Teeth Cleaning
More people worldwide now recognize the importance of professional teeth cleaning, contributing to better oral health outcomes. According to a study, 65.5% of U.S. adults had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year, helping prevent cavities and gum disease. Teeth cleaning helps remove built-up plaque and tartar that brushing at home can’t reach. At Gentle Dental, we focus on thorough cleanings to keep your teeth & gums healthy.
Why Regular Teeth Cleaning Is Important for Healthy Teeth
Regular teeth cleaning makes a big difference; it keeps your teeth white and your mouth healthy. Plaque starts soft, but if it sits too long, it hardens into tartar. That stuff sticks like glue, and brushing at home isn’t enough to get it off. When we clean your teeth, we clear away all that buildup and check for early signs of problems like cavities or sore gums, which you may not notice yet.
Cleanings also help your breath stay fresh, making your mouth feel better. A simple visit twice a year can help avoid much future trouble. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth and gums happy.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Visit
We know sitting in the dental chair can feel a little nerve-wracking if you don’t know what to expect. But teeth cleaning is simple and satisfying. First, we quickly look around your mouth to see how everything’s doing. Then we use tiny tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. You might hear a little scraping or tickle, but we keep it gentle.
After that, we polish your teeth with a flavored paste and floss between them. If your teeth need it, we might add a fluoride rinse to keep them strong. Most cleanings don’t take long, usually under an hour, and many people leave saying their mouth feels lighter, fresher, just better.
How Teeth Cleaning Helps Your Gums and Jaw Stay Strong
Healthy gums and a strong jaw are the foundation for healthy teeth. When they’re healthy, your whole mouth works better, but if too much tartar builds up under the gums, bleeding, swelling, or even bone loss can occur. That’s why cleanings matter so much; we remove the stuff your toothbrush can’t reach, giving your gums a chance to stay firm. Clean gums hold your teeth in place and don’t bleed when you brush. The bone under your gums matters, too. If your gums get infected, that bone can slowly wear away. We help stop that from happening with regular cleanings.
Advanced Tools That Make Teeth Cleaning Easier
At Gentle Dental, we use newer tools that help us clean better, quicker, and more gently.
Here are a few of the tools we use:
- Ultrasonic scalers – These use tiny vibrations and water to loosen up tartar without scratching your teeth.
- Digital X-rays – These help us see what’s happening under your gums, so we don’t miss anything.
- Laser tools – These are great for cleaning deep spots and make the process more comfortable.
These modern tools clean your teeth better and reduce your time in the chair.
How a Regular Cleaning Is Different from a Deep Cleaning
We often get asked, “Is there more than one type of cleaning?” And the answer is yes. Regular cleaning is sufficient if your teeth and gums are in good condition. It keeps things tidy, clears the buildup, and helps keep your mouth healthy. But sometimes, we find signs of gum disease like puffiness or bleeding, that’s when we talk about a deep cleaning. We clean under your gums and smooth the roots of your teeth to help them heal.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Regular Cleaning – Removes buildup on top of your teeth and along the gum line.
- Deep Cleaning – Goes under the gums, helps treat gum disease, may need more than one visit.
How Often Should You Get a Teeth Cleaning
Most people need a cleaning every six months; it’s the best way to keep their teeth healthy and their mouth fresh. However, some people may require more frequent cleanings.
Here’s when you might need extra visits:
- Gum problems – If you’ve had gum disease, you may need a cleaning every 3–4 months
- Health issues – Conditions like diabetes can affect your gums and require more care
- Habits – Smoking or eating lots of sugar can lead to faster plaque buildup
Meet The Doctors
Dr. Joo Yeon Choi
Dr. Joo Yeon Choi earned her biology degree from Boston College and her dental degree (D.M.D.) from Boston University. She believes in giving gentle care using new dental technology & hands-on techniques. Dr. Choi keeps learning through continuing education to ensure her patients get the best care possible.
Dr. Sanghwan Ryan Lee
Dr. Ryan Lee grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and got his biology degree from the University of Waterloo. Before becoming a dentist, he worked in biotech research, helping develop tools for cancer screening. That experience led him to patient care, and he later earned his dental degree at Tufts University. He focuses on making patients feel comfortable so they take better care of their teeth.
Dr. Min Su Kwak
Dr. Min Su Kwak studied biology at the University of Georgia. He later earned a master’s in biomedical science and his dental degree from NYU. He believes in clear communication and putting patients at ease during every visit.
Dr. Jin Joo Cha
Dr. Jin Joo Cha completed her science degree at Syracuse University, her master’s in biomedical science at Rutgers, and her dental degree from Tufts University. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and focuses on personal goals and comfort. She’s active in continuing education and once traveled to Haiti with Dentists for Humanity to care for people without dental services.
Our team is here to make your visit comfortable and stress-free. Call us today to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment in Topsham ME and in Biddeford ME.
