Dental cleaning is an essential preventive dental procedure that helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. During a professional cleaning, a dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque, tartar, and stains that build up on the teeth over time. Even with regular brushing and flossing at home, some areas of the mouth are difficult to clean, which makes professional dental cleaning important for maintaining oral health.

The cleaning process typically involves scaling and polishing. Scaling removes hardened plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum line, while polishing smooths the teeth and removes surface stains. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while leaving the teeth feeling fresh and clean.