Teeth cleaning or teeth brushing is the elimination of unwanted tartar and dental plaque from teeth to prevent gum disease such as gingivitis and cavities. One-third of tooth loss by adult is due to severe gum diseases and even though how good our teeth are, it is useless if we are suffering from gum problems. A dental cleaning is a fairly routine procedure that is rarely painful.

To prevent tartar accumulation, good oral hygiene is very important between cleanings. We can do this by brushing our teeth frequently as well as using dental floss to prevent build-up of plaque on the teeth.  Dentists may lecture patients during a cleaning if they have a lot of plaque or if they don't regularly brush and floss their teeth. If a person is regularly caring for his or her teeth at home, and plaque build-up is still significant, this may indicate the need for more frequent cleanings.

Dental hygienists generally use several tools during a dental cleaning, including a tooth polisher and a dental scaler. Tooth polishers buff teeth and eliminate tiny pieces of plaque. They generally have several different sized heads for cleaning hard to reach places. Scalers look a bit like metal hooks and are used to remove hard plaque, especially between teeth. Some people find the use of a scaler uncomfortable, depending on their sensitivity level, pain threshold, the length of time since the last cleaning, and the extent of plaque build-up.

Dentists may also employ a device that shoots water into the mouth, so the person can rinse out plaque several times during the cleaning. In some cases, a dentist may merely use mouthwash for this purpose.

Dental cleanings often conclude with advice about how to care for teeth at home, and scheduling any appointments needed for more extensive services, like filling cavities. Health situations that involve your teeth can be serious issues. While thorough flossing and brushing, as well as regular dental check-ups, can help prevent dental emergencies.