Normal brushing is not enough. No matter how diligently you brush and floss, plaque builds up in areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Left in place, tartar irritates the surrounding gum tissue and creates the conditions for gum disease, persistent bad breath, and potentially, tooth loss.
Professional teeth cleaning breaks down and removes these deposits. The result is a cleaner, fresher mouth and a significantly lower risk of future dental issues.
OptiSmile’s qualified oral hygienists use specialist instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and gumline. They’ll also give you personalised oral health guidance to help maintain your results between visits.
We explain first
Nothing happens without you understanding it. We talk you through each step before we begin.
We go at your pace
Anxious or sensitive? Tell us. We adjust, pause when you need to, and AIRFLOW® makes the clean gentler from the start.
No judgement
No matter how long it has been, you are welcome. We are here to help, not to lecture.
Regular teeth cleaning is an essential part of a healthy mouth and smile. Our specially trained oral hygienists perform this routine procedure in our offices and will leave your teeth feeling stronger, cleaner and healthier!
Every clean at OptiSmile follows Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), using the Swiss-made EMS AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master. It lifts away biofilm and stains with a gentle stream of warm water, air and fine powder, working safely around natural teeth, implants, crowns, veneers and braces.
Because the water is warmed to body temperature and very little metal touches your teeth, most patients find it far more comfortable than a traditional clean, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
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Professional Teeth Cleaning | At-Home Cleaning | |
What it removes | Biofilm, surface stains and hardened tartar (calculus) that brushing cannot remove | Soft plaque and surface debris |
Tools used | EMS AIRFLOW® (Guided Biofilm Therapy), EMS PIEZON® ultrasonic scaler, and hand instruments where needed | Toothbrush, floss, mouthwash |
Frequency | Every 6 months (every 3 to 4 months for higher-risk patients) | Twice daily |
Who performs it | Qualified oral hygienist | You |
Gum health | Removes tartar below the gumline that causes gum disease | Helps maintain healthy gums |
Stain removal | EMS AIRFLOW® removes built-up surface staining and biofilm gently, with no abrasive paste | Minimal surface stain reduction |
Some patients experience mild tooth sensitivity after a professional cleaning, particularly to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This is normal and typically settles within 24 to 48 hours.
Sensitivity after cleaning is usually caused by temporary exposure of the tooth roots or gumline during tartar removal.
To manage sensitivity after your cleaning:
Take a look at our most common questions about Teeth Cleaning. If you have further queries, please contact us for help.
Does scaling and polishing damage your teeth?
Scaling is a safe, routine procedure that does not damage tooth enamel. Using specialist instruments, your oral hygienist removes tartar, plaque, and debris from the tooth surface and gumline — helping to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Does scaling whiten teeth?
Professional scaling removes the plaque and tartar buildup that causes surface dullness, and AIRFLOW® lifts away surface staining, leaving teeth visibly cleaner and brighter. While a professional clean restores your teeth’s natural colour by removing deposits and staining, it does not bleach the tooth itself. For patients wanting a whiter result beyond their natural shade, we can provide a professional cleaning with teeth whitening treatment.
Does teeth cleaning help with gum disease and bad breath?
Yes. Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and irritate the surrounding tissue. Left untreated, it can progress to tooth loss. Symptoms include bleeding or receding gums, persistent bad breath, and sensitivity. Regular professional cleanings remove the deposits responsible, helping to prevent gum disease from developing or worsening.
When do you need a teeth cleaning?
Your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, making early detection essential. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are signs of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, and a professional cleaning can remove the plaque and tartar responsible and help get your gum health back on track.
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque builds up in areas only a hygienist can reach. Left long enough, it hardens into tartar, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
If you have diabetes, you may be at higher risk as well. Changes in saliva sugar levels accelerate plaque and tartar formation, and a reduced ability to fight infection means oral health problems can progress more quickly. Regular cleanings are especially important.
If it has been more than six months since your last visit, don’t wait until you’re in pain — by then, the damage may already be done.
Is teeth cleaning painful?
For most patients, professional teeth cleaning is comfortable — often described as a tickling or vibrating sensation rather than pain. Many patients enjoy the clean, smooth feeling of their teeth afterwards.
Some sensitivity or brief discomfort can occur, particularly if it has been a while since your last cleaning or if you have exposed dentine or tender gums. This is normal and short-lived.
What is an Oral Hygienist, and how does their role relate to teeth cleaning?
An oral hygienist is a qualified dental professional specialising in the prevention of oral disease. Our hygienists perform professional teeth cleanings, removing plaque, tartar, and staining, while also assessing your overall gum health and screening for early signs of decay and gum disease.
Beyond cleaning, they provide personalised guidance on brushing technique, flossing, and home care tailored to your mouth. Regular visits to your hygienist are one of the most effective ways to maintain long-term oral health.
What is the difference between scaling and polishing and a regular teeth cleaning?
Scaling and polishing is the traditional name for a professional teeth cleaning, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Scaling removes hardened tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and along the gumline. Polishing traditionally followed, using a mildly abrasive paste to remove surface stains.
At OptiSmile, Guided Biofilm Therapy replaces the traditional polish. EMS AIRFLOW® removes surface stains gently at the start of your clean, so no abrasive paste is needed.
What happens if I skip professional teeth cleanings?
Skipping professional cleanings allows tartar to accumulate in areas that brushing and flossing cannot reach. Over time, this leads to a predictable chain of problems.
Tartar at and below the gumline irritates the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Beyond gum disease, missed cleanings increase the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and staining. For patients managing existing dental work such as crowns, implants, or veneers, regular hygiene visits are essential to protect that investment.
Dr. Clifford Yudelman
Founder & Principal Dentist, OptiSmile
As a globally recognised restorative and cosmetic dentistry expert, Dr Yudelman brings over 40 years of experience across four continents. A 1983 Bachelor of Dental Science graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, his career has spanned private practices in London, San Diego, Perth, and Cape Town. Currently the founder and principal dentist at OptiSmile, he is celebrated for transforming dental visits into positive experiences and fostering patient confidence through superior dental health, with a commitment to the latest dental technology for improved patient outcomes.
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