What I Always Tell My Patients Before a Teeth Cleaning

At Capitol Dental, we believe a healthy smile starts with honest conversations. Before every teeth cleaning, especially for patients with a lot of tartar buildup or signs of gum inflammation, I always take a few moments to explain what to expect, because when you understand what’s happening, you’re more comfortable, more confident, and more committed to your oral health.

First, I tell patients that once we remove all the hardened tartar (also called calculus), they may notice new spaces between their teeth. These aren’t new—they were just hidden before. Tartar can build up and fill in the natural gaps between your teeth, making them look more tightly packed than they are. After it’s removed, it may feel a little strange at first, but this spacing is completely normal and much healthier for your gums.

Second, I always give a heads-up that bleeding during a cleaning can happen, and it’s nothing to be alarmed about. If your gums are inflamed and swollen, they’ll bleed more easily when we clean around and under them. It might look unsettling, but this is a common sign of gingivitis or early gum disease. Once the cleaning is done and your mouth has a chance to heal, your gums will feel less tender and far healthier.

Finally, I remind patients that healing takes time. Even after a thorough cleaning, your gums need up to two weeks to fully recover. During this window, what you do at home makes all the difference. Brushing and flossing daily, using tools like TePe brushes, and following the hygiene techniques we recommend are essential. A cleaning is just the start—it’s the habits you build afterward that lead to long-term health and fewer trips to the dentist down the road.

Let’s work together to keep your smile strong, clean, and confident!