Professional Teeth Cleaning – The Key to Prevention
No matter how diligently you brush and floss, certain areas of the mouth are beyond the reach of any home care routine. Calculus (tartar) — the hardened mineral deposit that forms on tooth surfaces over time — can only be removed with professional instruments. Regular professional cleaning is therefore not a luxury but a necessity for long-term oral health.
What Is Calculus?
When plaque (the soft, sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth) is not removed by brushing, it mineralises within 24–72 hours, hardening into calculus. Once formed, calculus cannot be removed by any toothbrush or dental product.
Calculus provides a rough surface on which new plaque accumulates even more readily, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. Calculus at and below the gum line is a primary driver of gum disease — the bacteria within it cause the inflammation and bone destruction characteristic of periodontitis.
What Happens at a Professional Cleaning?
At Smilecraft, professional cleaning (prophylaxis) is performed by an experienced dental hygienist or dentist and includes:
Supragingival cleaning: Removal of calculus and staining from tooth surfaces above the gum line, using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments.
Subgingival cleaning: Removal of calculus from below the gum line — the area critical for periodontal health.
Polishing: Removal of surface staining using a polishing paste and rotating cup or Prophyflex air polishing system.
Oral hygiene review: Assessment of the patient's home care and personalised advice on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and products.
How Often Is Professional Cleaning Needed?
For most patients, a professional cleaning every 6 months is appropriate. Patients with active or treated gum disease, heavy calculus accumulation, or implants may benefit from more frequent intervals — typically every 3–4 months.
At Smilecraft, we adapt the cleaning frequency and technique to each patient's individual needs.
