Taking care of your teeth is essential to maintaining good oral health and, consequently, good general health. Among the various practices, dental clinic cleaning, also known as scaling or prophylaxis, aims to prevent various dental problems.
In our article, find out everything you need to know about dental cleaning, the importance of this treatment, the recommended frequency and the precautions to take. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact a dental clinic such as ELNA Dental.
Why is dental cleaning important for oral health?
Regular dental cleaning, or scaling, is the cornerstone of good oral health:
- Prevention of dental problems: It helps prevent cavities, reduces the risk of periodontal or gum disease (such as gingivitis), and helps maintain healthy teeth.
- Removing plaque and tartar: Even with regular brushing, it’s difficult to remove all the plaque and tartar. Scaling cleans your teeth thoroughly and prevents these harmful deposits from building up.
- Detecting underlying or serious problems: Some problems are not visible to the naked eye, but can be detected using the techniques and tools used by your dentist. With a thorough examination, he or she can check for signs of oral cancer.
- Improved dental aesthetics: By removing brown or yellow stains and deposits, dental cleaning contributes to a brighter, more attractive smile. It also helps prevent the risk of bad breath.
If you have any concerns about oral diseases or the aesthetics of your smile, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about them during the examination.
How does dental cleaning work?
If this is your first visit to the clinic, the dental hygienist or dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess your overall oral health. If you are already registered with the clinic, the health professional can proceed with scaling:
- Removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, between the teeth and below the gum line, using specialised tools.
- Tooth polishing to remove stains and make the tooth surface smooth.
Cleaning takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The more often you have your teeth cleaned, the shorter it will take. Your hygienist (or dentist) will also give you advice on home care.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned or scaled?
It is recommended that you schedule a professional dental cleaning every 6 months. However, the frequency may vary depending on individual oral health. Some people may require more frequent cleanings due to a predisposition to developing dental problems.
What precautions should be taken after scaling?
After a professional dental cleaning, a few simple precautions can help maximise the benefits of the procedure and maintain optimal oral health:
- Avoid very hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods or drinks in the hours following the cleaning. As your teeth and gums are still irritated, you may feel some sensitivity.
- Avoid very colourful foods or drinks such as red fruit, red cabbage, beetroot, coloured spices, wine, etc.
- Adopt a good cleaning routine: brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing once a day, fluoridated toothpaste, etc.
- Limit bad habits: coffee, tea, smoking, too much alcohol and sweets all have an impact on your oral health.
If any sensations persist or if you have any concerns after the procedure, do not hesitate to contact your dental clinic for further advice.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
Dental cleaning is not covered by the provincial RAMQ plan. However, it is covered by most private insurance plans. Your dental clinic will be able to tell you the amount or rate covered.
How to find a good dental clinic in Montreal?
An initial comprehensive consultation will allow you to ask all the questions and assess the approach and professionalism of your clinic. The location, opening hours and languages spoken may also be determining factors.
In Montreal, the ELNA Dental clinic (Decarie Square) adopts a conservative, minimally invasive approach whose main goal is to preserve the vitality and natural structure of each tooth. Its team of caring experts cares about your well-being and comfort. They use state-of-the-art dental equipment to provide a wide range of medical and aesthetic services for young and old alike.
If you already have a dentist, you can easily request that your file be transferred to your new dental clinic.
ELNA Dental ELNA is part of Canada’s largest network of primary and specialty care clinics, ELNA Medical. The clinic offers a range of dental services for the whole family.
