Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleanings and checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. They remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Professional cleanings reach areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t, ensuring a deeper clean and healthier mouth.
Regular dental visits also help your teeth look naturally whiter and brighter, reducing the need for whitening treatments. Plus, they allow your dentist to catch potential issues early, preventing more serious and costly problems down the road.
Regular teeth cleanings brighten your smile naturally, giving your teeth a whiter appearance without the need for bleaching treatments.
During a teeth cleaning, we perform the following steps:
- Eliminate plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that can erode enamel and cause cavities.
- Remove tartar: Hardened plaque that leads to gum disease if not professionally cleaned.
- Erase stains: From coffee, tea, and other foods, helping your smile look brighter.
- Examine oral health: Checking for receding gums, cavities, and other signs of disease or infection.
Stay proactive with your oral health by scheduling regular teeth cleanings and checkups.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Healthy gums are essential for supporting your teeth and maintaining the shape of your smile, yet they’re often overlooked. During the examination, we thoroughly assess your gums, tongue, teeth, and other areas of your mouth, with special attention to the gum line. This helps us check for any signs of inflammation, gum disease, or other potential issues. Our approach is gentle and understanding, so there’s no need to worry about judgment on your flossing habits.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily. If not regularly cleaned away through proper brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which is usually darker in colour and can build up along the gum line. Tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and requires professional cleaning. Our hygienist uses specialised tools to safely and thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas. After the buildup is removed, your teeth are polished to eliminate surface stains, leaving them looking brighter and feeling smoother.
Dentist Exam
Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination. They will review your chart and any recent X-rays, paying close attention to problem areas or concerning patterns. If necessary, the dentist may recommend further treatment or preventive measures to address tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any discomfort, sensitivity, or other dental issues you may have experienced. We’re here to answer your questions and provide personalised advice to maintain your oral health.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in St. Thomas
Routine checkups and teeth cleanings are essential for preventing dental problems, and most insurance plans cover them almost entirely every six months. Without insurance, the cost typically ranges from $120 to $300 or more, particularly for first-time visits or if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Teeth Cleaning:
- Current Oral Health: The condition of your teeth and gums may affect the complexity of the cleaning.
- X-Rays: New X-rays may be required to fully assess your oral health.
- Time and Attention Required: The time needed by the dental team to address your specific needs.
- Specialised Equipment and Supplies: Tools and materials used to provide thorough care.
Regular teeth cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining oral health. They help prevent more invasive procedures, avoid serious dental pain, and keep your smile healthy and bright.
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 recommend scheduling a teeth cleaning and checkup every six months. However, depending on your oral health needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. In some cases, appointments may be spaced further apart due to insurance coverage or budget considerations.
Don’t wait—contact us as soon as you experience any pain or discomfort. Cleanings are great for prevention, but they’re not the only time to address dental issues. Even minor discomfort can be a sign of a bigger problem, so it’s best to have it checked sooner rather than later.
Yes, absolutely. Dental checkups are about more than just teeth—they also involve examining your gums, tongue, and jawbone to ensure overall oral health. Even with dentures, it’s important to check their fit and condition while monitoring the rest of your mouth.
A typical dental cleaning takes about 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, you’ll relax in a comfortable, reclining dental chair while we thoroughly clean your teeth and assess your oral health.
Yes. Use a tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride, and make sure to floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash also helps kill bacteria that cause plaque buildup. Regular professional cleanings are the most effective way to keep tartar under control.
Yes, you can eat right after a routine dental cleaning. However, it’s best to avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks immediately after. If you received a fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything to allow the fluoride to fully protect your teeth.
Absolutely. Brushing and flossing after a dental cleaning helps maintain the results and keeps your teeth and gums healthy. Regular oral hygiene practices are key to preventing plaque buildup and maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
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