
Taking Care Of Your Gums And Teeth
Regular dental cleanings and checkups play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, protecting not just your teeth but also your gums and the entire oral cavity. These visits help remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria—the main causes of decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. A dental hygienist can clean areas that daily brushing and flossing may miss, while a thorough exam allows early detection of potential issues before they become painful or expensive to treat.
Beyond protecting oral health, routine cleanings also enhance the natural brightness of your teeth, reducing the need for whitening treatments:
- Clears away plaque, which harbours bacteria that weaken enamel
- Removes tartar, a hardened buildup that contributes to gum disease
- Lifts stains from coffee, tea, and other sources, restoring shine
- Monitors for receding gums, cracks, fractures, or early signs of disease
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
Healthy Gums
Often overlooked but essential, gums provide the support needed for strong teeth and a confident smile. During the examination, we assess your tongue, gums, teeth, and surrounding oral structures, paying close attention to the gum line to detect any signs of inflammation or gum disease. No need to worry—we won’t be too hard on your flossing habits.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
A sticky, soft film known as plaque builds up on teeth over time. Without proper brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and tends to collect along the gumline. Using specialised tools, a dental hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas. Once cleaned, the teeth are polished to lift surface stains, leaving your smile brighter and refreshed.
Dental Exam
After your cleaning, your dentist will review x-rays and your dental chart, checking for any problem areas or recurring concerns. Based on their findings, they may recommend further treatment or provide advice on preventing decay, inflammation, or gum disease. If you have questions, sensitivity, or discomfort, this is a great time to bring them up—we’re here to help.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning
For those with dental insurance, most of the cost is typically covered by the provider. Without insurance, the price of a professional cleaning ranges from $150 to $500.
Several factors influence the total cost of treatment, including:
- The current condition of your oral health
- Whether new X-rays are required
- The experience and expertise of the dental hygienist
- The quality of equipment and technology used during the procedure
At our clinic, we prioritise high-quality dental care, ensuring that every patient receives exceptional treatment tailored to their needs.
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 scheduling a dental cleaning and checkup every six months. However, depending on your specific dental needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. In some cases, appointment timing may also be adjusted due to insurance or financial considerations.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, contact us right away. While regular cleanings help prevent dental issues, you don’t have to wait for your next check-up to address concerns. Even minor issues can worsen over time, so it’s best to have them checked early.
Yes. Oral health goes beyond teeth, and routine checkups allow us to assess your gums, tongue, jawbone, and overall oral health. If you wear dentures, we can also check their fit and condition to ensure comfort and functionality.
A routine dental cleaning typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your oral health and the level of plaque or tartar buildup.
Using a fluoride toothpaste with tartar control can help reduce buildup. While brushing is important, flossing is essential for removing plaque between teeth and preventing tartar in hard-to-reach areas. An antiseptic mouthwash also helps fight plaque-causing bacteria.
After a routine cleaning, eating is generally fine, but it’s best to avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks. If fluoride treatment was applied, wait at least 30 minutes before consuming anything.
Yes! Maintaining brushing and flossing habits is essential for preserving the results of your cleaning and keeping your teeth healthy.
