Take care of your teeth and gums
Routine teeth cleaning and a checkup are among the most important steps you can take to preserve your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth inside and out. Cleaning removes plaque, tartar and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease and chronic bad breath. A hygienist can reach areas that are difficult to clean with routine brushing and flossing at home. A thorough cleaning and exam give the hygienist and dentist the perfect chance to monitor your oral health and catch problems early, before they become painful or expensive.
Regular teeth cleaning can also help your teeth look whiter and brighter naturally, without bleaching treatments.
- Eliminates plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria that damages your enamel.
- Removes tartar build up, plaque that has hardened and could lead to gum disease.
- Removes coffee, tea and other stains on your teeth.
- Checks for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of disease or infection.
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums support your teeth and frame your smile. We will carefully examine your tongue, gums, teeth and all areas of your mouth with special attention to the gum line to ensure your entire mouth is healthy without any signs of inflammation or gum disease. We promise not to be too hard on you about your flossing habits.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth. If not cleaned regularly with brushing, flossing and professional care, it hardens into tartar deposits. Tartar is often darker in color and found in hard to clean places like the gum line. A hygienist uses special tools and skill to carefully remove stuck on plaque and tartar from these areas. Once cleaned, your teeth are polished to remove stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth and review your chart and x rays. The dentist will focus on problem areas or troubling patterns and may recommend further treatment or provide advice on how to slow or reverse tooth decay, inflammation or gum disease. We welcome any questions or concerns about discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you may have.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Allentown
Routine checkups and cleanings are an excellent way to prevent dental problems. Most insurance plans nearly fully cover routine cleanings every six months. Without dental insurance, costs usually range from $120 to $300 or more, especially if this is your first visit or your first cleaning in a long time.
- Your current oral health.
- Need for new x rays.
- Time required by the dental team to meet your needs.
- Equipment and supplies needed.
Factors that affect your cost include:
These routine appointments are very important to us at our Dental Office in Allentown, as they are the most effective way to prevent invasive treatments, serious dental pain and keep you healthy and happy.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend visits every six months for cleaning and checkups. The dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your specific needs or schedule appointments further apart due to insurance or cost reasons.
Do not wait! Call us right away if you have any pain or discomfort. Cleanings help prevent problems but are not the only time to discuss concerns. Even if the problem seems minor, contact us so we can fix it while it is still minor.
Absolutely. Checkups cover your entire mouth including gums, tongue and bone. We want to ensure your dentures fit well and your oral health is maintained.
Most dental cleanings last between 30 minutes and one hour. You will be seated comfortably during the procedure.
Choose tartar control toothpaste with fluoride. No matter how good your brushing is, flossing is the only way to remove plaque between teeth and keep tartar out of hard to reach areas. Rinsing daily with an antiseptic mouthwash helps kill bacteria that cause plaque.
You may eat right after a regular cleaning but avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks. If you receive a fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Continue brushing and flossing to maintain the work your dentist has done.

