What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?

November 11, 2025

Teeth cleanings are part of preventive dentistry and are dental procedures that everyone should do at least twice a year, especially if you have existing dental problems.

Some people may dread going to the dentist for teeth cleaning but having an idea about how teeth cleaning works can help a lot with making the decision to care for your oral health.

What Is Teeth Cleaning and What Happens During One?

As mentioned, teeth cleaning is part of preventive dentistry in Farragut, and it's essential in keeping optimum oral health. It works by removing dental plaque and tartar, the main culprits for cavities and gum disease. When plaque and tartar accumulate, they lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental conditions.

Of course, you probably already clean your teeth on a daily basis, but a professional once or twice a year will help remove the most stubborn plaque and tartar so that you can have healthy teeth and gums.

You can do it twice a year as prevention, and any other time you need it if you already have dental issues.

Steps of a Teeth Cleaning

Examination

Teeth cleanings are performed either by a dental hygienist or the dentist. They start by examining your mouth and making sure you are ready for a cleaning.

Removing Plaque and Tartar

With the help of a scaler, the hygienist will start to scrape the tartar deposited on your teeth. The more tartar in your mouth, the more time is needed to remove it.

Toothpaste Cleaning

After scraping away all the tartar, the hygienist will brush your teeth with a high-power electric brush helping remove any remaining tartar after the scalping step.

Flossing

This is not a typical flossing that is done regularly at home. The hygienist will go very deep with the flossing, and hence detect any gum issues where you might bleed. This step complements the first two, further removing any tartar that could have been left behind.

Rinsing

The next step is to rinse away any debris, usually with a fluoride-containing product.

Fluoride Treatment

This last part of the process is to add protection to your teeth, helping fight against cavities for a more extended period of time.

And with this, your teeth cleaning procedure is done. You can continue enjoying a healthy mouth and shine your smile.

Let Us Give You a Beautiful Smile

At Confident Smiles & Implants, we treat all of our patients like family and provide dental care in a comfortable environment. We want to help you restore your confidence and get a beautiful and healthy smile.

Whether you need preventive dentistry or implants or want to address certain cosmetic issues, we offer a wide range of dental services.

Schedule an appointment with us and meet our doctors, Dr. Luis & Dr. Tori Mariusso. We also speak Spanish if you prefer the consultation to be in Spanish.

Share this post

Explore more blogs

The Benefits of a Bilingual Dentist: Clarity in Your Dental Implant Journey

Dental implants are a transformative solution for patients looking to restore their smiles, but they require a collaborative approach between you and your dentist.

read more
March 12, 2026

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: Which is the Fastest Way to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

A chipped tooth can feel like a sudden, confidence-shattering moment, especially when it’s one of your front teeth.

read more
March 4, 2026

Are Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments Just for Kids?

When it comes to protecting teeth from cavities and decay, many people assume dental sealants and fluoride treatments are strictly for children.

read more
February 26, 2026