Teeth Cleaning in Scarborough

A routine cleaning is generally one of the more affordable dental visits, though cost depends on how much buildup needs removing and whether you need a routine or deeper cleaning. Many insurance plans cover cleanings, and CDCP may offset costs for eligible patients. You receive an exact written quote after your exam.

Most patients find cleanings comfortable, though you may notice some pressure or mild sensitivity, especially around the gumline or if it's been a while since your last visit. Tell your hygienist if anything feels uncomfortable — they can adjust pressure, switch instruments, or take a short break.

Most people benefit from a cleaning about every six months, though some patients with gum disease or a higher cavity risk are seen more often, sometimes every three to four months. We'll recommend a schedule based on your gum health rather than a fixed rule for everyone.

Yes. Tell us about your sensitivity before we start, and your hygienist can use gentler pressure, a different instrument, or a desensitizing paste to keep the visit comfortable. You can also ask to pause at any point during the cleaning.

A routine cleaning addresses plaque and tartar above and slightly below the gumline for generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, treats gum disease by cleaning further below the gumline and smoothing the tooth root. We'll recommend the right one based on your gum measurements.

Mild bleeding during a cleaning often means the gum tissue is slightly inflamed, which is common if plaque has built up along the gumline or it's been a while since your last visit. It usually settles down after a cleaning or two, but ongoing bleeding at home is worth mentioning to us.

Yes, you can eat normally after a routine cleaning, since there's no numbing or healing involved the way there is with treatment like a filling. If you had a fluoride treatment applied at the end, we may suggest waiting about 30 minutes so it has time to work into the enamel before food or drink washes it away. Otherwise, go ahead and enjoy your usual meal.

Polishing removes surface staining from things like coffee, tea, or everyday food, which can make teeth look brighter, but it's not the same as whitening treatment. If you're looking for a more noticeable shade change, ask us about our teeth whitening options.

Children's cleanings use the same general idea but are shorter and gentler, often with a flavoured polish kids enjoy, and less scaling since there's typically less buildup to remove. We also use these visits to teach brushing and flossing habits that carry into adulthood, in a way that feels age-appropriate rather than lecture-heavy. Parents are welcome to stay in the room throughout.