Dental Cleanings & Exams

Even with consistent brushing and flossing, plaque can build up in spots your toothbrush can't reach. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar, and a professional teeth cleaning is the safest way to remove it. Exams matter too — they help us catch small problems early, when treatment is simpler and often more affordable. You'll leave with a clear picture of your oral health and simple habits to keep your mouth healthier long after your visit.

For most adults and children, a cleaning and exam every six months is the standard recommendation. Some patients — those with a history of gum disease, higher cavity risk, or certain health conditions like diabetes — may benefit from visits every three to four months. At Dentiq Dentistry in Houston, the frequency is based on what's actually happening in your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

What Happens During a Professional Cleaning

A typical cleaning appointment at Dentiq runs between 45 and 60 minutes. Here's the general sequence:

• **Health history review** — The hygienist checks for any changes since your last visit, including medications that can affect oral health.
• **Plaque and tartar removal** — Using hand scalers and, in many offices, an ultrasonic scaler, the hygienist removes buildup from tooth surfaces and along the gumline — including areas a toothbrush physically cannot contact.
• **Polishing** — A mildly abrasive paste removes surface stains and leaves teeth feeling smooth.
• **Flossing** — A thorough floss between every contact point, which also helps check for tight spots where future problems can develop.
• **Fluoride treatment (when applicable)** — Often offered for children and adults with elevated cavity risk.

The cleaning itself is rarely painful. Patients who experience sensitivity during scaling usually find it helps to let the hygienist know early so the approach can be adjusted.

What the Exam Covers

The dental exam typically happens the same appointment as the cleaning. The dentist reviews X-rays, checks each tooth for decay, examines existing restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) for wear or failure, and evaluates gum tissue health by measuring pocket depths around each tooth.

A thorough exam also includes a soft-tissue screening — checking the cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, and throat for anything that looks abnormal. This step takes only a couple of minutes but is a consistent part of routine care.

X-rays are not taken at every visit. Bitewing X-rays are typically recommended once a year for adults at average risk; full-mouth series are usually taken every three to five years. The schedule depends on your history and risk level.

Who Should Come In

Dental cleanings and exams are appropriate for patients of all ages. Children can begin regular cleanings as soon as they have teeth worth cleaning — usually around age one to two, with full hygiene appointments common by age three or four. Adults at any stage, including those who haven't seen a dentist in years, benefit from returning to a routine schedule.

Patients in Houston who have been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety are worth mentioning specifically: a cleaning is one of the least invasive things that happens in a dental office, and it's a reasonable reentry point after a gap in care.

After Your Visit

After a cleaning, teeth can feel temporarily sensitive to temperature — this usually resolves within a day or two. The dentist or hygienist will walk through any findings and, if something needs follow-up, explain what it is and why it matters before recommending next steps. Nothing is scheduled without your understanding and agreement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

**How long does a routine cleaning and exam take?** Most appointments run 45 to 60 minutes. If it's your first visit or you're overdue for X-rays, budget closer to 75 to 90 minutes.

**Does a cleaning hurt?** Not usually. Some patients feel sensitivity during tartar removal near the gumline, especially if it's been a while since their last cleaning. Letting the hygienist know allows them to adjust technique or take breaks as needed.

**How often do I actually need to come in?** Twice a year is the standard starting point. Patients with gum disease or high cavity risk are often seen more frequently — three to four times per year is common in those cases.

**What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?** A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) addresses plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline in a healthy or minimally diseased mouth. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes further below the gumline and is used to treat active gum disease. Your exam findings determine which is appropriate.

**What if it's been several years since my last dental visit?** A longer gap usually means more tartar buildup and sometimes more to catch up on, but it's not a reason to avoid coming in. The first appointment will include a full assessment so the team understands exactly where things stand before any treatment is discussed.