More Than a Polish — A Health Visit
Plaque is soft and brushable, but within days it hardens into tartar (calculus) that no toothbrush on Earth can remove. Tartar shelters the bacteria that cause cavities, bad breath and gum disease — and the only way to remove it is professionally. That's the real purpose of a dental cleaning: not just a nicer-feeling smile, but stopping the process that leads to gum disease and tooth loss.
What Happens at Your Cleaning
- A gum health check. Your hygienist starts by assessing your gums — colour, bleeding points and pocket depths — because those numbers tell the story of your oral health.
- Scaling. Using fine instruments and an ultrasonic scaler, we carefully lift tartar off every surface, above and just below the gumline, where it does the most damage.
- Polishing. A gentle polish removes surface stains and leaves enamel smooth, making it harder for new plaque to grab hold.
- Flossing and fluoride. We finish the details and, where useful, apply professional fluoride to strengthen enamel.
- Real-world coaching. Two minutes of honest, personalized advice — the spot you're missing, the tool that would help — not a generic lecture.
Most hygiene visits are paired with a dental exam so a dentist can review anything your hygienist flags.
Meet Your Hygiene Team
Our registered dental hygienists, Komal Virk and Susan Maniate, are the reason so many patients tell us this is the first office where they enjoy cleanings. Gentle hands, zero judgment about how long it's been, and a genuine interest in keeping you healthy.
Sensitive Teeth? Nervous? Long Overdue?
You will not be scolded here. Whether it's been six months or six years, our only agenda is getting your mouth healthy and keeping it that way. For sensitive patients we numb generously; for anxious patients we offer nitrous oxide; for heavy tartar we simply plan enough time to do it comfortably.
Book your cleaning — evenings and select Saturdays available. Request an appointment or call (613) 491-3300.
Dental Cleanings — Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Every six months works well for most people, but it's not universal — patients with gum disease often benefit from cleanings every three to four months, while some low-risk patients can go longer. We'll recommend a schedule based on how quickly you build tartar and your gum health.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
They shouldn't. Our hygienists are known for being gentle, and if you have sensitive teeth or gums we can use topical numbing gel, adjust technique, or add nitrous oxide for very anxious patients. Tell us what's bothered you at past cleanings and we'll work around it.
Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
A cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea and wine, so most patients leave noticeably brighter. It won't change the underlying shade of your teeth — for that, ask us about professional teeth whitening.
Is a dental cleaning covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Almost always, yes. Preventive scaling and polishing are among the best-covered services in typical insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan. We bill your insurer directly so you only pay any co-portion.