Most people brush and floss every day and still hear surprising news at their checkup. A toothbrush and floss simply cannot reach every area of the mouth, and tartar that hardens on the teeth gives bacteria a place to settle in. Over time, that buildup may progress into gum disease, cavities, and other problems that take more time and effort to treat. A professional teeth cleaning removes what daily brushing leaves behind and gives you a fresh start between visits.
At All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Stevens, WA, Dr. Jason Steinhubel and our hygiene team take an education-first approach to every appointment. Since Dr. Jason opened the practice in 2004, our goal has been to help you understand what is happening in your mouth and why it matters for your overall health. Dental cleanings are the foundation of the preventive care we provide through our family dentistry in Lake Stevens, for children, teens, and adults alike.
A cleaning visit is more than a quick polish. Our hygienists follow a clear sequence so that your teeth and gum tissue are protected at every stage. Here is what a typical appointment looks like.
Every cleaning also includes oral hygiene instruction tailored to you, whether you have a trouble area, wear aligners, or simply want to improve your daily routine. Most adult visits are paired with a comprehensive dental exam and an oral cancer screening, so you leave with a complete picture of your oral health.
Not every cleaning is the same. The right type depends on the health of your gums, and your hygienist or dentist will recommend one after checking for signs of gum disease.
| Cleaning Type | Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Periodontal Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Healthy gums and preventive care | Gums with bacteria and tartar below the gumline | Patients who have already been treated for gum disease |
| Where we clean | At and just below the gumline | Below the gumline and along the tooth roots | Above and below the gumline, with close monitoring |
| Typical schedule | Often every six months | Often completed over one or more visits | Often every three to four months |
| Main goal | Prevent decay and gum disease | Treat gum disease and reduce buildup | Keep inflammation in check and help prevent relapse |
A deep cleaning is also called scaling and root planing. If your exam shows signs of gum disease, our periodontist, Dr. Izoh Ashour, and our team will walk you through your gum disease treatment options in Lake Stevens so you know what to expect before anything begins.
It is easy to think of a cleaning as a cosmetic service, but professional cleanings are one of the most effective tools for protecting long-term health. The connection between oral health and whole-body health is well documented, and routine preventive care plays a central role in that relationship.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gum disease is common among adults, and untreated gum disease has been linked to other health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes complications. Regular cleanings help interrupt the cycle of bacterial buildup that can lead to gum disease in the first place, which makes them far more valuable than most people realize.
For most patients, a cleaning every six months is the standard recommendation. That interval lets us monitor changes while keeping buildup from reaching problem levels. Some patients benefit from more frequent visits, and your dentist will help you set the right schedule.
If you have a history of gum disease, wear braces or aligners, manage diabetes, or build up tartar quickly, we may recommend cleanings every three to four months. This schedule is often called periodontal maintenance, and it helps keep inflammation in check. We track your progress over time and adjust our recommendations based on what we see at each visit.
Think of a cleaning like a power wash for your teeth. You may feel light pressure, vibration, and the hum of the ultrasonic tip, and most patients find the visit comfortable. If your gums are tender or you feel anxious, tell your hygienist right away. We can slow down, adjust our technique, and take breaks as needed.
For patients who want extra help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide conscious sedation. You can learn more about our sedation dentistry options before your visit.
One advantage of a comprehensive family practice is that everyone in your household can receive care under one roof. We see children, teens, and adults, so we can follow your family through each life stage and catch changes early. Early, consistent cleanings help children build habits for a lifetime of better oral health, and our team takes extra time to explain each step in a way that builds trust. Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and our children’s cleanings.
We want cost to be one less thing to worry about. All Smiles Dentistry is in network with Delta Dental, Regents, and Premera, and we accept out-of-network benefits from many other carriers, including Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, Standard, MetLife, Principal, BCBS, and UnitedHealthcare. TRICARE and VA benefits are accepted with pre-authorization.
If you do not have dental insurance, we offer Cherry financing, CareCredit, and in-house payment plans. Visit our payment plans page or dental financing page to compare your options, check the plans we accept on our insurance page, or call us and we will review your coverage before your visit.
Professional cleanings work best alongside a steady routine at home. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles look worn. A tongue scraper may also help reduce the bacteria that cause bad breath, and you can read more in our guide to the benefits of tongue scraping.
Good habits at home may also support your health beyond your mouth, as we explain in our post on the relationship between oral hygiene and respiratory health. Your hygienist can show you the best technique for your teeth, aligners, or any tight spaces.
All Smiles Dentistry has served the Lake Stevens community since Dr. Jason Steinhubel opened the practice in 2004 with a simple goal, a better dental experience for the neighbors he loves. Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and microscope dentistry help our team find and explain concerns early, so cleanings here go beyond the routine. You can learn more about Dr. Jason and our team on our about page.
Whether you are due for a cleaning, looking for a new dental home, or bringing the kids in for the first time, we would love to welcome you. Contact our office or call 425-335-1111 to schedule your appointment today.
Dental cleanings work together with several other preventive and periodontal services. Many patients combine these with their regular cleaning schedule.
Your hygienist can help you decide which of these fit your needs at your next visit.
Most cleanings take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much buildup is present and whether your visit also includes X-rays or an exam. Your first visit at All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Stevens may run a little longer so we can review your health history and take any X-rays that are due.
Most patients find cleanings comfortable. You may notice pressure, vibration, or mild sensitivity if your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive. Tell your hygienist if anything bothers you and we will adjust or pause. If you feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide conscious sedation at our Lake Stevens office.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar at and just below the gumline to help prevent problems. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, reaches below the gumline and along the tooth roots to treat gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend the right option after checking your gums.
Most patients do well with a cleaning every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, wear braces or aligners, manage diabetes, or build up tartar quickly, we may recommend visits every three to four months instead.
Yes. We see children and teens along with adults, so your whole family can schedule at the same office. Our team explains each step in a way that helps kids feel comfortable and builds good habits early.
Yes. We offer Cherry financing, CareCredit, and in-house payment plans, and we can review your options before your visit. If you do have insurance, we are in network with Delta Dental, Regents, and Premera and accept out-of-network benefits from many other carriers.
Our team always listens to your concerns and gets to know you before customizing your experience to your needs. We want to ensure your comfort while bringing you the best treatments modern family dentistry has to offer.
Feel relaxed at your Lake Stevens dentist as our team takes great care of you. If you’re feeling nervous, our nitrous oxide or conscious sedation options can put you at ease. We’re in good hands here. Feel relaxed at your Lake Stevens dentist
Each time you visit, expect the same level of high-quality care with modern technology and your own dedicated provider. Discover more effective and gentle dentistry with digital imaging, lasers, same-day crowns, and more.
Dr. Jason Steinhubel opened All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Stevens in 2004 to give the community he loves a better dental experience. A member of the American Dental Association, he brings a background in forensics, dental assisting, and dental lab work to a technology-forward, family-focused practice built on prevention, education, and comprehensive care under one roof.
View Dr. Steinhubel's full profile