A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis cleaning, is a routine dental procedure where a dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean plaque and tartar off your teeth. The primary goal of a dental cleaning is to remove any build-up, bacteria, and calculus that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By removing all these disease-causing agents, a professional dental cleaning helps keep the teeth and gums healthy, prevents more severe issues from developing, and gives patients a bright, fresh smile.