
Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleaning and checkups are essential for maintaining your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. Regular cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. A hygienist can reach areas that are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing, providing a thorough cleaning that helps prevent future issues.
A cleaning and exam also give your hygienist and dentist the opportunity to spot any problems early, allowing them to be addressed before they become painful or expensive.
Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning:
- Eliminates plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria that can wear down enamel
- Removes tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease if not treated
- Helps remove stains from coffee, tea, or other foods
- Allows your dentist to check for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other potential signs of disease or infection
Plus, regular cleanings can keep your teeth naturally white and bright, without the need for bleaching treatments!
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are crucial to your oral health, often overlooked but essential to supporting your teeth and framing your smile. During your cleaning, we will carefully examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and all other areas of your mouth, focusing on the gum line to check for any signs of inflammation or gum disease. We won’t be too hard on you about your flossing habits.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth. If not cleaned away regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is usually darker in color and tends to build up around the gum line. A hygienist uses specialized tools to remove this plaque and tartar, especially from hard-to-reach areas. Afterward, your teeth will be polished to remove stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
Once your teeth are cleaned, it’s time for the dentist to perform an exam. They’ll review your dental chart and x-rays and look for any problem areas or troubling patterns. Based on the exam, the dentist may recommend further treatment or offer advice on how to slow or reverse tooth decay, gum disease, or inflammation. Feel free to ask any questions or share any discomfort or sensitivity you’ve been experiencing.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Stouffville
Routine checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing dental problems, and most insurance companies will nearly fully cover these treatments, typically every 6 months. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 and up, especially if it’s your first visit or if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.
- Your current oral health
- Whether new x-rays are required
- The amount of time the dental team needs to meet your specific needs
- The equipment and supplies needed for your treatment
The cost of your treatment will depend on several factors, including:
These routine appointments are vital to us, as we consider them the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid serious dental pain, and keep you happy and healthy.
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 typically recommend having your teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months. However, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have specific dental needs, or we may schedule appointments further apart if required for insurance or cost reasons.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact us right away. Cleanings are a great way to prevent issues, but if you’re in pain, it’s important to address it sooner rather than later. Even minor problems are easier to treat early.
Absolutely. Checkups are important for your whole mouth—gums, tongue, and bones included. If you wear dentures, we still want to see you to ensure your dentures fit properly and to check your overall oral health.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour, and they’re done while you’re comfortably lying in a dental chair.
Yes, using tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride can help. But the best way to prevent tartar buildup is by flossing daily to reach areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
With a regular cleaning, you can eat right away. Just avoid acidic or abrasive foods. If you had a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Yes, brushing and flossing after your cleaning is the best way to maintain the results and keep your teeth healthy.