individual needs.
Does a dental cleaning permanently remove plaque and tartar?
Unfortunately, a professional dental cleaning does not permanently remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. While it thoroughly cleans the teeth at that moment, plaque starts forming again right away. Bacteria in the mouth begin to multiply and produce plaque within 24 hours of your cleaning.
That is why regular dental cleanings are recommended every 6 months. Depending on your oral health status, your dentist may recommend cleanings more or less frequently than every 6 months.
Why isn’t a dental cleaning permanent?
There are a few reasons why a professional dental cleaning is not a permanent solution:
- Plaque reaccumulates quickly – The cleaning scrapes away built-up plaque and tartar, but it does not remove the bacteria that produce plaque from your mouth. Plaque recreation starts immediately after cleaning.
- Hard to reach areas – The teeth cleaning thoroughly cleans exposed tooth surfaces, but some areas around fillings, crowns, and beneath the gumline are difficult to access.
- Does not affect plaque formation habits – The cleaning itself does not change habits like inadequate brushing that contribute to plaque buildup.
While a dental professional can remove more plaque than you can at home, a cleaning cannot prevent plaque from naturally recurring in the mouth. It is not a cure for plaque buildup.
Can I extend the effects of a teeth cleaning?
While the cleaning itself offers temporary plaque removal, you can take steps to help extend the plaque-free effects:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day
- Floss at least once daily
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash
- Clean between teeth with interdental brushes
- Scrape the tongue daily
- Eat a balanced diet low in sugary foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t smoke
Practicing excellent oral hygiene at home removes plaque on a daily basis before it can harden into tartar. This helps extend the plaque-free effects of your professional cleaning.
How long do the effects of a teeth cleaning last?
On average, the effects of a professional teeth cleaning last about 4-6 months. However, the exact length of time varies between individuals. It depends on factors like:
- Oral hygiene habits – Better homecare extends the effects.
- Diet – More sugary and acidic foods can shorten the effects.
- Smoking – Tobacco smoke increases plaque buildup.
- Medical conditions – Conditions like diabetes can accelerate plaque formation.
- Medications – Some medications reduce saliva flow, allowing more plaque.
- Mouth anatomy – Areas that are hard to clean like pits and fissures allow faster plaque regrowth.
Those with excellent oral hygiene may go 6 months or longer before enough tartar has reformed to warrant another cleaning. Those with poor hygiene may see effects diminish in less than 4 months. Talk to your hygienist about how long results typically last for your individual situation.
Why are regular dental cleanings important?
Here are some of the key reasons regular professional teeth cleanings are so important for your oral and overall health:
- Prevent tartar buildup – Tartar can only be removed by professional tools. Regular cleanings prevent a damaging amount from accumulating.
- Prevent gum disease – Plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis and periodontitis. Professional cleaning helps disrupt disease progression.
- Brighten smile – Removes surface stains for a whiter, brighter smile.
- Remove bacteria – Reduces the overall oral bacteria load linked to conditions like endocarditis.
- Detect problems early – The dentist can spot issues like cavities or oral cancer at early stages.
- Prevent bad breath – Removing plaque bacteria helps reduce volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath odor.
While plaque and tartar rapidly reform, regular professional cleanings every 6 months help manage buildup. This prevents many oral health issues before they develop into bigger problems.
How much does a dental cleaning cost without insurance?
The cost of a regular teeth cleaning without insurance varies, but averages around $100-200. Here are some typical costs broken down:
| Cleaning Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult cleaning | $100-$150 |
| Child cleaning | $60-$100 |
Other factors like your location, dental office fees, and additional treatments performed can affect the final cost. For example, x-rays, fluoride, sealants, or periodontal maintenance procedures if you have gum disease may add to the total. Ask your dentist’s office for an estimate based on recommended care.
Strategies to reduce dental cleaning costs
Options to lower the costs of teeth cleanings and other dental care include:
- Dental savings plans – Discount plans can save 10-60% off cleanings and procedures.
- Dental schools – Students provide low-cost care under instructor supervision.
- Free or reduced-fee clinics – Some clinics offer income-based care.
- Dental tourism – Travel to another country for significantly lower costs.
Look into available discounts and affordable dental care options in your area. Regular professional cleanings are important for oral health and prevention.
Conclusion
While professional teeth cleanings provide a deep, thorough cleaning, their effects are temporary. You can expect your next cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that has reaccumulated and hardened in around 4-6 months, sometimes longer. Keep up daily oral hygiene habits at home to help maintain the plaque-fighting effects. And be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings every 6 months, or as often as your dentist recommends, to prevent more significant oral health issues.