Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining your oral health—not just for your teeth, but for your gums and the overall condition of your mouth. Cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. Hygienists reach spots that are tough to clean with regular brushing and flossing at home. These appointments also give your dentist the chance to detect and address potential issues before they become painful or costly.
In addition to keeping your mouth healthy, regular cleanings naturally brighten your smile, reducing the need for whitening treatments.
- Removes plaque, a sticky bacteria-filled substance that wears down enamel.
- Eliminates tartar, hardened plaque that can lead to gum disease.
- Gets rid of coffee, tea, and other stains.
- Identifies receding gums, damaged teeth, and early signs of infection or disease.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are key to supporting your teeth and framing your smile, yet they’re often overlooked. During your cleaning, we carefully examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and other areas of your mouth—focusing on the gum line—to ensure everything is healthy with no signs of inflammation or gum disease. And don’t worry, we won’t be too tough on your flossing habits!
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that can build up on your teeth, and if not properly cleaned through brushing, flossing, and professional care, it can harden into tartar. Tartar, often darker in colour, tends to settle in hard-to-clean areas like the gumline. Your hygienist uses specialized tools to scale away this buildup, reaching those tricky spots, and finishes off by polishing your teeth to remove stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After your cleaning, the dentist will examine your teeth, review your chart and x-rays, and focus on any areas of concern. They may suggest further treatment or offer advice on managing tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. It’s also the perfect time to ask any questions or share any discomfort, sensitivity, or pain you’ve been experiencing. We’re here to help!
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend coming in every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. However, if you have specific dental needs, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits. In some cases, appointments might be scheduled further apart due to insurance or cost reasons.
Don’t wait! If you experience any pain or discomfort, contact us right away. While cleanings help prevent problems, you don’t have to wait for your next checkup to address them. Even minor issues can be dealt with before they become bigger concerns.
Yes, regular checkups are important for your entire mouth, not just your teeth. We want to ensure your dentures fit well and are in good condition while checking the overall health of your gums, tongue, and bones.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour and are done while you relax in a comfortable, reclined dental chair.
Yes! Use fluoride toothpaste that offers tartar control and be diligent with flossing, as it’s the only way to remove plaque between your teeth. Also, use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup.
Yes, but avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks immediately after a regular cleaning. If you had a fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Absolutely! Brushing and flossing after your cleaning is the best way to maintain the results and keep your teeth in top shape.
