A dental cleaning is recommended every 6 months. During your dental cleaning (prophylaxis) at our Raleigh office, your gums and teeth are thoroughly cleaned to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
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Getting your teeth cleaned on a regular basis does far more than polish your smile. Professional cleanings are one of the best defenses against gum disease, keeping your gums healthy and helping you avoid gingival recession and tooth loss over time. They also freshen your breath by removing odor-causing bacteria that brushing and flossing can’t always reach.
Regular cleanings also give your dental team the chance to catch problems early—such as cavities, gum inflammation, or other oral health concerns—before they become painful or expensive to treat. Because oral health is closely tied to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, keeping your mouth clean and healthy supports your overall well-being.
With regular cleanings, you can enjoy:
- Healthier gums
- Fresher breath
- Early detection of oral health issues
- Better whole-body health

When you visit Smileplicity Dentistry for your cleaning, we’ll begin with a comprehensive exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and to check for any changes since your last appointment. Your hygienist will then use ultrasonic and hand instruments to carefully remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains. After that, your teeth will be polished and flossed so they feel smooth and refreshed.
As part of every cleaning visit, we also perform an oral cancer screening—a quick, painless step that helps us catch any unusual signs early. Before you leave, your hygienist will share personalized tips for caring for your teeth at home, so you can maintain your smile until your next visit. Most cleanings take less than an hour, making them easy to fit into your routine.
Here’s what’s included in a typical cleaning visit:
Comprehensive exam
Gentle cleaning with ultrasonic and hand instruments
Polishing and flossing
Oral cancer screening
Personalized home care advice

At Smileplicity Dentistry, our goal is to make every cleaning as comfortable and thorough as possible. We don’t just polish your teeth—we focus on long-term oral health and provide the tools and guidance you need to keep your smile strong. Patients without dental insurance can take advantage of our Smile Forever membership plan, which includes two yearly cleanings, exams, and X-rays, plus 15% off recommended treatments. With no waiting periods, deductibles, or maximums, it’s simple and affordable coverage for the entire family.
Patients also choose our Raleigh office because of our gentle, patient-focused approach. We take the time to listen, explain, and tailor each visit to your comfort level. And because oral health is so closely connected to overall health, we’re committed to helping you protect more than just your smile—we’re here to support your whole-body wellness.
At your cleaning appointments, the hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler and hand tools to remove hardened plaque, calculus, stains and tartar that regular brushing and flossing do not remove. If plaque and calculus is not removed it could lead to gingival recession and bleeding, bone loss, or even loss of the tooth itself.
An oral cancer screening exam is performed at your teeth cleaning appointment as well. Lastly, any visible abnormalities are noted and monitored by our Raleigh dentists.
Here at Smileplicity Dentistry, we offer the Smile Forever membership plan for patients without insurance. The one time annual fee covers for your 2 yearly cleanings, exams and x-rays. As a member, you also get 15% off any recommended treatment. It is dental coverage for the whole family, with no waiting periods, no maximum allowance and no deductibles!
Good oral care at home and professional dental cleanings go hand in hand to maintain your overall health. Brushing is recommended 2 times a day. Move the bristle in a circular motion, moving bacteria away from your gums. It is important to remember not to brush too hard as it can cause gingival recession.
Brushing removes only 50% of the bacteria in your teeth, flossing will remove the other 50%. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and repeat the C shape on the neighboring tooth.
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and uncontrollable diabetes. This is due to the bacteria build up in your mouth entering your bloodstream.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" – Leonardo da Vinci