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What are the benefits of having my teeth professionally cleaned?

Professional teeth cleaning by a dentist or registered dental hygenist (RDH) is a procedure that removes tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult to reach in routine toothbrushing. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.

Good oral hygiene helps to prevent cavities, tartar build-up, and gum disease.

How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?

Your dentist and hygienist will recommend a cleaning frequency and oral hygiene regimen based on your individual needs. While most dentists and dental hygienists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months, more frequent cleaning may be necessary for patients wearing braces, diagnosed with gum disease, or simply having difficulty keeping their teeth clean due to various reasons. Routine examination of the teeth is recommended to detect oral disease early. This may include yearly dental X-rays to check for conditions that are not detectable by visual inspection.

Is having my teeth cleaned painful?

For most people, having their teeth cleaned causes no discomfort.  Some may experience minimal sensitivity, but rarely serious pain.  If you experience sensitivity or anxiety during routine cleaning, be sure to talk to your dentist or hygienist about options for reducing or minimizing pain during treatment.  Typical options include:

  • Topical anesthetic: A topical anesthetic gel applied to teeth and gums may temporary numb the gums during cleaning.
  • Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas): Nitrous oxide can be used to lower anxiety during cleaning and also minimize a sensitive gag reflex.
  • Local Anesthetics (freezing) : Regional local anesthetics can be administered for patients with severe sensitivity prior to cleaning.
  • Overhead TV with your favourite TV shows or movies: Each of our rooms is equipped with a overhead TV and Netflix for your entertainment and relaxation during your visit.
Portions excerpted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teeth_cleaning under the Creative Commons license.

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This Page Has 24 Questions

The information provided below does not constitute dental advice and is general in nature. It does not take into account your personal dental health and should not be acted on without consultation with a certified dental professional.

Bathurst Centre Dental Care accepts no liability for any loss or injury arising out of the use of this website or reliance on the content of this website.

  1. Hi, I would like to ask if you accept Seneca students insurance coverage? And if yes, how much would be the teeth cleaning?. Thank you..

  2. Hi, I just wondering how much is cleaning?i have no insurance and i know dental here i canada is so expensive, I’m afraid it ll cost me a lot of money just for cleaning. Thankyou. Have a good one!

    1. Hi Linda, thanks for your inquiry! We will forward you an estimate regarding the free whitening promotion via email during our office hour. Please let us know if you have any questions about it or would like to book an appointment.

    1. Hi Barry, thank you for your inquiry! We will reach out to you via email with the pricing information. We look forward to helping you with you oral health.

    1. Hi Sarah, the price of a filling varies depending on which tooth and how many surfaces the cavities are on. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to provide a cost estimate without an exam and x-rays. As for the bridge repair, it also depends on what the issues are. If there are cavities on the margin of the bridge and I can reach the cavities without breaking the bridge, then it is the same cost as a filling. However, in many cases a bridge cannot be repaired and must be replaced. In this case, an in-person inspection would still be necessary to accurately assess the cost. If you’re in the area, feel free to contact our office at 905-707-8008 to book an appointment.

  3. Hello Dr. Li
    I was there with you for a tooth extraction last year and I’m quite pleased with the outcome. I was wondering if you are available in May for a teeth cleaning and whitening.

    1. Hello Kevin, welcome back! Our receptionist will contact you to arrange an appointment. The quickest way to book an appointment is to call us at 905-707-8008 or email us at [email protected]. There is also a “Book Appointment” button on the website to help you. Look forward to seeing you again.

  4. I have always been told that you should always brush your teeth 3 times a day, so one time after each meal, and brushing more than those three times could damage your teeth and gums.
    But I have also been told by my dentist that if you eat something sweet or acidic, you absolutely have to brush your teeth.

    But what if I eat something sweet/acidic as a snack between meals, should I still brush my teeth after? If so, wouldn’t that be “overbrushing” since I’m brushing after each meal AND snack, so over 3 times a day?

    1. Hi Crystal, the Canadian Dental Associate (CDA)’s recommendation for tooth brushing is: “Ideally, brush after every meal—but at least twice a day including just before bed. Use a toothpaste with fluoride. Use a soft-bristle brush with rounded bristles, small enough to reach your back teeth. Flossing is a must—otherwise more than a third of your tooth surface is not getting cleaned.”

      If you are prone to cavities and gum disease, sometimes the benefit of brushing after eating something sweet outweighs the drawback of brushing more than twice a day. However, you want to ensure you’re using proper technique when you brush since long term aggressive brushing techniques can lead to gum recession and cause damage to your teeth. Your dentist / hygienist will be able to assess your brushing technique and recommend how many times you should brush your teeth daily by examining your overall teeth and gum health.

      Below is the CDA website for your reference:
      https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/talk/dentist.asp

  5. Hi, I wanted to know how I get get rid of the black plague around my gums. It’s behind my front top teeth and a lot of bottom even though I do brush and floss pretty regularly

    1. Hi Rubia, please see a dentist as soon as possible to verify what the blackness around your gum is. It could simply be calcified plaque, known as calculus, which will require professional removal by a dentist or a hygienist. They will be able to give you some pointers on your cleaning and flossing techniques to reduce the amount of calculus that forms in your mouth. The black spots could also be cavities, in which case you would want to get them treated sooner to avoid more serious damage to your teeth.

  6. I just had my molar sealants redone at 22, first time was 7. My question is what are the sealants supposed to feel like? The molars where the sealants were placed feel chalky when I run my tongue over them. I know it’s supposed to feel “smooth” but what is the actual texture of the sealant material? It doesn’t feel slick like the other surfaces of my teeth

    1. Hi Sarah, sealants may have a chalky feeling initially, but should eventually feel smooth. If you’re still not used to them at your next dental checkup, ask your dentist to polish them for you.

  7. My two teeth in front is turning a little bit grayish. Can it be removed by dental cleaning? What should I do? Thank you for your answer.

    1. Hi Zyreena, unfortunately, I am not able to answer your questions without a physical examination and an X-ray of your teeth. If your teeth turned grey due to staining, a cleaning would help. If the teeth turned grey internally, you would need to find out what is causing the color change. It may be due to cavities, nerve damage from past trauma or deep cavities, or other reasons. I would suggest you book an appointment with a dentist so they can examine your teeth and properly diagnose the problem.

    1. Hi Alicia, it really depends on the individual. If one of my patients has a lot of cavities, worsening periodontal disease, or is going through orthodontic treatment, I may recommend brushing and flossing after each meal. We would also discuss tools and techniques that could help improve his or her oral hygiene. However, there is such a thing as too much brushing, especially when it is done with incorrect technique (aggressive force). It can lead to gingival recession and erosion of enamel. Please book an appointment with your dentist for an assessment of your unique dental situation.

  8. How old should I be before using teeth whitening strips? All my adult teeth are fully grown in and have been for about 3 years.

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