A bright, healthy smile starts with a solid foundation. And that foundation is regular professional teeth cleaning. At Beechwood Dental, Dr. Xuanyi Li and our caring team make teeth cleanings comfortable, thorough, and surprisingly pleasant. Whether it has been six months or six years since your last visit, you are welcome here.

Why Professional Teeth Cleaning Matters
It’s great that you brush and floss at home. But even the most diligent brusher misses spots. Plaque builds up in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, it hardens into tartar. Once it turns into tartar, your toothbrush cannot remove it.
Professional teeth cleaning does three important things:
- Removes plaque and tartar from places your brush cannot reach
- Prevents cavities and gum disease before they start
- Leaves your teeth feeling smooth, clean, and bright
But the benefits go beyond your mouth. Research shows a strong link between gum health and overall health. Regular preventive care may help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. When you take care of your smile, you are taking care of your whole body.
What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning Appointment
If you have not been to the family dentist in a while, you might feel unsure about what happens during a cleaning. Let us walk you through it so there are no surprises when you visit us.
Step 1: A Warm Welcome
You will be greeted by name. Our front desk team will check you in, verify your insurance or payment information, and make sure you are comfortable. If you have dental anxiety or just want to ask questions before we start, just say so. We listen.
Step 2: Oral Exam
Before the cleaning begins, Dr. Li or your hygienist will perform a quick exam of your mouth. They will check for any obvious concerns, like cavities or gum inflammation. This helps guide the cleaning and ensures we are aware of any sensitive areas.
Step 3: Plaque and Tartar Removal
Using specialized hand instruments, your hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from around your gum line and between your teeth. You may hear scraping sounds. That’s normal. It just means we are getting the buildup off.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know. We can adjust our technique and use numbing gel if needed.
Step 4: Polishing
Once your teeth are free of buildup, we will polish them with a special gritty paste. This removes surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and looking brighter. You can choose from several flavors of polishing paste, including mint, bubblegum, and fruit.
Step 5: Flossing
Your hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining paste or debris. This is also a great time to ask about your flossing technique at home. We are happy to offer tips.
Step 6: Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
For patients who need extra cavity protection, we offer fluoride treatment. A fluoride varnish is painted onto your teeth. It takes less than a minute and strengthens your enamel for months, especially for children or adults prone to decay.
Step 7: Dentist’s Exam
After your cleaning, Dr. Li will come in to examine your teeth and gums. She will check for cavities, signs of gum disease, and any other issues. She will also review any X-rays taken during your visit. This is your chance to ask questions about your oral health.
Step 8: Your Next Appointment
Before you leave, we will schedule your next cleaning. Most patients benefit from a cleaning every six months. Depending on your gum health, Dr. Li may recommend three or four-month intervals.
Teeth Cleaning Pricing at Beechwood Dental
We believe excellent dental care should be affordable and transparent. Important notes about pricing:
- Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%. That means you pay nothing out of pocket for your routine cleaning and exam.
- If you don’t have insurance, we offer an in-house membership plan that includes two cleanings, two exams, and two X-rays per year for a low monthly fee. Ask our front desk team for details.
- Your exact cost may vary depending on the complexity of your cleaning and whether you need additional services like fluoride treatment or X-rays.
- We are transparent about costs. You will know exactly what you owe before any treatment begins.
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Cleaning?
Most dental PPO plans cover cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays at 100% when you stay in-network. That means you pay nothing for your twice-yearly cleaning.
Beechwood Dental accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our front desk team will verify your benefits before your appointment and explain any out-of-pocket costs. We also file claims on your behalf, so you do not have to deal with paperwork.
If your insurance covers two cleanings per year but you have only used one, schedule your second cleaning before your benefits reset at the end of the year. Do not leave money on the table.
How Often Do You Really Need a Teeth Cleaning?
The standard recommendation is every six months. But the right interval depends on your individual oral health.
- Every 6 months: Most patients with generally healthy teeth and gums
- Every 3-4 months: Patients with active gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or certain medical conditions like diabetes
- Once per year: Possible for patients with excellent oral hygiene and very low cavity risk, though six months is still preferred
Dr. Li will recommend the right schedule for you based on your exam and cleaning results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Cleaning
Does teeth cleaning hurt?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort. You may feel pressure or scraping during tartar removal. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know. We can use numbing gel, adjust our technique, or take breaks as needed.
How long does a teeth cleaning take?
A routine cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your first visit may take a bit longer because we also need to take X-rays and do a comprehensive exam.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above the gum line. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes buildup from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots. Deep cleaning is for patients with active gum disease. Dr. Li will let you know which type you need.
Can you whiten my teeth during my cleaning?
We offer professional teeth whitening as a separate service. During your cleaning, we remove surface stains through polishing, but for dramatic whitening, ask us about our in-office or take-home whitening options.
I haven’t been to the dentist in years. Can I still get a cleaning?
Absolutely. This is one of the most common situations we see. Dr. Li will examine your mouth, and together you will build a plan to get your oral health back on track, starting with a gentle cleaning.
Do you see children for teeth cleanings?
Yes. Dr. Li welcomes patients of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. Our team is patient and gentle with children, ensuring their first dental experiences are positive.
What if I have dental anxiety?
You are not alone. Many patients feel anxious about dental visits. We offer a warm, welcoming environment and will go at your pace. We can also discuss sedation options if you need extra help relaxing.
Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning in Clarksville, IN
Your smile deserves professional care. Whether you are due for your six-month cleaning or have not seen a dentist in years, Beechwood Dental is here for you.
Call us today at (812) 506-2294 or request an appointment online. Dr. Xuanyi Li and our team look forward to welcoming you to our dental family.
We are conveniently located at 639 Eastern Blvd, Suite B, Clarksville, IN 47129; just off Interstate 65. We serve patients from Clarksville, Jeffersonville, New Albany, Floyds Knobs, Sellersburg, and all across Southern Indiana.