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A dental cleaning gets your teeth clean and helps the dentist see them well. Here is what the team might use, what it feels like, and what grown-ups can ask.
A cleaning removes the soft, sticky film called plaque from your teeth. If you have stains or hard buildup, the team can clean those off too. Clean teeth are easier for the dentist to look at, and easier to keep healthy.
Your goal today: learn what the team does during a cleaning, and how a cleaning works together with brushing at home.
You can ask to see each tool first, and to hear what it will sound like.
Plaque comes back every day. That is why the cleaning at the dentist and your brushing at home work as a team.
The team picks the kind of cleaning that fits you. Here are some things you might see:
A cleaning does more than make teeth shine. The AAPD describes three extra jobs it does at a checkup.
Clean teeth and gums are easier for the dentist to check carefully.
The team can show you and your grown-up how to brush and clean between teeth.
A gentle cleaning is a friendly way to get used to dental tools and visits.
A soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth every day. Brushing at home and cleanings at the dentist remove it.
You can ask to see it first, and to hear what it sounds like.
What it is. The AAPD describes a professional cleaning (prophylaxis) as removing plaque, surface stains and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. The method is chosen for each child. For a very young child, a child who is not yet able to cooperate, a child with special health care needs, or a child with no tartar or stain, the team may simply clean with a toothbrush.
What the evidence says. The AAPD notes limited evidence that a cleaning lowers plaque and gum bleeding for a short time, but it may not prevent gum inflammation (gingivitis) on its own. What makes the difference is the home-care teaching that comes with it. The AAPD still supports a cleaning at new-patient exams and regular checkups, because it helps the exam, removes buildup and teaches home care.
The AAPD supports a professional cleaning at new-patient exams and regular checkups. How often your child comes back depends on their risk of cavities and gum disease, as judged by the dentist.
Not on its own. The AAPD notes limited evidence that a cleaning lowers plaque and gum bleeding for a short time but may not prevent gingivitis. Teaching and practicing good brushing and cleaning between teeth at home is what lowers plaque and gum inflammation over time.
No. The AAPD says plaque does not block fluoride from reaching the teeth, and children who have a cleaning before fluoride do not have fewer cavities than those who do not. A cleaning is not required before fluoride is applied.
Tartar (calculus) is hard buildup on the teeth that brushing cannot remove. The team removes it with hand tools or an ultrasonic tool. The AAPD notes that gum inflammation that will not settle, even with good brushing at home, is sometimes caused by tartar that was missed.
The AAPD lists a toothbrush, floss or small between-teeth brushes, a rubber cup or bristle brush for polishing, hand instruments, ultrasonic scalers and air polishers. Ultrasonic tools may be gentler on the gums and quicker than hand tools. Air polishing uses a mix of air, water and fine powder to remove stains and plaque.
Some offices use a disclosing tablet, rinse or solution that colors plaque so it is easy to see. It shows exactly where to brush better, so the team can give advice that fits your child.
The AAPD says cleaning between the teeth is needed once the gaps between teeth are filled with gum or the teeth touch, because brushing alone does not clean those spaces well. Floss or small between-teeth brushes both work.
The clinical statements on this page come from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) policy on the role of dental prophylaxis in pediatric dentistry.
Review status: pending. No named reviewer or review date yet.
This website is for education only and does not replace care from your dentist, physician, or emergency services.