A professional dental cleaning is the single most effective thing you can do for your oral health. Not brushing harder. Not a fancier toothpaste. A skilled hygienist removing the buildup that no toothbrush can reach — that's what keeps your teeth and gums healthy for decades.
At PureSmile Miami, we make teeth cleaning easy to schedule, comfortable to sit through, and affordable for every budget. Our bilingual team in Kendall sees patients with Medicaid, PPO, HMO, and cash — and most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at zero cost to you. If it's been a while since your last visit, that's okay. You're exactly who we want to see.
A teeth cleaning at PureSmile Miami takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Here's what our hygienists actually do — because understanding the process helps you appreciate why it matters more than brushing alone.
Plaque and tartar removal (scaling) — Even if you brush twice a day and floss regularly, plaque builds up in spots your toothbrush misses — behind your lower front teeth, along the gumline, between molars. When plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), no amount of brushing removes it. Only professional instruments can. Our hygienists use both ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to remove every trace of buildup without damaging your enamel.
Deep cleaning below the gumline — This is the part most people don't realize they need. Bacteria don't just sit on the surface of your teeth — they work their way under your gums, creating pockets where infection starts. Our hygienists gently clean these pockets to prevent the progression from gingivitis (reversible) to periodontitis (chronic and destructive).
Polishing — After scaling, we polish your teeth with a professional-grade paste that removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and food. Your teeth feel noticeably smoother, and that smooth surface actually makes it harder for new plaque to attach.
Fluoride treatment — For patients who benefit from it (especially children and adults with high cavity rates), we apply a concentrated fluoride varnish that strengthens enamel and provides months of added protection. This takes about one minute and can reduce your cavity risk significantly.
Oral health assessment — Your hygienist checks your gum measurements, notes any areas of concern, and discusses your home care routine honestly. If something needs attention — a cavity forming, gums that bleed too easily, a tooth showing early signs of wear — we catch it now, not six months from now when it's a bigger problem.
Let's talk numbers, because this is where most patients make the mistake that costs them thousands.
A routine cleaning costs a fraction of what you'll pay for the problems that develop when you skip it. Gum disease alone — which starts silently and painlessly — affects 47% of American adults over 30. Left untreated, it leads to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Replacing a single missing tooth with an implant runs $3,000 to $5,000. Two cleanings a year prevent that entire cascade.
We're not trying to scare you. We're trying to save you money and pain. The patients who come in every six months almost never need major work. The patients who come in every three years almost always do. After seeing this pattern thousands of times across Miami-Dade, we built our practice around making preventive care as accessible as possible.
If you have Medicaid, your cleanings are covered — adults and children. If you have PPO or HMO insurance, most plans cover two per year with no copay. If you're paying cash, our rates are well below the Miami-Dade average.
Not every patient needs the same type of cleaning. Here's how we determine what's right for you:
Prophylaxis (standard cleaning) — This is what most patients get at their regular six-month visit. It's designed for healthy gums with minimal buildup. Takes about 45 minutes. If you've been keeping up with regular visits, this is typically all you need.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) — If you have signs of gum disease — pockets deeper than 3mm, bleeding gums, visible tartar below the gumline — you may need a deep cleaning. This is more thorough than a standard cleaning and usually done in two visits (one side of the mouth at a time). We use local anesthetic so you're completely comfortable. This isn't a punishment for missing appointments — it's a treatment that can reverse early gum disease and save your teeth.
Periodontal maintenance — After a deep cleaning, your follow-up cleanings are typically every three to four months instead of six. This more frequent schedule keeps gum disease from returning. Think of it like physical therapy after a knee injury — you need more attention until things stabilize.
Don't wait for your scheduled appointment if you notice any of these:
Bleeding when you brush or floss — healthy gums don't bleed. This is the earliest sign of gum inflammation. Persistent bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing — often caused by bacteria trapped in tartar below the gumline. Teeth that look yellow or stained despite regular brushing — surface stains respond dramatically to professional polishing. Swollen, red, or tender gums — your gums should be pink and firm. Anything else suggests inflammation. A feeling of "fuzz" on your teeth that won't brush away — that's plaque that's starting to mineralize into tartar.
Any of these warrants a visit. Call us and we'll get you in — we keep availability for patients who need to be seen sooner than their next scheduled appointment.
Children should start professional cleanings when their first teeth come in, or by their first birthday. Early visits accomplish two things: we catch developmental issues before they become problems, and your child grows up seeing the dentist as a normal, non-scary part of life.
Our team is experienced with pediatric patients and genuinely enjoys working with kids. We explain everything in terms they understand, we go at their pace, and we make the experience positive. A child who has good early dental experiences grows into an adult who doesn't avoid the dentist — and that's worth more than any single cleaning.
Medicaid covers children's cleanings, and most family insurance plans include pediatric preventive care. Bring the whole family — we'll see everyone and make scheduling easy.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
For most adults and children with healthy gums, every six months. If you have gum disease or high risk factors (diabetes, smoking, pregnancy), every three to four months. We'll recommend the right schedule based on what we see at your visit — not a one-size-fits-all policy.
Does a teeth cleaning hurt?
A standard cleaning shouldn't hurt at all. You might feel some pressure or vibration from the ultrasonic scaler, but it's not painful. If you have sensitive teeth or significant tartar buildup, there may be brief moments of mild discomfort. For deep cleanings, we always use local anesthetic so you feel nothing. If you're anxious about pain, tell us — we'll adjust our approach.
Is teeth cleaning covered by Medicaid?
Yes. Florida Medicaid covers dental cleanings for both adults and children. This includes prophylaxis (standard cleanings) and, when medically necessary, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings). PureSmile Miami is a Medicaid provider — many offices in Kendall aren't. We accept adult Medicaid because we believe preventive care should be accessible to everyone in our community.
Can I get my teeth cleaned if I'm pregnant?
Absolutely — and you should. Pregnancy hormones increase your risk of gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis), and untreated gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians recommend dental cleanings throughout pregnancy. The second trimester is the most comfortable time, but cleanings are safe in all three trimesters.
What's the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A standard cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on the surfaces of your teeth above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes further — cleaning the root surfaces below the gumline where bacteria have created pockets. Deep cleanings are a treatment for gum disease, not a routine procedure. Your hygienist will measure your gum pockets and recommend the appropriate type.
How long after a cleaning can I eat?
If you had a fluoride treatment, wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking so the fluoride can fully absorb. After a standard cleaning without fluoride, you can eat immediately. After a deep cleaning, we recommend soft foods for the rest of the day and avoiding very hot or very cold foods until any numbness wears off.
PureSmile Miami is opening soon in Kendall. Gentle, thorough cleanings for the whole family — no judgment, just genuine care for your smile and your health.
We'll accept Medicaid, PPO, Medicare Advantage, and cash. Bilingual team — English and Spanish.
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