Why cleanings matter
Even careful brushing and flossing miss spots. Over time, soft plaque hardens into tartar that a toothbrush can’t budge — it has to be gently scaled off. Left alone, tartar leads to gum inflammation, bleeding, bad breath, and eventually bone loss and tooth loss. Your professional cleaning is what keeps that cycle from getting started.
What a cleaning visit looks like
A routine cleaning takes about 45 to 60 unhurried minutes. Your hygienist scales away plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth, flosses carefully, and finishes with a rinse. For patients who benefit from extra cavity protection — especially children and teens — a fluoride varnish goes on at the end.
Your comprehensive exam
After the cleaning, Dr. Chaudhry does a comprehensive exam that goes well beyond looking for cavities. Every tooth and restoration is charted, the depth of your gum pockets is measured, you get an oral cancer screening, and your digital X-rays are reviewed for decay between teeth, bone loss, and anything else worth a closer look.
How often should you come in?
For most patients, cleanings every six months are the right rhythm. If you’ve had periodontal (gum) disease, your hygienist may suggest periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months instead — consistency is what keeps gum disease quiet for life. Either way, the reasoning will be explained clearly.