Professional Teeth Cleanings (Prophylaxis)

Keep Your Smile Healthy with Routine Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to protect your oral health. 

At Family Dentistry, Inc., we provide gentle professional cleanings for patients of all ages at our Lebanon and Franklin, Ohio, locations. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, help prevent cavities and gum disease, and allow our dental team to identify concerns before they become more serious.

Whether it's your own routine preventive visit, we're here to help you maintain a healthy smile for life.

What Is a Professional Dental Cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, a routine cleaning, is an important part of maintaining your oral health. During this approximately one-hour appointment, one of our experienced dental hygienists will gently remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains from your teeth. 

Regular cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease while keeping your smile healthy, comfortable, and looking its best.

Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque can harden into tartar in areas that are difficult to clean at home. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed with professional dental instruments.

Routine cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy while reducing your risk of future dental problems.

Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning: What's the Difference?

Many patients are surprised to learn that not all dental cleanings are the same.

A routine dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventive service recommended for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis. During your visit, one of our dental hygienists removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above the gumline to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

If your dentist finds signs of periodontal (gum) disease, a routine cleaning may not be enough. In these cases, a deep cleaning, also called Scaling & Root Planing, is recommended to remove bacteria and tartar from below the gumline where infection develops.

Learn more about Scaling & Root Planing →

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

Your preventive visit typically includes:

• A review of your medical and dental history
• An examination of your teeth and gums
• Digital X-rays when recommended
• Removal of plaque and tartar
• Polishing to remove surface stains
• Professional flossing
• Personalized home care recommendations
• A comprehensive exam by one of our dentists

Your appointment is also an opportunity to ask questions about your oral health and discuss any concerns you may have.

Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important?

Professional cleanings help:

• Remove plaque and hardened tartar that cannot be removed with brushing alone.
• Reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Detect dental problems early, when treatment is often simpler and less invasive.
• Freshen your breath and remove surface stains.
• Preserve your natural teeth and healthy gums.
• Support your long-term oral health and overall well-being.

Research continues to show a close connection between oral health and overall health. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums may also support the management of certain chronic health conditions by reducing oral inflammation.

How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?

Most patients benefit from a professional dental cleaning and examination every six months.

Some patients, particularly those with a history of gum disease, diabetes, tobacco use, or other oral health concerns, may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Our dentists and hygienists will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.

What's the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

A routine dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is designed for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis.

A deep cleaning, known as Scaling & Root Planing, is recommended when gum disease has developed beneath the gumline. During your examination, we'll determine which type of cleaning is appropriate for your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental cleanings painful?

Most patients find routine cleanings comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let our team know so we can make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Will my teeth be whiter after a cleaning?

Professional cleanings remove many surface stains caused by coffee, tea, and certain foods. While they can make your smile appear brighter, they do not change the natural color of your teeth. If you're interested in a whiter smile, ask us about our professional teeth whitening options.

Is dental cleaning covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans include preventive cleanings as part of routine preventive care. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and answer any insurance questions.

Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning

Routine preventive care is one of the best investments you can make in your smile. Whether you're due for your six-month visit or looking for a new dental home, the team at Family Dentistry, Inc. is here to help.

Contact our Lebanon or Franklin office today to schedule your professional dental cleaning and comprehensive dental exam.

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