Abstract: A hand-held dental cleansing system for delivery of an abrasive laden stream against a tooth which is to be cleaned. The system is adapted to be coupled to sources of pressurized liquid and gas, and includes handpiece having a canister containing the abrasive material. Through various valves on the handpiece controlling the liquid and gas streams, the abrasive material is transported from the canister to a mixing chamber within a nozzle on the handpiece. The liquid or gas streams may be combined with the abrasive laden stream within the mixing chamber so as to result in a homogenous stream delivered to a single point on the tooth being cleaned. The canister, mixing chamber and connecting conduit may be constructed as a single unit adapted for easy removal and replacement by a fresh unit.