Professional Teeth Cleaning Services at Van Leeuwen Dental, Cottonwood Heights, UT

Despite regular home care, nearly half of all adults worldwide develop gum disease, and tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas that only professional cleaning can address. At Van Leeuwen Dental, we provide thorough cleanings that remove plaque and tartar to protect your teeth and gums. Our team is here to help you maintain optimal oral health.

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Why Regular Teeth Cleaning Matters

Professional teeth cleaning plays a vital role in maintaining your oral health. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate and harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with regular home care.

Professional cleanings go beyond surface care. They help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. They also allow your dentist to detect early signs of dental problems that may not be visible during routine examinations. At Van Leeuwen Dental, we recommend that most patients schedule cleanings every six months. The process is efficient and leaves your teeth feeling clean and refreshed.

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What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning

First, our dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gum line. You may hear some scraping sounds, but the process is not painful.

Next, we polish your teeth with a professional-grade polishing paste that removes surface stains and smooths the tooth surface. This step helps prevent future plaque buildup. We then floss between all your teeth to remove any remaining debris from hard-to-reach areas.

Finally, the dentist performs a brief examination to check your overall oral health and discuss any concerns. The entire appointment typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

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Routine vs. Deep Cleaning

Two main types of professional teeth cleanings are routine and deep cleaning.

Routine cleaning is your standard preventive care, typically performed every six months to maintain oral health. We clean the surfaces of your teeth and along the gums to prevent plaque buildup and early-stage problems.

A deep cleaning goes further and is recommended for patients with signs of gum disease. We clean below the gum line where harmful bacteria accumulate and cause infection. This procedure takes more time and may require multiple appointments to complete.

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How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned

How often you need professional teeth cleaning depends on your oral health, but most people need it every six months. This schedule helps prevent plaque buildup and allows early detection of potential problems.

However, some patients may need more frequent cleanings. You might require additional visits if you have gum disease, wear braces, or have health conditions like diabetes that affect oral health. Your dentist may also recommend more frequent cleanings based on your specific needs.

Here's a general guideline:

• Every 6 months: Those with healthy teeth and gums
• Every 3–4 months: Patients with gum disease, braces, or certain health conditions
• Customized schedule: Your dentist may recommend a personalized plan based on your specific oral health needs

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Teeth Cleaning for Kids and Teens

Developing teeth can trap food easily, and many children are still learning proper brushing techniques. At Van Leeuwen Dental, we make dental visits comfortable and educational. We explain each step of the process, work at their pace, and ensure every child leaves with a healthy smile and positive experience.

Cleanings help:

• Keep little teeth strong and healthy
• Catch cavities early (or stop them before they start)
• Teach good habits that last a lifetime

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How Teeth Cleaning Helps Prevent Gum Trouble

Gum disease develops gradually—you might notice slightly tender gums or minor bleeding when brushing. These early signs are easy to overlook, but gum disease can become serious without proper treatment.

Regular professional cleanings help prevent gum disease before it starts. During cleaning, we remove plaque and bacteria from around and below the gum line, where they typically accumulate and cause problems. Cleanings also allow us to examine your gums closely for early warning signs. When we detect early-stage gum issues, we can address them immediately before they progress to more serious conditions.

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Meet The Doctor

Michael Van Leeuwen, DDS
Dr. Michael Van Leeuwen, DDS, earned his dental degree in 1976 from the University of Lewisville, Kentucky. He then sharpened his skills while serving two years in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps in San Diego. By 1978, he had launched a private practice in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. He also guided dental residents at the University of Utah for over ten years and supervised a public clinic. His work emphasizes early orthodontics, sleep apnea care, implants, and cosmetic dental solutions.

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Financial Options

We offer several payment choices, including a 5% discount for full payment on the day of service and 3-month in-office financing with auto-charged credit cards. We also accept CareCredit. Our office works with many insurance plans, including Aetna, Delta Dental, Cigna PPO, MetLife, and more.