Refresh Your Smile with Professional Dental Cleanings in Downtown Manhattan
Date
May 20, 2025
Written By
James Head
Read Time
5 Min
Share This Post
When was the last time you truly felt confident about your smile?
Even if you brush and floss every day (kudos to you!), there’s a world of difference between at-home care and professional dental cleaning. At 65 Broadway Dental in Downtown Manhattan, we believe every smile deserves a fresh start, and it starts with a simple, comfortable cleaning.
Let’s walk you through why dental cleanings matter more than you think, and how they can refresh not just your smile, but your overall health, too.
Why Dental Cleanings Are More Than “Just a Cleaning”
Think of a dental cleaning like a deep spring cleaning, but for your teeth and gums. Even with the best toothbrush and flossing technique, it’s impossible to remove all plaque and tartar buildup at home. Over time, that buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
Professional dental cleaning helps to:
- Remove stubborn plaque and tartar
- Prevent and detect gum disease early.
- Freshen your breath
- Brighten your smile
- Support overall health (yep, oral health is directly linked to heart and immune health!)
And here’s something most people don’t realize: many dental problems don’t hurt… until it’s too late. Cleanings give your dentist a chance to catch early signs of decay, infection, or other hidden issues before they become painful and expensive.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, no worries, you’re not alone. At 65 Broadway Dental, we make your visit smooth, stress-free, and informative. Here’s what typically happens during your appointment:
1. Initial Check-In & X-rays
We’ll review your health history and take X-rays if needed, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re due. This helps us get a clear picture of your teeth and jaw health.
2. Gum Health Check
Our hygienist will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth to check for early signs of gum disease. If gum disease is detected, we may recommend advanced treatment options like LANAP laser therapy for effective, minimally invasive care.
3. Plaque and Tartar Removal
Using special tools, we’ll remove plaque and hardened tartar, especially in areas you can’t reach with regular brushing and flossing.
4. Polishing
We’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and give you that smooth, freshly cleaned feeling. If you’re looking to brighten your smile even more, we also offer professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver dramatic results safely and effectively.
5. Flossing & Fluoride (Optional)
A thorough flossing wraps things up, and if needed, we’ll apply fluoride to help strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities.
6. Dentist Exam
Our dentist will check for any signs of decay, gum issues, or oral abnormalities, including impacted wisdom teeth, and go over any concerns with you before you leave. If a wisdom tooth poses a risk but full extraction isn’t ideal, we may recommend a specialized procedure called a coronectomy to remove only the crown and protect nearby nerves.
Schedule an appointment today!
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
Most patients benefit from a professional dental cleaning every 6 months. This is often enough to:
- Catch minor issues before they escalate
- Maintain gum health
- Keep your breath fresh and your smile bright.
But some people may need more frequent visits, every 3–4 months, especially if they:
- Have a history of gum disease
- Wear orthodontic appliances (braces or Invisalign)
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Have diabetes or other chronic health conditions.
- Struggle with dry mouth or excessive plaque buildup
If gum disease is already present, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, to clean below the gumline and help restore gum health before regular maintenance cleanings can resume.
If you’re unsure what’s best for you, our team will help create a personalized care plan. Think of us as your smile’s wellness coach.
Why Choose 65 Broadway Dental?
At 65 Broadway Dental, we offer more than just cleanings; we offer care that feels personal, comfortable, and convenient.
- 🦷 Gentle, thorough cleanings tailored to your needs
- 💬 Clear explanations, no surprises or pressure
- 📍 Easy-to-reach location in Downtown Manhattan
- 🕒 Same-day and flexible scheduling to fit your routine
- 💳 Most insurance accepted, plus financing options available
Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, we’ll make your dental cleaning experience refreshing, judgment-free, and worth smiling about.
What to Do Before and After Your Cleaning
To make the most of your dental cleaning appointment and keep your smile feeling fresh afterward, here are a few simple tips to follow before and after your visit.
🦷 Before Your Dental Cleaning
- Brush and floss like normal
It’s helpful to arrive with clean teeth. Don’t go overboard trying to scrub everything perfectly; just stick to your usual routine the morning of your appointment. - Make a list of questions or concerns
Noticing bleeding gums? Sensitivity? A chipped tooth? Write it down. Your cleaning is the perfect time to bring these up with your dentist or hygienist. - Avoid eating right before your visit
Especially heavy or sticky meals. A light snack is fine, but it’s best to come with a clean mouth. - Bring your insurance and medical info
If you’re a new patient or it’s been a while, bring your insurance card and a list of medications. Some conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure) can affect your oral health.
😁 After Your Dental Cleaning
- Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking (if you had fluoride)
If you received a fluoride treatment, give it time to fully absorb into your enamel before eating or drinking anything, especially hot or acidic items. - Expect some sensitivity (if it’s been a while)
Your gums or teeth might feel slightly tender for a day or two, especially if there was a lot of buildup removed. This is normal and temporary. - Stick to soft foods if needed
If your gums are sore, soft foods like yogurt, soup, smoothies, or eggs can help keep you comfortable while healing. - Keep up your routine at home
Brush twice daily, floss once a day, and don’t forget to rinse with water after meals or sugary drinks. Your professional cleaning resets your oral health; now it’s your job to maintain it! - Schedule your next visit
Before you leave, book your next appointment so you stay on track. Regular visits make each cleaning easier and your oral health stronger.
Schedule an appointment today!
Common Myths About Dental Cleanings
When it comes to dental care, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths we hear, and give you the facts that actually support a healthy, confident smile.
“If my teeth don’t hurt, I don’t need a cleaning.”
Truth: Just because everything feels fine doesn’t mean everything is fine.
Dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and bone loss often develop silently, without pain or obvious symptoms. By the time you feel discomfort, the issue may already be advanced (and more costly to fix). Regular cleanings help us catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
“Dental cleanings will make my teeth loose.”
Truth: Cleanings actually help preserve your teeth, not loosen them.
This myth comes from the sensation some patients feel when tartar is removed from between teeth. If your teeth already have mobility, it’s usually due to advanced gum disease, not the cleaning itself. In fact, removing tartar and bacteria is essential to keeping your teeth stable and your gums healthy.
“I can skip the dentist if I brush and floss well at home.”
Truth: Even excellent at-home care can’t remove hardened tartar.
Brushing and flossing are crucial, but they can’t fully remove plaque that has calcified (hardened) into tartar. Only professional tools can do that safely. Cleanings reach spots your toothbrush misses, especially under the gums and between teeth, where problems often begin.
For patients with advanced gum disease or multiple missing teeth, regular cleanings are just one part of a healthy mouth. In some cases, full-mouth restoration options like All-on-6 dental implants can help restore both function and confidence with a brand-new, stable smile.
Conclusion
You brush, you floss (most days!), but nothing beats the feeling of a professional dental cleaning. It’s not just about sparkle, it’s about keeping your mouth healthy, fresh, and problem-free.
At 65 Broadway Dental, we’re here to make that easy for you. Whether it’s your regular check-up or your first cleaning in years, we’ve got your back, with gentle care, honest guidance, and a team that truly cares.
So why wait? Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Let’s keep it looking and feeling its best.
📞 Call us at +1 (212) 430-3888
📍 Visit 65 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
🖱️ Or book an online appointment in just a few clicks
Also Read
FAQs
1. How often should I get a dental cleaning and exam?
Most dental professionals recommend a cleaning and exam every six months to catch issues like cavities or gum disease early. However, depending on your oral health, such as a history of gum disease or wearing braces, you might benefit from visits every three to four months.
2. What’s the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, targets the buildup below the gums to treat periodontal disease. It is usually recommended when gum pockets are deeper than normal and may require more than one visit.
3. Can dental cleanings whiten my teeth?
Dental cleanings can remove surface stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco, giving your teeth a brighter appearance. For more noticeable results, consider adding a professional teeth whitening treatment after your cleaning.
4. Are cleanings painful?
Dental cleanings are typically painless. You may feel light pressure or mild sensitivity, especially if it has been a while since your last cleaning or if you have sensitive teeth. Our team uses gentle techniques to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
5. What if my gum disease is severe?
When gum disease has progressed beyond what cleanings or deep cleanings can address, we may recommend osseous surgery to reduce pocket depth, remove infected tissue, and restore a healthier foundation for your teeth.
Booking An Appointment
Looking for a reliable dentist in Downtown NYC? Whether you need a routine cleaning, urgent care, or a full smile transformation — we’ve got you covered. We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling.
+1 (212) 430-3888
Call for appointment
Walk-ins Welcome / Same-Day Appointments Available
Related Blogs
The All-on-6 Dental Implant Solution at 65 Broadway Dental
Restore Your Smile with Confidence If you’ve been struggling with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans face daily
Read More
Refresh Your Smile with Professional Dental Cleanings in Downtown Manhattan
Even with perfect brushing and flossing, professional dental cleanings are essential to prevent bigger health issues
Read More