Dental cleaning in Jerusalem: professional cleaning and prevention
At our clinic in south Jerusalem, dental cleanings and other oral hygiene treatments are carried out by an experienced dental hygienist. Good oral hygiene is the foundation of long-term dental health. The hygienist works closely with the dentists, including Dr Haim Aseriel, so that each patient receives care adapted to his or her situation.
The clinic follows strict standards of hygiene and sterilization. The hygienist uses hand and ultrasonic instruments for a cleaning that is both thorough and gentle, with as little discomfort as possible. Appointments are available in English; a consultation with the dentist helps you understand the condition of your mouth and the treatments recommended for you.
Why is a regular dental cleaning important?
Regular professional cleanings are the first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay, and help prevent more serious dental problems later. Plaque and tartar on the teeth are a major risk factor for gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontitis, a condition that loosens the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Many people are also unaware of the links between gum disease and general conditions such as diabetes.
Regular visits to the hygienist make it possible to detect problems early and treat them before they become more complex and more expensive. The clinic team gives personal advice on brushing and cleaning between the teeth, adapted to each patient, so that you can keep your mouth healthy between visits.
When gum disease is advanced, the dentist assesses whether more advanced periodontal treatment is needed, with the periodontists who treat patients at the clinic.
What does a dental hygienist do during a cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning includes several steps, carried out carefully by the licensed hygienist.
Oral assessment
The hygienist first assesses the mouth, including the gums and the depth of the gum pockets, to identify areas of inflammation and estimate the risk of gum disease.
Scaling
Professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) removes the plaque and tartar that have built up on the tooth surfaces and just below the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Different instruments are used depending on the type of deposit.
Polishing
Once the hard deposits are removed, the teeth are polished to smooth their surface, which makes it harder for plaque and tartar to build up again.
Personal guidance is part of every visit: brushing technique, flossing and other products adapted to your mouth. The hygienist follows the health of your gums over time and, together with the dentist, recommends how often you should come back. That frequency depends on the condition of your mouth and your personal risk of decay and gum disease: for many people every six months, for others more or less often.
What is a dental hygienist allowed to do?
In Israel, dental hygiene is a regulated profession: under the Dentists (Dental Hygienists) Regulations of 1978, a hygienist needs a Ministry of Health license, granted after a recognized course and government exams, or on the basis of a recognized diploma. The hygienist works under the professional supervision of a dentist.
The hygienist removes tartar above and below the gum line, removes stains, polishes the teeth, teaches oral hygiene and provides preventive care, within the treatment plan set by the dentist.
Other procedures, such as deep cleaning of gum pockets or preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride varnish, are carried out according to training and on the dentist's instructions. Diagnosis and treatment decisions remain with the dentist. X-rays, when needed, are taken on the dentist's prescription and only when the information is expected to change the treatment, at the lowest possible radiation dose (the ALARA principle). For complex cases of gum disease, the hygienist works closely with the dentists and periodontists at the clinic.
Dental deep cleaning: can a hygienist do scaling and root planing?
Hygienist services include a full gum check, pocket measurements and the removal of plaque and tartar with hand and ultrasonic instruments. When signs of advanced gum disease are found, a dental deep cleaning may be needed.
- Who does it: scaling and root planing can be done by a hygienist or by a dentist, according to training and the treatment plan set by the dentist.
- When: for gum disease with deep pockets around the teeth.
- What it involves: cleaning the root surfaces below the gum line, removing tartar and plaque, and smoothing the roots so the gums can reattach and pockets become shallower.
- Afterwards: periodic maintenance visits, sometimes with referral to more advanced gum treatment.
How do plaque and tartar form?
Plaque starts to form again almost immediately after a thorough cleaning: within hours, bacteria in the mouth attach to the teeth and build a thin biofilm. Dental plaque is a complex community of bacteria organized on the tooth surface. These bacteria feed on food residue, especially sugars and starches, and release acids that damage tooth enamel.
Tartar removal
When plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar removal requires a professional cleaning because, unlike plaque, tartar cannot be brushed away. Minerals from saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, harden the plaque into a rough deposit that attracts even more bacteria.
Tartar below the gums
Tartar can also form below the gum line, where it keeps the gums irritated and inflamed. This subgingival tartar is darker and harbors bacteria that speed up gum disease.
Early warning signs
Detecting gum and tooth problems early can prevent serious disease and more complex treatment later.
One of the first signs of gum disease is bleeding when you brush: do not ignore it, even if it does not hurt.
Other signs that call for an examination are red or swollen gums, gum recession or exposed roots, bad breath that does not go away after brushing, and sensitivity or pain when chewing. Changes in the appearance of the teeth, such as white spots or discoloration, can also point to heavy plaque build-up or other problems.
Before your dental cleaning
A little preparation makes the visit more comfortable.
01
Brush and floss
Brush and floss before coming to the clinic, gently, without aggressive brushing that could irritate the gums.
02
Health and medications
Tell the team about any medical condition or regular medication, especially blood thinners or heart conditions.
03
Sensitivity and anxiety
If you have sensitive teeth, local anesthesia can be offered when needed. If you feel anxious about dental care, tell us in advance so we can plan a calmer visit.
Patients with braces, dental implants, crowns or bridges especially need regular professional cleanings, sometimes more often, as recommended by the dentist.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Most patients feel only mild discomfort, not real pain. A dental cleaning uses gentle techniques that limit discomfort. For very sensitive teeth or heavy tartar, the cleaning can be done under local anesthesia.
Skipping cleanings can lead to gingivitis and more serious problems that need more complex, more invasive treatment. Ultrasonic instruments remove tartar efficiently while reducing discomfort. Patients with sensitive or receding gums may feel some temporary sensitivity, which passes after the visit.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A routine dental cleaning is usually completed in a single visit. The time needed depends mainly on how much tartar has built up, the condition of the gums and the number of teeth. A dental deep cleaning for gum disease takes longer and is often divided into several visits, each covering part of the mouth. You will be told at the examination how many visits your case requires.
Common side effects after a dental cleaning
After a thorough cleaning, a few normal side effects may appear; they usually fade within a few days. The most common is temporary sensitivity to hot and cold, especially with receding gums or exposed roots: root surfaces that were covered by tartar and inflamed gum react to stimuli.
Some patients notice slight tingling or redness of the gums, especially if there was inflammation beforehand, for example pregnancy gingivitis. Less often, the gums may bleed a little when brushing or flossing in the first days. In general, the more neglected the mouth was before the cleaning, the more these effects are felt; they reflect the gums healing. Contact the clinic if pain is severe or does not improve.
How often should you get a dental cleaning?
The answer depends on the condition of your mouth, your risk factors and your dental history. For many people it is a check-up and cleaning every six months; for others more or less often, as recommended by the dentist. According to a Cochrane review (2020), there is not enough evidence to set one fixed interval for all patients.
| Patients | Recommended cleaning frequency |
|---|---|
| Most patients | Often every six months, as recommended by the dentist |
| Smokers, diabetes, history of gum disease | More often, as recommended by the dentist |
| Braces, implants, crowns or bridges | More often, as recommended by the dentist |
| Low risk, no significant risk factors | Sometimes less often, as recommended by the dentist |
Regular cleanings are not only cosmetic: they are part of looking after your mouth and your general health. Gum disease and general health influence each other; poorly controlled diabetes, for example, increases the risk of gum disease.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
The cost of a dental cleaning depends on the type of cleaning and on the amount of work your mouth needs. A routine cleaning and a deep cleaning for gum disease are different treatments: the number of teeth or areas treated, the amount of tartar below the gums, the need for local anesthesia and the number of visits all affect the final cost. The clinic does not publish a price list: you receive a detailed written estimate after the examination, and itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurer (coverage depends on your policy).
Aftercare: what to expect after a dental cleaning
After the cleaning, you receive clear instructions to help your gums heal and keep the result.
1. The first hours
Avoid very hot or very cold food, and hard, spicy or acidic food, especially if your teeth were sensitive during the visit. Limit dark drinks such as coffee, tea or red wine on the day of the cleaning, as freshly cleaned teeth pick up stains more easily.
2. Rinses
If there was significant inflammation before the cleaning, the dentist or hygienist may recommend warm salt-water rinses: use them only as instructed. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a soothing gum product may also be suggested for a short period.
3. Keep up your oral hygiene
Keep brushing gently twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily, even if there is mild discomfort. A soft toothbrush is best for the first days. Replacing your toothbrush after the cleaning is a good habit.
4. Follow-up or further treatment
Depending on the findings, a follow-up visit or further treatment may be recommended, for example more frequent visits or deeper gum treatment for advanced gum disease. Follow the instructions you were given: they are adapted to your mouth and to the treatment performed.
Book a dental cleaning in Jerusalem
The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem, open Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00. Dr Haim Aseriel explains your findings and treatment plan in English. Call 03-912-1879 or use the contact form to book a cleaning with the hygienist.
Dental cleaning: frequently asked questions
During a professional dental cleaning, the dental hygienist first checks the gums and measures the gum pockets to spot areas of inflammation. Plaque and tartar are then removed from the tooth surfaces and just below the gum line with ultrasonic and hand instruments (scaling), and the teeth are polished to make it harder for new plaque to stick. The visit ends with personal advice on brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line on healthy or mildly inflamed gums. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease with deeper pockets: tartar is removed from the root surfaces below the gum line and the roots are smoothed, often under local anesthesia and over more than one visit.
A dental cleaning usually causes only mild discomfort. When the teeth are very sensitive, the gums have receded or there is a lot of tartar below the gums, the cleaning can be done under local anesthesia to reduce discomfort.
A routine dental cleaning is usually done in a single visit. The time needed depends mainly on the amount of tartar, the condition of the gums and the number of teeth. A deep cleaning for gum disease is often split into several visits, each treating part of the mouth.
How often you need a dental cleaning depends on the condition of your mouth and your personal risk of decay and gum disease. For many people it is every six months, together with a check-up. Smokers, people with diabetes, people who build up tartar quickly or who have a history of gum disease may be advised to come more often. A Cochrane review (2020) found no evidence for one fixed interval for everyone.
Sources
- Fee PA et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020 – View the study
- American Dental Association, Home Oral Care, 2024 – View the source
- ADA / U.S. Food and Drug Administration, The Selection of Patients for Dental Radiographic Examinations – View the source
- Dentists (Dental Hygienists) Regulations, 1978, current version (Nevo legal database, Hebrew) – View the source
