Dental Cleanings: The Key to a Bright, Healthy Smile

A healthy smile starts with regular dental cleanings.

Preventive care is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing serious dental problems.

During a dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. They’ll also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and help prevent future discoloration.

During a teeth cleaning, your hygienist will check for signs of gum disease and provide you with personalized oral hygiene instructions.

Understanding Teeth Cleaning

So what exactly is teeth cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from teeth, while also checking for signs of gum disease and providing oral health education.

Regular dental cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health and preventing issues like cavities and gum disease.

Feeling a little overdue for a dental cleaning? We understand. At Meridian Dental, you’ll find a friendly, judgment-free zone where we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy smile.

Benefits of Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings offer numerous benefits for your oral health:

Prevention of Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease. Regular cleanings remove these harmful substances, reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Cavity Prevention

Cleanings help remove plaque, a major cause of cavities. By keeping your teeth clean and free from plaque, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities.

Improved Oral Health

Regular cleanings can help identify and address potential oral health problems early, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.

Fresher Breath

Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath. Regular teeth cleanings can help eliminate these odor-causing substances, resulting in fresher breath.

Brighter Smile

Professional cleanings can remove surface stains and help your teeth look brighter and more appealing.

Overall Health

Studies have shown that oral health is linked to overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular cleanings can contribute to your overall well-being.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Teeth cleanings should occur every six months. This is the standard recommendation by most dentists and the American Dental Association (ADA) to maintain good oral health.

However, some people may need more frequent cleanings, such as every three to four months, depending on their oral health condition. For example:

It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the appropriate frequency of dental cleanings for your individual needs.

Deep Teeth Cleaning

Sometimes, plaque and tartar can build up so much that it becomes difficult to remove with just brushing and flossing.

This buildup can lead to gum disease, which can cause your gums to become inflamed, bleed, or even recede.

A deep dental cleaning is a deep cleaning for your teeth beyond what you might experience with a regular dental cleaning.

Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, involve removing stubborn deposits below the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces to promote healing and prevent future buildup.

This procedure is often recommended for individuals with gum disease or a history of periodontal problems.

Hear What Our Patients Say About Dental Cleanings from Meridian Dental

"Had to go to the dentist for routine cleaning plus this time had to get a couple fillings. Just wanted to say Dr. G and the assistant J. We’re an awesome team and got things done very very efficiently. For someone who doesn’t like the dentist it says a lot, I highly recommend Meridian Dental for all your dental needs!!! They definitely get a 5 star++"
Dan T.

“Extraction and deep scale cleaning. The entire staff was amazingly gentle. This coming from a guy who HATES dentists! These guys and gals are awesome! Wholly recommended to everyone! Also very quick to get an appointment as well as the way they perform the work!”
Scott H.

“My family had cleanings scheduled together and we were able to have treatment done that same day! The front office staff was very friendly and the doctor was very informative and patient with our many questions. Great office and very convenient location!”
Lena K.

“The staff is always so friendly. They also do a great job with cleanings. I would definitely recommend Meridian dental LLC to family and friends.”
Silvia J.

“I had a great experience with Meridian Dental. Dr. Gurr was very informative and gentle. His staff was welcoming and kind. When I called to make an appointment for a sensitive tooth and was also in need of cleaning I was able to make an appointment the next day. ”
Jamie C.

“Wonderful office! Kelsey is my favorite hygienist ever! Always excited to go in for my 6 month cleaning! I enjoy the massage chairs just as much!”
Heather R.

“I had made an appointment for a regular cleaning, but my husband's tooth started hurting the same day I made the appointment(later that evening). So the next day I called to see if I could get him in early and they said, "No problem!" We were able to get in that very day as new patients, and they fix my husband's tooth problem. They also rescheduled our previously scheduled cleaning for that day since we were already there, which meant that we didnt have to make the hour drive to the office the following week! Super accommodating and really nice hygienist and dentist. Also really appreciated they gave us a cost estimate before any work was done so we knew beforehand and could make the decision to have work done or not. There was no sticker shock at the end. Office staff were also great! Overall really excellent customer service and felt they bent over backwards to accommodate us despite their busy schedule. Highly recommend Meridian Dental! ”
Trouton S.

“I have been going to Meridian Dental since I moved to the valley in 2017. I have been so happy with their service- I even went ahead and scheduled my two children (Ages 4 & 3) to have their teeth cleaned there from now on. The staff has always been too kind and accommodating to everyone that has come through their door, including myself. At most dental clinics I have been too in the past, I have bled during my cleaning and dealt with pain while having my teeth cleaned due to the hygienist, but never at Meridian. They are very careful and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible at all times. I can not recommend this dental office enough!”
Elizabeth B.

“I usually don’t write reviews, but I’ve been a patient here since they opened. My family and I have had the full gamut of work done here. This has ranged from the usually cleanings, fillings, crowns, and partial’s. These are a few reason why I love coming here, as follows: My husband has a phobia of dentist and Dr. Gurr and his team really worked to make him feel at ease. My kids were being seen at a paediatric place and after my 4 year old has some damage on her front baby teeth they wanted her to have surgery and taken out. Their eagerness made me really hesitant. It just seemed more about making a buck on her rather than her actually care. I went to Meridian for a second opinion and we decided to do the wait and see. A couple months later her teeth were fine, and now two years later they came out and now her adult teeth are in with no issues! Before they do anything they make sure to run the numbers with you to make sure you understand all the cost. Everyone is super cool and accommodating. Their bedside manner is the best.”
Ame L.

“Great dentist office. I had a cleaning with Brooks and he was the most thorough hygienist I’ve ever had. He was considerate of my TMJ and sensitivity and made sure every single tooth was up to par. The massage chair is also a plus. Overall, great experience.”
Sutton B.

“The staff were amazing and they did a good job with my teeth cleaning and exam.”
Mahlon T.

“Meridian Dental is amazing! I had a cleaning today and one of the dentists happily did it himself as they were short a hygienist who was home with a sick kiddo. All the staff there are so kind, caring, and compassionate! I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.😁”
Laura J.

“I can't be more pleased with Dr Gurr and all of his staff. They are there to help with dental health without judgment, give you all the information and options to help with your oral care. And they have options for those that don't have insurance to keep up with cleanings and examinations. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate dental service, consider them.”
Cindy W.

“I would highly recommend Meridian Dental to anyone. The staff is professional while still being kind and courteous. They worked with me around the pandemic to make sure I got the care I needed. Dr. Gurr is amazing at what he does and he makes sure you are comfortable while he is working. I really appreciate the care I received from my cleaning, and my later appointment, to get a tooth filled. I’m glad I found them!”
Alex A.

“From cleanings to fillings; accurate quotes, know and work well with my insurance company, they do what they say they'll do! Really great people who care about the patient. I really can't say enough good things about this group, I trust them completely!!!! If you're looking for a dentist/hygienist, Meridian Dental is by far the best!!!!!”
Ray W.

Taking the Next Step

Whether you’re due for a 6-month cleaning or it’s been a while since your last visit, Meridian Dental is here to help!

We offer a comfortable and friendly environment to make your teeth cleaning exceptional.

Visit Us

Come enjoy the best that dentistry has to offer at Meridian Dental.

The Perfect Location for Your Smile! Centrally located in Wasilla, we offer convenient access to exceptional dental care.

Office Hours

Mon - Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings

Most dental professionals recommend getting a dental cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings based on your individual oral health needs.

During a teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. They will also polish your teeth to remove stains and make them smoother. 

Dental cleanings should not hurt. If you experience any discomfort, let your dental hygienist know. They can adjust the cleaning technique to make it more comfortable.

A typical dental cleaning takes about 30 minutes. However, the time may vary depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup.

It’s best to avoid eating or drinking for at least an hour before your dental cleaning. This will help prevent food particles from getting stuck in your teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth, let your dental hygienist know. They can use special techniques and products to make the cleaning more comfortable.

Yes, it’s safe to get a dental cleaning while pregnant. In fact, it’s more important than ever to maintain good oral health during pregnancy.

The cost of a teeth cleaning can vary depending on your insurance coverage and the specific services provided. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider and your dentist’s office to get an estimate.

Yes, deep cleanings are often recommended for people with gum disease. Deep cleanings can help remove bacteria and promote healing.

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