Preventive Care for a Healthier Smile

Routine dental cleanings are the foundation of lifelong oral health. At East Peoria Dental Group, we believe in the power of prevention, and regular professional cleanings play a key role in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications.

Our experienced hygiene team performs gentle yet thorough cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup from hard-to-reach areas, helping you maintain a healthy, bright smile year-round. We serve patients of all ages from East Peoria and surrounding areas like Peoria, Washington, Morton, Metamora, and Pekin.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

A typical cleaning appointment involves several steps designed to protect and maintain your oral health:

  1. Oral Examination: We check for signs of decay, gum inflammation, and other oral issues.
  2. Scaling: Plaque and tartar are gently removed using special instruments.
  3. Polishing: Your teeth are polished to remove stains and smooth the surface.
  4. Fluoride Treatment (if needed): Strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.

These appointments also give us a chance to spot potential issues early. If we notice signs of gum disease, we may recommend periodontal therapy or more frequent cleanings.

Why Dental Cleanings Matter

Skipping dental cleanings can lead to serious oral health issues that are more difficult—and costly—to treat later. Professional cleanings help to:

  • Prevent cavities and tooth loss
  • Control bad breath
  • Keep gum tissue healthy
  • Identify early signs of oral health problems
  • Preserve dental work like fillings, crowns, and bridges

If you're overdue for a cleaning, read our blog post to learn what to expect during your visit.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

A typical cleaning appointment involves several steps designed to protect and maintain your oral health:

  1. Oral Examination: We check for signs of decay, gum inflammation, and other oral issues.
  2. Scaling: Plaque and tartar are gently removed using special instruments.
  3. Polishing: Your teeth are polished to remove stains and smooth the surface.
  4. Fluoride Treatment (if needed): Strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.

These appointments also give us a chance to spot potential issues early. If we notice signs of gum disease, we may recommend periodontal therapy or more frequent cleanings.

Why Dental Cleanings Matter

Skipping dental cleanings can lead to serious oral health issues that are more difficult—and costly—to treat later. Professional cleanings help to:

  • Prevent cavities and tooth loss
  • Control bad breath
  • Keep gum tissue healthy
  • Identify early signs of oral health problems
  • Preserve dental work like fillings, crowns, and bridges

If you're overdue for a cleaning, read our blog post to learn what to expect during your visit.

Comprehensive Preventive Dentistry

Dental cleanings are a core part of our general dentistry services, which also include:

We use advanced diagnostic tools, including intraoral cameras and digital scanners, to provide accurate and comfortable preventive care.

Who Should Schedule a Cleaning?

We recommend cleanings every six months for most patients. However, you may need more frequent visits if you:

  • Have a history of gum disease
  • Wear braces or other orthodontic appliances
  • Have chronic health conditions like diabetes
  • Smoke or use tobacco products

Our dentists, Dr. Josh Hudson and Dr. John Zimdars, will evaluate your needs and create a personalized hygiene schedule that works best for you.

Pediatric and Family Cleanings

We welcome patients of all ages, including children. Starting dental cleanings at an early age helps kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Our caring team knows how to make young patients feel at ease, and we’ll work with you to monitor their development and offer age-appropriate care.

Learn more about what to expect for your child's visit on our patient info page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Most people benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease or other oral health concerns, we may recommend more frequent visits to maintain optimal oral health.

Will a cleaning hurt?

Dental cleanings are generally painless. You might feel mild pressure during the scaling process, but our hygienists are trained to be gentle and responsive to your comfort.

Can cleanings help with bad breath?

Yes. Bad breath is often caused by plaque and bacteria buildup, which cleanings effectively remove. They can also address early gum disease, another common cause of persistent halitosis.

What’s the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A standard cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth and above the gum line. A deep cleaning—often called scaling and root planing—is a more involved procedure for treating gum disease by cleaning below the gum line and smoothing root surfaces.

Are cleanings covered by dental insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings twice per year. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and provide an estimate before treatment.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today

Your smile deserves expert care. Whether it’s been six months or six years, East Peoria Dental Group is here to help you get back on track with compassionate, comprehensive dental cleanings.

Reach out to us:

We proudly serve East Peoria and nearby cities including Peoria, Washington, Morton, Metamora, and Pekin.

Want to schedule an appointment?