Tartar build-up is far more common than most people realise, and it has little to do with brushing your teeth. Even with a solid routine, plaque can harden in hard-to-reach areas, turning into tartar over time. 

A professional dental clean removes this stubborn build-up that not even flossing can shift. Professional cleaning helps prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. It also gives your dentist a chance to spot early signs of issues before they become painful or costly. 

If it’s been a while since your last dental clean, booking a visit is a simple, proactive step. You can get started by contacting the team at Cronulla Beach Dental.

What is Tartar Buildup?

Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that forms when it's not removed from your teeth in its soft form. Plaque itself is a sticky film of bacteria that develops naturally in your mouth every day. If it’s not thoroughly cleaned away, minerals in your saliva cause it to harden.

Once plaque turns into tartar, it bonds tightly to the surface of your teeth and can creep below the gumline. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, increasing your risk of gum inflammation, bleeding, bad breath and eventually periodontal disease.

The tricky part? Tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush or floss. That’s why regular dental cleans are so important. They remove build-up safely and help protect your teeth and gums long-term.

Booking a routine Check-Up and Clean is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of tartar before it causes you trouble.

What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar? 

Plaque is a soft, colourless film that forms on your teeth daily and can be removed with good brushing and flossing. However, tartar is plaque that has hardened over time. It’s rough, visible, and firmly attached to the teeth, and it requires dental cleaning tools to remove.

How Does a Dental Clean Work?

A professional dental clean is both preventative and restorative. During your appointment, your dentist or hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using specialised instruments. Tools that allow for precise, thorough dental cleaning without damaging your teeth’s enamel.

Once the build-up is removed, your teeth are polished to smooth the surfaces, making it harder for plaque to cling again. This not only leaves your smile feeling fresh and clean, but also helps reduce future build-up.

Regular dental cleans are key in preventing gum disease, reducing inflammation, improving breath, and maintaining overall oral health. They also allow your dentist to monitor changes in your mouth over time. Professional dental cleaning is important for lifelong general dentistry care.

How Often Do Dentists Recommend Dental Cleaning?

For most patients, Cronulla Beach Dental recommends a dental clean every six months. This timeframe helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar and allows early detection of any developing issues.

Some people may benefit from more frequent cleans, particularly those with a history of gum disease, smokers, or patients prone to plaque buildup. Your dentist will tailor recommendations to your individual needs, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. 

What is Deep Dental Cleaning?

Deep dental cleaning is recommended when tartar has built up below the gumline and early gum disease is present. This type of dental clean involves two key steps: scaling and root planing.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, while root planing smooths the rough surfaces of the roots to help the gums reattach and heal. It’s a more targeted, therapeutic treatment designed to stop gum disease from progressing.

Deep dental cleaning reduces gum inflammation, bleeding and discomfort, and is an important step in general dental hygiene for patients who need a little extra care to restore gum health.

How Often Do Dentists Recommend Deep Dental Cleaning?

Deep dental cleaning isn’t part of a routine schedule. It’s recommended when signs of gum disease are present.

If left too long, gum disease can worsen and lead to pain, infection or tooth loss. If you’re experiencing swelling, bleeding, or discomfort, it’s important to seek care sooner rather than later. In urgent cases, an emergency dental appointment may be needed.

How Much Does Professional Dental Cleaning Cost?

The cost of a professional dental cleaning depends on the type of cleaning required. A routine clean is typically more affordable, while deep cleaning involves more time and specialised care, which can affect pricing.

While cost matters, the value lies in prevention. Maintaining healthy teeth with regular cleaning is essential. And choosing an experienced, trusted dental team ensures your treatment is thorough and comfortable.

At Cronulla Beach Dental, our professional cleaning is delivered with care and a strong focus on long-term oral health. You can learn more about our tailored approach here.