The single most cost-effective appointment in dentistry.
Brushing and flossing handle plaque. They do not handle tartar — hardened deposits that bond to the tooth and can only be removed with instruments. Tartar sits at the gumline and below it, irritating the gums and creating the conditions for gum disease.
A cleaning removes it. That is the whole job, and it prevents a remarkable amount of expensive work later.
What Happens During a Cleaning
- Assessment — the hygienist checks your gums, measuring pocket depths where needed to see how your gum health is tracking.
- Scaling — removing tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline, using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
- Polishing — smoothing the surfaces and lifting surface stain from coffee, tea and tobacco.
- Flossing and fluoride — clearing between teeth, then a fluoride varnish if appropriate.
- Advice, if any is useful — if we spot a spot you consistently miss, we will show you. Nobody gets a lecture.
Most cleanings take 45 minutes to an hour. If it has been years, expect it to take longer, and possibly more than one appointment.
How Often?
Every six months suits most people. Some need three or four monthly cleanings because of gum disease history, smoking, diabetes or a heavy tartar tendency. A few genuinely do fine annually.
We tell you which you are rather than putting everyone on the same schedule.
Will It Hurt?
Usually not. If your gums are inflamed it can be tender, because inflamed tissue bleeds and is sensitive — which is a sign you need the cleaning, not a reason to avoid it. Tell the hygienist if anything is uncomfortable and they will adjust.
Once your gums are healthy, cleanings stop being uncomfortable. Patients who come regularly rarely find them difficult.
If It Has Been a Long Time
Very common, and nobody here will comment on it. Heavy tartar buildup may need scaling across two appointments, and if there is gum disease present you may need deeper cleaning below the gumline rather than a routine one. We will explain the difference and what each costs before starting.
Cleaning Before Whitening
If you are considering teeth whitening, get cleaned first. Surface stain blocks whitening gel from working evenly — and a thorough clean sometimes gets people close enough that they decide against whitening entirely.
Cost and Coverage
Cleanings are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan at permitted frequencies, and by virtually every private plan. See fees and payment.
Cleanings are usually booked alongside a checkup — one appointment, both done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just brush more instead?
No. Once plaque hardens into tartar, no toothbrush will shift it.
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Because they are inflamed. Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is a signal to come more often, not less.
Do I need a cleaning and a checkup separately?
They are normally done in the same visit.
Is a deep cleaning the same thing?
No. Scaling and root planing goes below the gumline to treat active gum disease. It costs more and sometimes needs freezing. See gum disease treatment.
Book a Cleaning
Book online. New here? See new patient information.