Twice yearly dental visits for cleaning and exams are essential and follow general recommendations. Basic dental cleanings consist of your dentist examining teeth and gums. A scaler will then be used to remove any tartar on and around the tooth. Once any tartar has been removed, a professional hygienist will polish the teeth and clean the enamel. Your teeth will then be flossed professionally and a final rinse to complete the process.

Your hygienist will also examine your teeth for pocketing, which is when the space between teeth and gums is 5 millimetres or more. If the space is greater than 5mm, a deep cleaning may be recommended. A deep cleaning may also be prescribed if a patient has been without a basic cleaning or shows signs of a moderate form of gum disease. When deep cleanings are recommended, it is essential that these be carried out in a timely manner to prevent further.