General and Preventative Dentistry

General and Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dental care is designed to strengthen your oral health and head off problems before they have the chance to develop into something more serious. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, combined with flossing between teeth at least once daily, goes a long way towards controlling plaque and reducing the levels of harmful bacteria in your mouth — both essential steps in maintaining lasting oral health.

Plaque and Dental Calculus

As important as your home care routine is, it is not sufficient on its own and needs to be supported by regular professional dental visits. Even when you are brushing and flossing consistently, plaque and tartar can still accumulate on tooth surfaces and along the gumline in areas that are difficult to reach.

When plaque is not removed in time, it undergoes a hardening process and becomes a calcified deposit known as tartar. Once tartar forms on or around the teeth and gums, it creates the conditions for tooth decay and gum disease to take hold — and unlike plaque, it cannot be removed by brushing at home. Clearing tartar requires professional cleaning at a dental clinic.

What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning is the process of removing plaque, tartar, and surface staining from the teeth and polishing them to a smooth finish. This is carried out by a qualified dental hygienist or oral health therapist using specialised instruments designed to access areas that cannot be reached by a toothbrush.

Benefits of a Professional Dental Clean

Having your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist or oral health therapist results in noticeably cleaner, fresher teeth. During the appointment, the clinician will carefully examine the mouth for any signs of concern — including tooth decay, cavities, fractures or chips, discolouration, or the presence of tartar. The health and condition of the gums will also be assessed, with any signs of gum disease identified and brought to the dentist’s attention. If any oral health issues are found, appropriate treatment options will be discussed with you.

Regular professional cleaning will:

Prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar
Reduce the likelihood of developing common dental problems
Help reverse the earliest stages of gum disease
Deliver a thorough clean in the spaces between teeth and along the gumline
Protect against bone and gum loss
Keep gum tissue in good health
Leave you with fresher breath and a cleaner, healthier smile

What Happens During a Professional Dental Clean

Our dental hygienists begin by using small hand mirrors to examine the teeth and gums closely. If anything of concern is identified, the dentist will be notified before the cleaning proceeds.

Once the all-clear is given, the hygienist will begin scaling the teeth using a scaler instrument. The scale and clean process removes plaque and calculus from those hard-to-reach spots — particularly between teeth and around the gumline — that daily brushing simply cannot address.

The teeth are then polished using a mildly abrasive dental paste and a specialised high-powered handpiece, which smooths the tooth surfaces and lifts any stubborn surface stains. Flossing is also incorporated into the session, clearing away any residual debris or polishing paste from between the teeth.

To finish, the hygienist may rinse the mouth with an antibacterial solution. You will leave with a personalised prevention plan to help you maintain your results and keep dental problems from developing between appointments.

Types of Professional Teeth Cleaning

Following a thorough oral assessment, the most appropriate type of cleaning will be recommended based on the current state of your teeth and gums.

Prophylaxis (Routine Clean): This is the standard preventive clean suitable for patients with generally healthy teeth and gums. It removes hardened plaque deposits and surface staining to maintain oral health and reduce the risk of future buildup. A prophylaxis clean every six months is what most dentists recommend.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Clean): This more intensive cleaning procedure is indicated for patients who are at heightened risk of gum disease or who are experiencing its early stages (gingivitis). It involves cleaning below the gumline to remove deposits from the tooth roots and smooth the root surfaces to discourage bacteria from re-adhering.
Gross Debridement: Patients who have gone an extended period without professional cleaning, or who have been irregular with their dental check-ups, may require a gross debridement. This more comprehensive initial clean removes the substantial buildup that has accumulated before a standard scale and clean or periodontal assessment can be properly conducted.

How Often Should I Have a Professional Clean?

Staying on top of your dental health means scheduling a check-up and professional clean every six months. Regular visits allow any developing issues to be caught early and keep your teeth and gums in their best possible condition between appointments.

Is Professional Teeth Cleaning Painful?

Professional dental cleaning is generally a comfortable and pain-free experience for most patients. In cases where there is significant sensitivity or more extensive treatment is required, the area can be numbed with a local anaesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout.

How Much Does Professional Teeth Cleaning Cost?

The cost of a professional clean will vary depending on the extent of cleaning required, the type of procedure recommended, and the location of the dental clinic. As a general guide, a standard teeth cleaning appointment typically ranges from $75 to $215.

This total cost generally includes:

An initial comprehensive oral examination
Removal of bacteria, plaque, and tartar deposits
Dental X-rays where indicated

For a precise quote tailored to your individual needs, we recommend speaking directly with your dentist at your appointment.

Will a Professional Clean Whiten My Teeth?

A professional dental clean will leave your teeth noticeably cleaner and more polished by removing surface staining that has built up over time. However, it is important to understand that cleaning is not the same as whitening — if you are looking to achieve a noticeably brighter or lighter smile, a dedicated professional teeth whitening treatment would be the appropriate next step.

About Our Dental Clinic

Our modern dental clinic is conveniently located in the Brisbane area and offers a wide range of affordable dental treatments to suit every patient. We are open seven days a week, and online bookings are available 24 hours a day. Flexible payment options are also available, including instalment plans to help make dental care accessible regardless of your budget.