Teeth Cleaning
No matter how often you brush and floss, plaque and tartar deposits can still build up on your teeth and beneath your gums. A professional Brandon, FL dental cleaning helps preserve and maintain the longevity, usefulness, and overall health of your teeth.
While cleaning your teeth, the hygienist will remove plaque (thin layer of bacteria over your teeth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease) and tartar (calcified deposits that form on the teeth which harbor plaque which causes decay) that has built up and which has accumulated over time.
How often should you get a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is suggested every six months for patients with healthy gums.
How do I know I need a cleaning?
- If you have not visited your dentist for a cleaning within 6 months
- If you have bleeding during brushing or flossing
- If you have staining on your teeth
- If you see plaque on your teeth; a common area is the lower front teeth.
What to expect during your dental cleaning
When you come to our office to get your teeth cleaned, an experienced dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar. In a comfortable environment, your hygienist will:
- Use ultrasonic instruments to loosen tartar
- Use small hand scalers to remove smaller materials that the ultrasonic instruments was unable to remove
- Polish teeth
- Apply fluoride treatment (used to strengthen teeth and help to prevent future bacteria buildup)
Why should you visit your dentist every 6 months?
As mentioned above, regular visits to the dentist/hygienist are necessary because even with flossing and brushing, bacteria and plaque accumulate on your teeth. Everyday, we expose our teeth to things like soda, wine, coffee, tea, tobacco and other substances which can turn plaque to tartar. Your hygienist will use special instruments to remove tartar and brighten your smile.
Fun fact: Studies have revealed that there is a direct correlation between overall good health and good oral health. Some doctors will tell you, “it all starts with the mouth”.
Contact us to schedule a dental cleaning with one of our experienced dental hygienists.
Oral cancer screening
Oral cancer affects nearly 35,000 Americans every year. The keys to surviving oral cancer are early detection and early treatment. This starts with a regular oral cancer screening – at least once every six months. An oral cancer screening takes just minutes, is pain-free and can be performed during regular dental exams. If you are male, a regular oral cancer screening is especially critical: oral cancer is more than twice as common in men as it is in women. Other people at high risk of oral cancer include people over the age of 60, tobacco smokers and heavy drinkers.
At FICDentistry, your dentist will offer free oral cancer screenings to every patient as part of our regular exam. We believe wholeheartedly in prevention.
What is the difference between a deep dental cleaning and regular teeth cleaning?
Regular teeth cleaning (prophylaxis cleaning) is meant to PREVENT gum disease. IF you do have periodontal or gum disease, a deep cleaning is required to TREAT the disease beneath your gums.
Please see our gum disease (periodontal disease) page for more information including signs and symptoms, type of treatment, and frequently asked questions.
Our HYGIENISTS at FICDentistry are experienced in preventing AND treating gum disease.
What Makes Family, Implant, and Cosmetic Dentistry different?
- You are NOT a number
- Sedation options are available for nervous patients (including IV conscious sedation)
- Same Day Crowns! That means no temporaries
- Cutting Edge Technology including 3d x-rays
- Intra-oral scanners to avoid impression material
- Membership plans and payment plan options available
- We place AND restore dental implants
- Wide range of services in ONE place
Teeth Cleaning FAQs
Have questions about professional teeth cleanings? Here are answers to the most common questions our Brandon, FL patients ask.
A standard professional teeth cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup present.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a routine cleaning. If you have sensitive teeth or gum inflammation, let your hygienist know—they can adjust their technique to keep you comfortable.
Yes, you can eat after your cleaning. However, if a fluoride treatment was applied, we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride to fully absorb.
The cost of a teeth cleaning varies depending on whether you need a standard prophylaxis cleaning or a more extensive treatment. We offer membership plans and payment options for patients without insurance.
A regular teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline to prevent gum disease. A deep cleaning treats existing gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and along the tooth roots.
Bleeding gums during cleaning often indicate inflammation caused by plaque buildup or early-stage gum disease. Regular cleanings and improved home care typically reduce bleeding over time.
Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at little to no cost. Contact your insurance provider or ask our team for details about your coverage.
Yes, professional teeth cleaning removes surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. For deeper discoloration, ask about our teeth whitening options.
Skipping regular cleanings allows plaque to harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and eventually tooth loss. Prevention is far easier and more affordable than treatment.
Yes, we offer sedation options—including IV conscious sedation—for patients who feel nervous or anxious about dental visits.

