Professional Cleanings
Bellevue, WA
At A Smiling Heart Dentistry, dental cleanings involve more than just getting your teeth cleaned. We see them as an opportunity to take a thorough look around your mouth and make sure anything starting to go wrong is addressed. This is why we perform cleanings and exams together. Having your teeth cleaned every six months is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy. These appointments help remove tartar, support gum health, educate you on home care, and catch small problems early.
Why Should I Have Regular Dental Cleanings When I Take Care of My Teeth At Home?
This is a common question. Brushing and flossing at home is essential, but not always enough. Plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar (calculus), which must be removed by a professional. Tartar can damage enamel and contribute to gum disease if left untreated.
At your dental cleaning, we use specialized tools to remove tartar and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Many adults suffer from some form of gum disease, from mild gingivitis to chronic periodontitis. We use an ultrasonic scaler—a tool that combines a directed stream of water with vibration—to safely clean your mouth. Chronic gum disease can lead to gum and bone loss, or even tooth extraction. Saving your natural teeth is always the best approach.
We also track your gum pocket depths to monitor for early warning signs of disease and help you make improvements between visits. These appointments are a great time for us to offer personalized home care tips and education.
Where Do We Clean When You Come In For A Cleaning?
We clean your whole mouth—including chewing surfaces, between your teeth, and along/below the gumline. Plaque can easily accumulate under your gum tissue where brushing can’t reach. Left unaddressed, this buildup can lead to decay and gum disease. Regular professional cleanings help keep your risks low.
Let Us Help You Create and Keep Good Dental Habits
We recommend seeing our team every six months. In some cases, such as early signs of gum disease, we may recommend visits every 3–4 months. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy reduces your risk of more invasive treatments down the road. If you’d like to learn more about our cleaning process or have questions, call A Smiling Heart Dentistry at (425) 558-9998. We’re here to help!