How often should you have a dental cleaning?

What is a professional dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning — also called a hygiene appointment or scale and polish — is the procedure that removes plaque and tartar built up on the teeth and along the gum line, including areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

A typical session includes tartar removal with ultrasound, stain and plaque removal with an air-and-powder jet (Airflow-type technology, which we use in our clinics), and a final polish. Where needed, it is complemented with a fluoride application and personalised hygiene advice.

How often should you have a dental cleaning?

Six months may suit many people, but it is not a rule for everyone. Assessment of your gums, disease risk and home care helps define an interval that makes sense for you.

There are, however, cases where the dentist may recommend shorter intervals of 3 to 4 months:

• —People with gingivitis or periodontitis, undergoing treatment or in the maintenance phase.
• —People with fixed braces, where plaque builds up more easily.
• —Patients with dental implants, to prevent peri-implantitis.
• —Smokers and people with a natural tendency to form tartar quickly.
• —Pregnant women, due to greater susceptibility to gum inflammation during pregnancy.

I brush my teeth every day — why isn't that enough?

Brushing and flossing remove plaque while it is still soft. But the plaque that escapes — even with good technique — mineralises within a few days and turns into tartar, a hard, stubborn crust that no toothbrush can remove.

Tartar builds up mainly along the gum line and between the teeth, irritating the tissues and opening the door to gingivitis. Professional cleaning exists precisely to remove what daily hygiene cannot — the two complement each other; neither replaces the other.

What happens if you skip regular cleanings?

The most common consequence is gingivitis: red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. At this stage, the problem is reversible with a professional cleaning and better habits.

Left untreated, the inflammation can progress to periodontitis — a chronic infection that destroys the bone supporting the teeth and is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults. Built-up tartar also contributes to persistent bad breath and stains more easily.

The good news: all of this is largely preventable with regular cleanings and check-ups — one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect your smile.

Does a dental cleaning hurt? And does it whiten your teeth?

For most patients, a cleaning is comfortable. If you have a lot of built-up tartar or inflamed gums, you may feel some sensitivity during the session, which fades shortly afterwards. Modern equipment, such as the air-and-powder jet, has made the procedure much gentler than it was a few years ago.

As for whitening: a cleaning removes surface stains (coffee, tea, tobacco) and restores your teeth's natural colour — which often makes a noticeable difference on its own. But it does not change the intrinsic colour of the tooth. For a shade lighter than your natural colour, the right treatment is teeth whitening, which is a separate procedure.

Where can you get a dental cleaning in Almada, Fernão Ferro or Baixa da Banheira?

You can have your cleaning at any of the three Fábrica do Sorriso clinics — Almada, Fernão Ferro and Baixa da Banheira — Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 19:00. We also serve Seixal, Corroios, Cacilhas, Feijó, Sesimbra, Quinta do Conde, Moita, Barreiro and neighbouring areas.

We have agreements with several insurers and health subsystems that may cover the appointment, and we accept the cheque-dentista (the Portuguese NHS dental voucher) — see our insurance and cheque-dentista pages to find out more.

What does GBT oral hygiene cost at Fábrica do Sorriso?

GBT oral hygiene costs €75 per session at Fábrica do Sorriso, including assessment of teeth, gums and implants as part of the protocol, even on your first visit. You do not need a separate assessment consultation before cleaning. With insurance or an agreement, confirm the amount with reception.

• What the €75 GBT session includes

The most common questions

Does a dental cleaning damage or wear down the enamel?

Professional instruments remove biofilm and tartar using techniques adapted to your teeth, gums and restorations. Tell the team if you have sensitivity so care and instrumentation can be adjusted.

Can pregnant women have a dental cleaning?

Yes — and they should. The hormonal changes of pregnancy increase the tendency towards gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis), so professional cleaning is especially recommended during this period. Always let the clinical team know that you are pregnant.

Do children need dental cleanings too?

Yes. Regular check-ups and age-appropriate cleanings help prevent cavities and build good habits from an early age. In our clinics, our paediatric dentistry team looks after children's oral health, and the cheque-dentista from the SNS (the Portuguese national health service) can be used where eligible.

What's the difference between a dental cleaning and whitening?

A cleaning removes tartar, plaque and surface stains, restoring your teeth's natural colour — it's a health procedure. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the colour of the tooth itself, beyond its natural shade. Ideally, whitening is done after a cleaning.

Is a dental cleaning covered by insurance or the cheque-dentista?

Many insurers and subsystems we have agreements with cover appointments and cleanings — conditions vary by plan. The cheque-dentista (the Portuguese NHS dental voucher) covers specific groups (such as children and pregnant women followed within the SNS, the Portuguese national health service). Bring your details and we will check what applies before your appointment.

Do I need a separate consultation before GBT cleaning?

No. The protocol starts with assessment of teeth, gums and implants, included in the €75 session even on your first visit. Other examinations or treatments needed are explained and quoted separately.