You’ve probably heard your dentist tell you to come in for a cleaning every six months—but have you ever wondered what a dental cleaning does, exactly? Is it just about brushing and polishing, or is there more going on during those routine visits?
At BRIGHT Dentistry in Colorado Springs, we’re here to answer that question in full. A dental cleaning isn’t just about a brighter smile—it’s a crucial part of maintaining long-term oral health. From preventing gum disease to catching early signs of tooth decay, professional cleanings play a major role in keeping your mouth healthy.
Let’s take a closer look at what a dental cleaning does, why it matters, and what to expect when you come in for your visit.
What Does a Dental Cleaning Do? A Step-by-Step Breakdown
To understand what a dental cleaning does, it helps to walk through the steps of a typical visit at BRIGHT Dentistry.
1. Oral Examination
Before your hygienist starts cleaning, they’ll first examine your entire mouth. This includes checking your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues for any signs of trouble—such as inflammation, cavities, or oral cancer.
So what does a dental cleaning do at this stage? It helps your dental team spot early warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. That way small issues don’t turn into bigger ones.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque builds up in hard-to-reach areas. If left untreated, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional dental tools.
What does a dental cleaning do during this step? It safely scrapes away plaque and tartar from your teeth and around your gumline using a tool called a scaler. This reduces your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
3. Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning
Next, we polish your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and special toothpaste. This part of the process smooths the enamel and removes surface stains from food, drinks, or tobacco.
If you’re still wondering what a dental cleaning does, this is where your teeth get their shine back—leaving your smile looking and feeling clean.
4. Expert Flossing
Even if you floss daily, nothing compares to a professional doing it for you. Your hygienist will floss deep between your teeth and identify areas where your gums may bleed or where plaque tends to build up.
What does a dental cleaning do in this step? It targets buildup you may have missed and reinforces healthy flossing habits for your routine at home.
5. Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment (If Needed)
You’ll rinse out any debris left behind, and in some cases, we’ll apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities. Fluoride treatments are especially helpful for children, teens, or anyone prone to decay.
So, again, what does a dental cleaning do? It gives your mouth a full reset—clearing away harmful bacteria and giving your teeth an extra layer of protection.
The Real Benefits of What a Dental Cleaning Does
Understanding what a dental cleaning does is just the beginning. The benefits of keeping up with cleanings every six months—or more often if needed—go far beyond the surface.
1. Prevents Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar under the gumline can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Regular cleanings help reverse early gum issues before they lead to bone loss or tooth loss.
2. Reduces Risk of Cavities
Cavities are caused by plaque acids that erode enamel. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar before they can do damage—especially in areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
So what does a dental cleaning do for cavity prevention? It’s one of the most powerful tools available to stop decay in its tracks.
3. Freshens Breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by bacteria and food particles trapped in the mouth. A thorough cleaning removes the source of the odor and gives your breath a lasting freshness.
4. Brightens Your Smile
Coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco can all stain your teeth over time. Cleanings help lift surface stains and restore the natural brightness of your smile—without the need for whitening treatments.
Still asking what a dental cleaning does for aesthetics? A lot more than you’d think!
5. Detects Potential Dental Issues Early
When you visit the dentist regularly, we can spot early signs of cracked teeth, receding gums, enamel erosion, or oral cancer—giving you a better chance of addressing them before they worsen.
Who Needs Dental Cleanings—and How Often?
While most people benefit from cleanings every six months, others may need them every three to four months. If you have had gum disease, wear braces, or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, more frequent cleanings are key to preventing complications.
At BRIGHT Dentistry, we tailor your cleaning schedule based on your individual needs and oral health history.
Schedule Your Cleaning at BRIGHT Dentistry in Colorado Springs
Now that you know what a dental cleaning does, you can see why it’s so essential—not just for your smile, but for your total health. Cleanings keep bacteria in check, brighten your teeth, and help you avoid costly dental procedures down the road.
Whether it’s been six months or a few years, our team at BRIGHT Dentistry is here to help you get back on track with gentle, thorough cleanings in a stress-free environment.
Schedule your cleaning today with BRIGHT Dentistry—because a healthier, brighter smile is just one visit away.
