Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleanings and checkups are crucial steps in maintaining your oral health, benefiting not only your teeth but also your gums and the rest of your mouth. Cleanings effectively remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. A dental hygienist can access areas that are difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing at home.
A thorough cleaning and exam allows the hygienist and dentist to monitor your oral health and identify problems early, preventing them from becoming painful and expensive issues. Additionally, regular teeth cleanings can help your teeth look naturally whiter and brighter, reducing the need for bleaching treatments.
Additionally, regular teeth cleanings can naturally make your teeth look whiter and brighter without the need for bleaching treatments.
- Eliminates plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria that erodes enamel
- Removes tartar build-up, which is hardened plaque that can lead to gum disease
- Gets rid of stains from coffee, tea, and other sources
- Checks for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of disease and infection
What Happens During A Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Extremely important and often under-appreciated. Your gums play a critical role in supporting your teeth and shaping your smile. During our examination, we will thoroughly assess your tongue, gums, teeth, and all other areas of your mouth, with a special emphasis on the gum line, to ensure that your entire mouth is healthy and free from any signs of inflammation or potential gum disease. We assure you that we won’t be too harsh about your flossing habits.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If not routinely cleaned away with thorough brushing, flossing, and professional care, it can harden into tartar deposits. Tartar is usually darker in colour and often found in hard-to-clean places like the gumline. A hygienist has the tools and expertise to carefully remove plaque and tartar from these tricky areas. Once the plaque and tartar are removed, we can polish your teeth to eliminate stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After your teeth are cleaned, it’s the ideal time for a dentist to examine them. Your dentist will review your chart and x-rays, focusing on any problem areas or troubling patterns. They might recommend further treatment or provide tips and advice on how to slow or reverse tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. We’re here to answer any questions you have and to address any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in St. Thomas
Routine checkups and cleanings are excellent ways to prevent dental problems, and most insurance companies will nearly completely cover them on a routine basis, typically every 6 months. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially if it’s your first visit or first cleaning in a long time.
- Your current oral health
- Whether new x-rays are required
- The amount of time needed by the dental team to meet your specific needs
- The equipment and supplies needed to serve all your needs
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, we consider several important factors:
These routine appointments are crucial to us, as they are the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid serious dental pain, and keep you as happy and healthy as possible.
Contact Us Today
Schedule an initial consultation and exam with us. During your consultation, we will examine everything from your teeth, gums, and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. We aim to understand how your entire mouth looks and functions. Before planning your treatment, we want to know everything about the health and aesthetics of your smile and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically recommend scheduling a teeth cleaning and checkup every 6 months. However, if you have specific needs, your dentist may advise more frequent visits. In certain situations, appointments might be scheduled further apart due to insurance or cost considerations.
If you experience any pain or discomfort in your mouth, call us right away! Cleanings are an excellent opportunity to prevent problems, but they’re not the only time to address them. Even if your issue seems minor, let us know now so we can fix it before it becomes more serious.
Absolutely. Checkups are for your entire mouth—gums, tongue, bones, and all. Even if you wear dentures, we still want to see you to ensure they are in good shape and fit correctly, as well as to examine the rest of your mouth and maintain your overall oral health.
Most dental cleanings typically last between 30 minutes to an hour and are performed while you relax in a comfortable, reclining dental chair.
Choose tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. No matter how well you brush, dental floss is essential for removing plaque between your teeth and keeping tartar out of these hard-to-reach areas. Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
After a regular dental cleaning, you can go ahead and eat. However, try to avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks. If you received a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, you should wait at least 30 minutes before eating anything.
Continuing to brush and floss your teeth after a dental cleaning is the best way to maintain the results and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
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