Dental Cleanings
The cleanest your smile will ever feel.
2 min read
A professional dental cleaning in Richmond, TX removes the plaque and tartar your toothbrush simply can't. At Mega Dental, our gentle hygienists leave your teeth feeling fresh, smooth, and protected against future decay and gum disease.
- Removes tartar your brush can't reach
- Polishes away surface stains
- Protects against gum disease
- Fluoride treatment included
Overview
Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar in the spots a toothbrush and floss can't reach. Professional dental cleanings remove that buildup, polish away surface stains, and give us a chance to coach you on your technique. Most patients should have a cleaning every six months — those with gum disease may benefit from more frequent visits.
Why dental cleanings matter
Regular cleanings do more than keep your teeth looking bright — they play a key role in preventing serious dental issues. With routine cleanings, we detect early signs of gum disease, cavities, and other problems before they escalate. Our approach is thorough, but always focused on your comfort.
Step 1 — Initial oral exam
Every cleaning begins with a comprehensive exam by our skilled hygienist. Using a small mirror, we check for inflamed gums, cavities, or other concerns that may need attention before we proceed.
Step 2 — Removing plaque and tartar
Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Our hygienist uses a specialized scaler to gently remove these deposits. The more consistently you brush and floss at home, the less buildup there is — and the quicker this step goes.
Step 3 — Polishing with gritty toothpaste
After the tartar is gone, we use a high-powered electric brush with slightly gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. This gentle abrasion removes remaining surface stains and leaves your smile brighter.
Step 4 — Expert flossing and rinse
Even if you floss diligently, nothing beats a professional flossing. We reach the tricky spots between your teeth to remove hidden plaque and debris, then finish with a refreshing rinse that often contains fluoride for added protection.
Step 5 — Fluoride treatment
The final step is a fluoride treatment that acts as a protective layer over your teeth to help fight cavities for months. You can choose from a variety of flavors, and we apply it as a foamy gel or varnish to keep your enamel strong.
Additional preventive services
We tailor each visit to what we observe. For children, teens, and patients at higher risk of decay, we may recommend dental sealants to protect molars or annual X-rays to spot issues below the surface like impacted teeth or hidden decay.
How often you should get a cleaning
Most patients benefit from a cleaning every six months. If you're managing gum disease or other dental challenges, we may suggest more frequent visits. We personalize your care plan to keep your smile in top shape all year.
The benefits of regular cleanings
Beyond a brighter smile, cleanings prevent gum disease and cavities, catch problems while they're small, freshen your breath, and even support your overall health — poor oral health has been linked to heart disease and diabetes. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a dental cleaning hurt?
- Cleanings are generally comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, let us know — we can adjust our technique or use a numbing gel to keep you comfortable.
- How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
- Every six months for most patients. Patients managing gum disease may need cleanings every three to four months.
- Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
- A cleaning removes surface stains and leaves your teeth their natural brightest, but it doesn't change the underlying shade. For a brighter shade, ask us about professional teeth whitening.