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General Dentistry

Dental Hygiene & Teeth Cleanings

Professional teeth cleanings do more than make your smile feel fresh. They remove buildup that brushing and flossing cannot fully eliminate and give your dental team an opportunity to help protect your teeth and gums over time.

What is Dental Hygiene & teeth Cleanings?

Dental hygiene care usually includes an evaluation of the gums, removal of plaque and hardened tartar, polishing, flossing, and personalized guidance for home care. Your hygienist may also discuss brushing technique, flossing tools, dry mouth, sensitivity, and habits that affect your oral health.

Many dental plans include two routine cleanings per benefit year, often with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Timing rules vary, and some plans require about six months between visits. RSDO can verify your benefits and help you schedule before they reset.

A routine cleaning is preventive care for a generally healthy mouth. If there are signs of gum disease and deeper pockets around the teeth, your dentist may recommend periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planing, instead of a routine cleaning. The correct type of cleaning is determined after your gums and bone support are evaluated.

When might it be recommended?

  • It has been about six months since your last dental exam and cleaning.
  • You have not yet used the preventive cleaning visits included in your dental plan.
  • Plaque or tartar has collected, or your gums bleed, feel tender, or appear swollen.
  • You are maintaining dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, braces, or a history of gum disease.

What to expect

  1. Gum and oral-health check: The hygienist reviews the condition of your gums and looks for areas that may need additional attention.
  2. Plaque and tartar removal: Special instruments are used to clean above and around the gumline. Tartar cannot be removed safely with a toothbrush at home.
  3. Polishing and flossing: The teeth are polished to remove many surface stains and flossed to clean between them.
  4. Personalized prevention plan: We review practical ways to improve home care and may recommend fluoride or other preventive measures based on your risk.

FAQs

Many plans include two routine exams and cleanings per benefit year, often with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Because timing rules and coverage vary, RSDO can verify your benefits before your visit.

Bleeding during a cleaning often occurs when plaque and tartar have irritated or inflamed the gums. Your RSDO dental team will evaluate your gum health and determine whether you need a routine cleaning, changes to your at-home care, or periodontal treatment.

A routine cleaning is preventive. Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and along the tooth roots.

time for a teeth cleaning?

Request an appointment with RSDO. Our team can verify your remaining benefits and help you schedule before they reset.