Dental cleaning and hygiene in Bilbao
We remove the tartar and stains that brushing cannot shift. It is the basis of a healthy mouth and the best way to prevent decay and gum problems. Free first consultation.
What is a professional dental cleaning?
It is an in-clinic oral hygiene session that removes the hardened plaque (tartar) that forms on the teeth and, above all, just below the gum, where the brush cannot reach.
No matter how well you brush, over time some plaque always remains, mineralises and turns into tartar, a hard crust that brushing can no longer remove. That tartar is what irritates the gum, makes it bleed and opens the door to periodontal disease. A professional cleaning removes it with ultrasound and leaves the tooth surface polished.
Benefits of dental cleaning in Bilbao
Prevents decay and gum problems
Removes the tartar and plaque that cause decay, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Fresher breath
Eliminates the tartar bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Whiter teeth
By removing coffee, tea, wine or tobacco stains, your teeth get their natural shade back.
Quick and painless
A single session of about 30-45 minutes, with no need for anaesthetic in most cases.
Catches problems early
We take the chance to check your mouth and spot any issue at an early stage.
Cares for your overall health
A healthy mouth is linked to fewer heart problems and better diabetes control.
What a dental cleaning is like
Checking your mouth
Before starting, we examine your teeth and gums to see how much tartar there is, whether they bleed and whether you need a normal hygiene session or a deeper treatment.
Tartar removal (ultrasound)
With an ultrasound device we remove the tartar stuck above and just below the gum. The vibrations loosen it without damaging the tooth.
Polishing and final clean
We polish the tooth surface to leave it smooth (so plaque takes longer to build up again) and remove the external stains.
Personalised advice
We explain how to improve your brushing technique and your use of floss or interdental brushes, and how often you should come back.
Plaque, tartar and why the brush cannot reach
Understanding the difference helps you see why a professional cleaning is essential even if you brush well:
- Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms every day on the teeth. This one is removed by brushing and flossing.
- Tartar is plaque that has not been removed and has hardened (mineralised). Once formed, it no longer comes off with the brush: only the dentist removes it with ultrasound.
- Tartar below the gum is the most dangerous: it cannot be seen, cannot be removed at home and is the one that gradually destroys the tooth's support. Reaching there is exactly what a professional cleaning does.
That is why the winning combination is: good hygiene at home every day + periodic professional cleaning for what cannot be removed at home.
How to care for your mouth at home
A professional cleaning does not replace daily care; it complements it. These habits keep your mouth healthy between visits:
- Brush twice a day, for two minutes, with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use floss or interdental brushes every day: that is where almost everything starts.
- Change your brush every 3 months or when the bristles splay out.
- Cut down on sugary snacking and sweet drinks between meals.
- Do not skip your annual check-up: preventing is always easier and cheaper than curing.
Start with a clean mouth
Free first consultation and check-up: we assess your mouth and tell you what hygiene you need, with no commitment.
Everything about dental cleaning
How often should you have a dental cleaning?
For most people, one cleaning a year is enough. If you build up tartar easily, smoke or are prone to gum problems, it can be every 6 months. At your check-up we tell you the frequency that suits you.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
It does not usually hurt. If your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive you may feel some mild discomfort during the session. We work carefully and, if needed, use topical anaesthetic so you stay comfortable.
Does a dental cleaning whiten the teeth?
It is not a whitening treatment, but by removing tartar and the external stains from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco, the teeth get their natural colour back and look cleaner and brighter. To lighten the shade beyond your natural colour you need a whitening treatment.
Is it true that a cleaning wears down the enamel?
No. It is a very widespread myth. The ultrasound removes the tartar, not the enamel. What you feel smoother and cleaner is your own tooth without the layer of tartar that was covering it.
Why do my teeth feel more separated or sensitive afterwards?
When there is a lot of built-up tartar, it "fills in" the gaps and covers the neck of the tooth. Once it is removed, you may notice the real spaces between teeth or some sensitivity for a few days. That is a good sign: it means the gum was inflamed and is now going to recover.
Does the cleaning remove tobacco and coffee stains?
External stains (those on the enamel) are largely removed. Internal stains, which have tinted the tooth over the years, are not removed by a cleaning: that is what whitening is for.
Do the gums bleed during a cleaning? Is that normal?
If your gums bleed during the cleaning, it is usually because they were already inflamed (gingivitis). It is not the cleaning that damages them: on the contrary, it is what they need to heal. Once the gum is healthy again, it stops bleeding.
A normal cleaning or do I need gum treatment?
If you only have tartar and plaque, a professional hygiene session is enough. If the tartar has reached deeper and started to damage the bone (periodontitis), a deep cleaning below the gum (root scaling) is needed, which is part of periodontics. We assess it at your check-up.
Can children and pregnant women have a cleaning?
Yes. In pregnancy it is also highly recommended, because the gums tend to become inflamed with hormonal changes. In children it is assessed according to their age and needs.
