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Published September 2026

1 of 5These are short conversations, not procedures, that happen inside a cleaning visit
  1. These are short conversations, not procedures, that happen inside a cleaning visit
  2. The hygienist shows the brushing technique that works best for your own mouth
  3. Diet choices and tobacco habits come up too, when they matter
  4. Weeks later, at the next cleaning, the same routine gets checked
  5. Good habits like these help keep plaque from building back up as fast

Who usually does it

hygienist. Done in the general office, often folded into a cleaning visit.

One question worth asking

What is the one habit that would make the biggest difference for me?

Brushing, diet and tobacco coaching

Cleanings and gum carePreventiveD1310D1320D1330D1999

Short coaching sessions on brushing and flossing, diet choices that affect teeth, or quitting tobacco. These are advice visits, not procedures.

These are short conversations rather than procedures: how to brush and floss for the shape of your own mouth, which foods and drinks are hardest on teeth, or help with quitting tobacco. They usually happen inside a cleaning visit rather than as their own appointment. Most plans file this as Preventive. What they actually pay varies by plan.

Codes for this

D1310PreventiveDiet counseling for teethAdvice on food and drink choices that affect cavities.per visit · Done sometimesD1320PreventiveTobacco counselingHelp with quitting smoking or chewing tobacco.per visit · Done sometimesD1330PreventiveBrushing and flossing instructionHands-on coaching on cleaning your teeth, usually included with a cleaning.per visit · Done oftenD1999PreventiveOther preventive procedureThe catch-all code for a preventive service that has no code of its own.per visit · Rarely done
Have this on your plan?

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Part of these flowsRoutine check-up cycle for a young childFirst dental visit by age one

Related

Brushing, diet and tobacco coaching: what happens, step by step | TruthMolar