OUR SERVICES
Dental Cleaning & Teeth Whitening
A cleaner smile. A brighter smile. Care that starts with your oral health.
If you have plaque, tartar, staining or discolouration, professional dental cleaning and teeth whitening can help improve the appearance and health of your smile. At SmilePlug, we begin by understanding the condition of your teeth and gums before determining whether you need a professional cleaning, whitening treatment or another form of dental care.
Your smile is a work of art.
CLEANING VS WHITENING
Dental Cleaning and Teeth Whitening Are Not the Same Thing
Dental cleaning: Professional dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque, tartar and surface deposits that regular brushing cannot completely remove. Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings form part of maintaining oral health.
Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment designed to lighten the colour of teeth. Whitening products commonly use peroxide-based bleaching agents to break stains into smaller pieces and make teeth appear brighter.
Cleaning helps maintain a healthier, cleaner mouth. Whitening focuses on the colour of your teeth. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from one or both.
When Might Professional Dental Cleaning Be Right for You?
Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth are essential, but some deposits require professional attention.
Plaque Build-Up
Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and needs regular removal.
Tartar or Calculus
Plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed effectively with ordinary brushing alone.
Surface Staining
Coffee, tea, tobacco and other substances can contribute to staining on the surface of teeth.
Gum Concerns
Bleeding, swollen or irritated gums can be signs that your gums need professional assessment.
Before Whitening
A dentist may recommend cleaning and addressing oral-health issues before cosmetic whitening.
Routine Preventive Care
Professional cleaning can form part of regular preventive dental care alongside good home oral hygiene.
Professional cleaning is not a substitute for daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth. It works alongside your everyday oral-care routine.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Oral Assessment
Your dentist or dental professional examines your teeth and gums and identifies areas requiring attention.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Professional instruments are used to remove deposits that have accumulated on the teeth.
Cleaning & Polishing
The teeth can be professionally cleaned and polished to remove certain surface deposits and leave the teeth feeling cleaner.
Personalised Oral-Care Guidance
You may receive guidance about brushing, cleaning between your teeth and maintaining your oral health at home.
The exact cleaning approach depends on the condition of your teeth and gums.
Why Do Teeth Become Discoloured?
Food & Drinks
Coffee, tea, red wine and other strongly pigmented foods and drinks can contribute to surface staining.
Tobacco
Tobacco use can contribute to persistent tooth staining.
Age
As enamel changes over time, the naturally yellower dentin underneath can become more visible.
Trauma
An injury to a tooth can sometimes cause it to change colour.
Medications & Other Causes
Certain medications and developmental conditions can contribute to tooth discoloration.
Not every type of tooth discolouration responds to whitening in the same way.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening uses bleaching agents to lighten the colour of teeth. Common professional whitening systems use peroxide-based bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents break down stains, making their colour less concentrated and the teeth appear brighter.
Whitening should begin with an assessment of your teeth and gums so your dentist can determine whether whitening is appropriate and which approach may be suitable.
The goal is not simply to make teeth whiter. It is to choose an appropriate whitening approach for your individual smile.
What Teeth Whitening Options Are Available?
In-Office Whitening
Professional bleaching carried out at the dental practice under dental supervision. Depending on the system used, treatment may be completed during an office visit.
Dentist-Supervised At-Home Whitening
A dentist may provide custom trays and whitening gel with instructions for use at home over a period of time.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes can help remove some surface stains, but they do not bleach teeth or change their intrinsic colour in the same way professional bleaching does.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Every Type of Discolouration?
No. Whitening does not work equally on every type of discoloration.
Yellow teeth may respond more readily to bleaching, while some brown or grey discoloration may respond differently. Whitening also does not change the colour of existing crowns, veneers or fillings.
Your natural teeth can respond differently from dental restorations.
This is why a dental assessment is important before choosing a whitening treatment.
READY FOR A CLEANER, BRIGHTER SMILE?
Start With an Assessment.
Whether your priority is removing plaque and staining or exploring teeth whitening, the first step is understanding the condition of your teeth and gums.
Why Consider a Dental Cleaning Before Whitening?
Surface plaque, tartar and staining can affect the appearance of your smile. A professional cleaning can remove deposits and surface stains before you decide whether additional whitening is appropriate.
Your dentist can also identify problems such as cavities, gum concerns or other dental conditions that may need attention before cosmetic whitening.
A brighter smile should start with a healthy foundation.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity in some people. Overuse of whitening products can also damage tooth enamel or irritate the gums, which is why whitening should be carried out according to professional or product instructions.
Tooth Sensitivity
Some people experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening.
Gum Irritation
Whitening agents can irritate the gums if they are used incorrectly or come into prolonged contact with gum tissue.
Professional Guidance
A dentist can assess whether whitening is appropriate and help determine a suitable approach.
Avoid DIY whitening methods involving abrasive or acidic household substances. Some popular online methods can damage enamel rather than safely whitening teeth.
How Do You Keep Your Smile Clean and Bright?
Brush Twice Daily
Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste is a core part of daily oral care.
Clean Between Your Teeth
Daily interdental cleaning helps remove plaque and food particles that toothbrushes cannot reach.
Watch Staining Habits
Coffee, tea and tobacco can contribute to staining over time.
Visit Your Dentist
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings support ongoing oral health.
Preventive & Cosmetic Dental Care Built Around You
Personalised Assessment
Your treatment begins with understanding your teeth, gums and individual concerns.
Preventive Focus
Professional cleaning supports the everyday oral-care routine that helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Cosmetic Consideration
Whitening options can be discussed based on your teeth, oral health and desired outcome.
Care Across Our Locations
SmilePlug provides dental services across Ikeja, Lekki and Abuja.
A Brighter Smile Starts With Healthy Teeth and Gums.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment. It should not be used to mask untreated dental problems.
If you have cavities, gum problems, significant sensitivity or another dental concern, your dentist may recommend addressing the underlying issue before cosmetic whitening.
Before asking how white your smile can be, it is worth asking whether your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.
Patient guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleaning & Teeth Whitening
SmilePlug Dental Clinic
Your Smile Is a Work of Art.
Whether you want a professional dental cleaning, are concerned about staining or want to explore teeth whitening, the right place to start is with an assessment. SmilePlug can help you understand the condition of your smile and the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.