Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleanings and checkups are essential for maintaining your overall oral health, not just your teeth, but also your gums and the rest of your mouth—both inside and out. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. A hygienist can reach areas that are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing at home. A thorough cleaning and exam provide an excellent opportunity for the hygienist and dentist to assess your oral health and identify issues that can be treated or prevented before they become painful and costly.
Additionally, regular teeth cleanings can naturally help keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter, without the need for bleaching treatments. Regular teeth cleaning:
- Removes plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria which can erode your enamel.
- Eliminates tartar buildup, which is hardened plaque that could lead to gum disease.
- Reduces coffee, tea, or other stains on your teeth.
- Helps detect receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of disease or infection.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Gum health is crucial, though often overlooked. Your gums support your teeth and frame your smile, so we’ll closely examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and all other areas of your mouth, with particular focus on the gum line. Our goal is to ensure your mouth is as healthy as possible, free of signs of inflammation or potential gum disease. Don’t worry, 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 removed through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar is usually darker and tends to build up in hard-to-reach areas, like along the gum line. Our hygienist has the tools and expertise to carefully scale away stubborn plaque and tartar, leaving your teeth polished and gleaming by removing stains.
Dentist Exam
Once your teeth are cleaned, it’s the perfect time for a dentist exam. Your dentist will review your chart and x-rays to assess any areas of concern or troubling patterns. The dentist may suggest additional treatment or offer advice on how to slow or reverse tooth decay, gum inflammation, or other dental issues. We’re happy to answer any questions you have or listen to any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Waterdown
Routine checkups and cleanings are an excellent way to prevent dental issues, which is why most insurance plans cover them almost fully, usually every 6 months. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost typically ranges from $120 to $300 or more, especially if it’s your first visit or you haven’t had a cleaning in a while.
- Your current oral health
- Whether any new x-rays are needed
- The time required by the dental team to address your specific needs
- The necessary equipment and supplies to ensure optimal care
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, we take into account several important factors:
We value these routine appointments as they are the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid severe dental pain, and help keep you healthy and satisfied
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 cleaning and checkup every 6 months. However, if you have specific needs, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits, or we may schedule appointments further apart if necessary for insurance or cost reasons.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact us immediately. Cleanings are a great opportunity to prevent issues, but they’re not the only time to address them. Even if the problem seems minor, let us know so we can treat it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Absolutely. Checkups are for your entire mouth—gums, tongue, bones, and all. If you wear dentures, we still want to examine your mouth to ensure your dentures fit properly and are in good condition, as well as assess your overall oral health.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour on average, and are done while you’re comfortably lying in a dental chair.
Yes, by using tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. While brushing is important, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and prevent tartar from building up in those hard-to-reach spots. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash daily also helps to kill bacteria that cause plaque.
With a regular cleaning, you can eat right after your appointment. However, it’s best to avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks. If you had a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
Yes, continuing to brush and floss your teeth after your cleaning is the best way to maintain the results and keep your mouth healthy.
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