Glossary
Dental Cleaning Glossary
Key terms to understand what happens during a professional dental cleaning — from plaque and tartar to scaling and prophylaxis.
A professional dental cleaning involves several steps and a fair amount of clinical vocabulary. This glossary explains the terms your hygienist may use so you know exactly what is happening at each stage of your visit.
- Dental Hygienist
- A licensed oral healthcare professional who provides preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and patient education.
- Plaque
- A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
- Prophylaxis (Prophy)
- A professional teeth cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains.
- Tartar (Calculus)
- Hardened plaque that can build up on teeth and below the gumline.
- Gross Debridement
- An initial cleaning for patients with excessive plaque and tartar buildup.
- Periodontal Maintenance
- Ongoing cleanings for patients with gum disease to maintain gum health.
- Prophylaxis Cleaning
- A routine cleaning for patients with healthy teeth and gums.
- Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
- A deep cleaning procedure to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline.
- Fluoride Treatment
- A treatment that strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
- Gingivitis
- Early stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums.
- Oral Irrigation
- The use of a pulsating stream of water to clean between teeth and around the gumline.
- Periodontal pockets
- Spaces or gaps that form between the gums and teeth due to gum disease.
- Periodontitis
- Advanced stage of gum disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
Related Treatment
Teeth Cleaning
Professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar to keep your gums healthy.
Learn about teeth cleaning →