When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright, brushing and flossing at home is only part of the picture. To truly protect your oral health, you need to schedule regular professional teeth cleaning with your dentist.
At Ballantrae Dental, we help patients across Whitchurch-Stouffville protect their smiles through routine dental hygiene visits designed to remove buildup, prevent disease, and keep your mouth feeling fresh.
Let’s take a look at what happens during a cleaning, how often you need one, and why it’s one of the best habits for your health.
What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning is a preventive procedure performed by a dental hygienist. It involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, cleaning below the gumline, and polishing the tooth surface to reduce stains and bacteria buildup.
This treatment is part of your routine dental checkup and usually recommended every six months, though some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health.
Top 6 Benefits of Cleanings Every 6 Months
Sticking to your hygiene appointments isn’t just about having a shiny smile—there are real health benefits behind it:
- Prevents Gum Disease
Plaque left untreated can harden into tartar, leading to gingivitis and more serious forms of gum disease. Regular cleanings help reduce inflammation and prevent disease progression.
- Reduces Tooth Decay
Removing plaque and tartar significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
- Brightens Your Smile
Surface stains from coffee, wine, or tobacco can be polished away during your cleaning—giving you a naturally whiter look. For deeper results, we also offer teeth whitening.
- Freshens Your Breath
Bacteria under the gumline are a leading cause of chronic bad breath. A professional cleaning can significantly improve your breath.
- Early Detection of Issues
Your dentist can spot signs of oral cancer, gum recession, or bite problems early—before they become serious or costly.
- Saves You Money
Preventive care is far more affordable than restorative work like fillings, crowns or bridges, or tooth extractions. Cleanings are a smart long-term investment.
Research shows that preventive dental visits can significantly reduce the risk of costly dental problems down the road. According to the Ontario Dental Association, routine cleanings and checkups play a vital role in maintaining oral and systemic health, especially when it comes to preventing gum disease and tooth decay before they progress.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Here’s what to expect during a typical hygiene visit:
|
Step |
Description |
|
Scaling |
Removes plaque and tartar buildup from teeth and below the gumline using specialized instruments |
|
Polishing |
Uses a gritty paste and rotating brush to smooth the enamel and remove surface stains |
|
Flossing |
Gets between teeth and removes particles from hard-to-reach areas |
|
Fluoride Treatment (optional) |
Strengthens enamel and helps prevent future cavities, especially for children and high-risk adults |
Your hygienist may also discuss at-home care tips, offer preventive dental care suggestions, and flag any issues for the dentist to assess.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is recommended for patients with healthy gums and no history of periodontal disease. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a non-surgical treatment for patients with active gum disease and deeper pockets.
Signs you may need a deep cleaning include:
- Bleeding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Deep gum pockets
- Receding gums
In these cases, we may recommend a personalized periodontal treatment plan to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Signs You May Be Overdue for a Cleaning
If it’s been more than 6 months since your last visit—or if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—it’s time to book an appointment:
- Tartar buildup
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Stains or discoloration
- Chronic bad breath
- It's been over a year since your last visit
How Professional Teeth Cleaning Supports Whole-Body Health
Your mouth isn’t isolated from the rest of your body. In fact, inflammation and infection in your gums can affect other systems in surprising ways.
- Heart Health: Gum disease has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Diabetes: Poor oral hygiene can make blood sugar harder to control.
- Pregnancy: Gum disease increases the risk of low birth weight and preterm delivery.
- Respiratory Health: Bacteria from your mouth can enter your lungs and contribute to infections.
Preventive cleanings are about more than just teeth—they’re part of your full-body wellness.
Affordable Dental Hygiene in Stouffville
At Ballantrae Dental, we believe professional cleanings should be accessible and stress-free. That’s why we offer:
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible scheduling
- Direct billing to most insurance plans
- Gentle, anxiety-friendly care with dental anxiety management
We also provide care for families, kids, and seniors—whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth.