---
title: "What Is Dental cleaning (prophylaxis)? Dental Glossary"
description: "A dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is a professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist that removes plaque, tartar and stains from the teeth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cleaning-prophylaxis
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Procedures

# Dental cleaning (prophylaxis)

A dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is a professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist that removes plaque, tartar and stains from the teeth.

During a professional teeth cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist removes bacteria, plaque and tartar buildup from your tooth surfaces. Dental cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing buildup that brushing alone cannot reach.

The term for a routine cleaning is prophylaxis. Every cleaning includes two main steps, scaling and polishing. Scaling removes [plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque) and [tartar](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tartar-calculus) with small tools. Polishing smooths the tooth surface. Sometimes you may also get x-rays or other preventive care, such as [fluoride](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-treatment).

A routine cleaning is different from a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, which is used to treat gum disease. Ask your dentist how often cleanings make sense for you. Our office describes cleanings on its [teeth cleaning page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning).

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-cleaning)

## Related terms

-   [Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/scaling-and-root-planing-deep-cleaning)
-   [Dental plaque](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-plaque)
-   [Tartar (calculus)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tartar-calculus)
-   [Dental hygienist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygienist)
-   [Recall visit (checkup)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/recall-visit-checkup)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11187-dental-check-up)
2.  [Cleveland Clinic: What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11187-dental-check-up)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)