Having your teeth routinely cleaned is one of the most critical steps you can take to preserve the health of your teeth as well as your gums. Cleaning removes plaque, tartar and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease and chronic bad breath, by getting into areas that aren’t easy to reach by brushing and flossing alone. Plus, regular teeth cleanings can help your teeth look whiter and brighter naturally, without the need for bleaching treatments.
- Eliminates plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria that eats away at your enamel.
- Removes tartar build-up, plaque that has hardened and could lead to gum disease.
- Gets rid of coffee, tea or other stains on your teeth.
- Check for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth and dangerous tooth infections.
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
Gum Health
Super important and often under-appreciated. Your gums support your teeth and frame your smile. We will take a close look at your tongue, gums, teeth and all other areas of your mouth with a special focus on the gum line to ensure your entire mouth is as healthy as can be without any sign of inflammation or impending gum disease. We promise not to be too hard on you about your flossing habits.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If it is not routinely cleaned away with thorough brushing, flossing and a professional touch it can harden into tartar deposits. Tartar is usually darker in colour and often found in tricky to clean places like the gumline. A hygienist has the tools and know-how to carefully scale away stuck-on plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. With all that out of the way, finally we can polish your teeth to remove stains and leave your teeth gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After your teeth are cleaned is the perfect time to have a dentist examine them. Your dentist will check out your chart and x-rays and zero in on those problem areas or troubling patterns. The dentist might recommend further treatment or give you tips and advice on how to slow or reverse tooth decay, inflammation or gum disease. We would be happy to answer any questions you have or to hear about any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced.
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 recommend booking a checkup and teeth cleaning every 6 months to keep your smile happy and healthy.
Think of it as a complete physical exam for your mouth. This exam will asses the condition of your oral health and allow us to establish a baseline set of measurements to better monitor any changes over time (eg. gum recession) and identify any areas of concern that you may not yet be aware of (eg. an infected tooth). At the end of your visit, you can also expect to meet with our dental team to discuss your dental goals.
A complete oral examination and x-rays usually takes around one hour and may be combined with another hour to start your cleaning.
We are always happy to assist you in having your x-rays transferred to us from your previous dentist. We will evaluate the x-rays and let you know if we require any new ones.
Don’t wait! If you have any pain or discomfort in your mouth, call us right away. We will be able to recommend the best course of action. Catch the issue right away before it grows into a major problem.
Absolutely. Checkups are for your whole mouth. Gums, tongue, bones and all. If you wear dentures we still want to see you to ensure your dentures are in good shape and fit correctly and to examine the rest of your mouth and oral health.
Most dental cleanings last between 30 minutes to an hour on average and are performed in a lying position in a comfortable dental chair. After professional teeth cleaning, you may notice that your teeth feel fresher and look brighter.
Since every patient has different needs and comfort levels, we occasionally recommend splitting up your cleaning in order to ensure you have a thorough yet pleasant visit. This can occur if a patient has not seen a dentist for an extended period of time and therefore may have more tartar buildup and weaker gums, or if a patient is more prone to sensitivity and/or tartar and plaque accumulation. Rest assured, your dentist and hygienist will assess your gums and teeth and convey their recommendations with you so that you can make an informed choice on your dental care.
Choose tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. No matter how good you are with a toothbrush, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and keep tartar out of these hard-to-reach areas. Rinse daily. Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
With regular dental cleanings, you can go ahead and eat after the cleaning, try to avoid food or drinks that are acidic or abrasive. However, if you received a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, you should wait at least 30 minutes before eating anything.
Just because your teeth are tender, doesn’t mean you should refrain from brushing and flossing. Continuing to brush and floss your teeth after they have been cleaned is the best way to maintain the work your dentist has done.
What Our Patients are Saying
Adam Tkach
Just had my first appointment post-COVID-19. I was very impressed with the protocols in place and check-in process from the electronic sign-in to the temperature and oxygen checks when you arrive. Clean facilities have never been an issue here and there was hand sanitizer readily available in the waiting area. Overall great experience and felt safe coming back.
Sinda Abbott
For over 30 years we have enjoyed the polite and cheery good attitudes of all of the dentists and staff at Bloor West Dental Group. On my visit today I was marvelling at the advances in technology in dentistry and Bloor West have kept up with and use that technology to our (the patient) advantage. Thanks for the fabulous dental service.
p.s. - I love the text/email reminders!
Valina Sintal
Been going to this dentist since I was a kid and the staff are always very friendly. The dentists and hygienists go the extra mile to make sure my teeth are well taken care of!
