Professional Teeth Cleaning in Santa Monica

Even with great brushing, flossing, and the occasional rinse with mouthwash, there are areas in your mouth that just don’t get clean at home. These hard-to-reach spots are where plaque and tartar build up and where problems can start.

Getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist isn’t just about looking good for your next selfie or beach outing. It’s one of the simplest, smartest ways to protect your teeth and gums long-term. And honestly? There’s nothing quite like that fresh, just-cleaned feeling when you walk out of the office.

Dental cleanings, what professionals call "prophylaxis," go far beyond what your daily routine can do. These appointments remove buildup you can’t see and can’t reach on your own.

Your hygienist uses special tools to gently remove tartar (that hardened plaque that brushing alone can’t handle) and soft plaque (the film that constantly forms on your teeth). After that, they’ll polish away surface stains and smooth your enamel for a healthy finish.

The process usually takes about 45–60 minutes. You’ll relax in the chair while your hygienist carefully cleans each tooth, checks your gums, and leaves your mouth in better shape than when you arrived.

Most dental experts suggest coming in every six months. But even if you haven’t noticed any problems, skipping cleanings can lead to trouble down the road. It’s time to book a visit if:

Curious what a cleaning appointment looks like at our Santa Monica office? Here’s a quick walk-through:

Step 1: Initial Exam

We start with a quick look inside your mouth to check for signs of decay, inflammation, or anything unusual. If we find something that needs a closer look, we’ll loop in the dentist.

Step 2: Removing Tartar and Plaque

Using a scaler, we carefully clear away plaque and hardened tartar from around the gumline and between your teeth. It’s painless, but you might hear a little scraping, it’s all part of the process.

Step 3: Polishing Your Teeth

Next, we polish your teeth with a special gritty paste and a high-speed brush. You can pick the flavor, most people go for mint. This step smooths the enamel and lifts minor surface stains.

Step 4: Deep Flossing

Even if you floss daily, this part of the cleaning gets into tight spaces and clears anything left behind. It’s also a great time to fine-tune your flossing technique if needed.

Step 5: Final Review and At-Home Tips

Before you leave, we’ll go over any findings and give you advice tailored to your smile. Whether it’s switching up your brush, adding a water flosser, or adjusting your routine, we’ve got your back.

Most appointments wrap up in under an hour. And if it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t stress, we’re here to help, not to judge.