¡Hablamos Español!
How Dental Cleanings Work
Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.
Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar. Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. Both electric and manual scaling methods can be combined to achieve the best results. Polishing completes the cleaning, making the surface of the teeth smooth and minimizing future plaque build-up.
What Is a Dental Cleaning?
Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful teeth. While daily brushing, flossing, and using an anti-cavity rinse are important at home, a professional cleaning at Avery Family Dentistry provides an added layer of protection against cavities, gingivitis, and tartar buildup. These routine cleanings go beyond what you can do at home, helping to keep your smile bright and your oral health on track.
Why Teeth Cleaning is So Important
Even with a solid at-home routine, it's nearly impossible to keep your mouth completely free of germs and tartar. Toothbrushes, floss, and rinses are helpful—but they can't reach every area, and being too aggressive with home care can sometimes cause damage. That’s why patients in Waukegan trust Avery Family Dentistry for safe, effective, and pain-free professional cleanings that help keep their smiles healthy.
During a typical cleaning, our dental hygienist will scale your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup—especially in hard-to-reach areas beneath the gum line. We use modern sonic and ultrasonic scalers, which are far more comfortable than the hand tools used in the past.
After scaling, we polish along the gum line to smooth the teeth and help prevent future plaque buildup. Once the cleaning is complete, you’ll rinse with water or a dental solution to finish the process.
Before you leave, we’ll provide personalized home care tips to help you protect your teeth and gums from gum disease and infection. With regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and healthy eating habits, you can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontitis—and make future cleanings quicker, easier, and more comfortable.
Professional Dental Cleaning
At Avery Family Dentistry, professional cleanings are performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist and are a key part of maintaining your oral health. Each cleaning appointment includes the following:
Oral Hygiene Instruction
We review proper brushing and flossing techniques and offer helpful tips for reaching areas that are often missed during daily care.
Plaque Removal
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and harbors bacteria. Over time, if not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus). The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gums—early signs of periodontal disease.
Calculus (Tartar) Removal
Once plaque hardens into calculus, it can accumulate above and below the gum line. This hardened buildup cannot be removed through brushing or flossing—it requires specialized dental instruments and professional care.
Tooth Polishing
After scaling, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and residual plaque in areas brushing and flossing can’t reach, leaving your smile smooth and bright.
We also offer professional teeth whitening services in Waukegan and the surrounding area to complement your cleanings and give your smile that extra sparkle. Keep your teeth looking their best with Avery Family Dentistry!
