Abstract: A tooth cleaning system having a unitary elastomeric injection molded flexible protective shield, and a nozzle having an end portion extending into the shield. The shield is connected to a source of vacuum and has an inner wall having an inner wall perimeter. The nozzle is connected to a fluid source. The fluid from the fluid source travels directly from the nozzle to less than half of the area enclosed by the perimeter. The nozzle is pivotally supported whereby the nozzle is readily repositioned to positions angularly offset from the central axis of the shield to direct fluid from the nozzle to the entire tooth surface enclosed by the perimeter of the shield. The invention provides a method of cleaning teeth including providing a flexible plastic shield positioned against a tooth surface while pressure within the chamber formed by the flexible protective shield and the tooth surface is reduced to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.