Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing and flossing, it’s about regular professional care. A teeth cleaning helps prevent gum disease, cavities, bad breath and keeps your smile bright. If you’re coming to Wadi Al Safa Medical Center for a cleaning, here’s what you should expect from the process, how long it takes and aftercare tips to ensure your dental health stays top-notch.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning
Here are the typical steps our dental team follows at Wadi Al Safa Medical Center:
Initial Dental Examination:
- We begin by reviewing your dental and medical history.
- A dentist will examine your mouth, gums and teeth to assess any signs of decay, gum disease or other oral health issues.
Scaling (Removal of Plaque and Tartar):
- Using specialized tools, we’ll gently remove plaque (soft bacterial buildup) and tartar (hardened plaque) from both above and just below the gum line.
- We use an ultrasonic scaler (vibrations + water spray) plus hand instruments for thorough cleaning. This may produce scraping sounds.
Polishing:
- After scaling, the teeth are polished using a gritty paste and a rotating rubber cup or brush.
- This smoothes the tooth surfaces, removes surface stains and gives your teeth that “smooth clean” feel.
Flossing / Interdental Cleaning:
- We floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris or plaque.
- This helps reach areas that brushing and scaling alone can’t clean well.
Rinsing:
- You’ll rinse out your mouth with an antiseptic rinse to wash away loosened debris.
Fluoride Treatment (Optional / Recommended):
- Many clinics, including Wadi Al Safa Medical Center, may apply a fluoride gel or varnish at the end of your cleaning.
- This quick and painless step helps protect teeth from cavities and strengthen the enamel the outer protective layer of your teeth.
Especially for children:
- Fluoride treatment is highly recommended for kids, as it helps prevent early tooth decay and keeps developing teeth strong and healthy.
- Regular fluoride applications, combined with brushing and good diet habits, give children long-term protection against cavities.
How Long Does It Take
- A routine cleaning typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on how much plaque or tartar buildup there is and whether additional treatments are needed.
- If deep cleaning (scaling below the gum line, root planing) is required expect more time and possibly multiple visits.
What You Should Do Before Your Appointment
To make your teeth cleaning as comfortable and effective as possible:
- Brush & floss well the night before.
- Avoid eating heavy or staining foods (coffee, tea, etc.) just before your appointment.
- Inform us of any dental pain, sensitivity or medical conditions (e.g. gum bleeding, existing dental work).
- Arrive a few minutes early if needed to fill out paperwork.
What You Might Feel / Experience
- You may hear scraping or feel some vibrations from the ultrasonic scaler.
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity, especially near the gum line or in places where tartar has built up.
- Gums may bleed a little during flossing or scaling if you have inflammation.
- After polishing, your teeth should feel smooth and clean.
Why Choose Wadi Al Safa Medical Center
- Experienced dentists using modern sterilized equipment.
- Gentle care focused on patient comfort, especially for those with sensitivity.
- Clean, safe and welcoming environment.
- Conveniently located in Wadi Al Safa, Dubai, with flexible appointment options.

