Dental Hygiene & Preventive Care
At ALH Dental Hygiene Clinic, we believe professional dental hygiene care is not only about keeping your teeth clean. Regular preventive care plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums, reducing the risk of periodontal disease, and supporting your long-term oral health.
Scaling
Scaling is the professional removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the teeth and around the gumline using specialized dental instruments.
Even with good brushing and flossing at home, calculus can still develop in areas that are difficult to clean. Once calculus has formed, it cannot be removed effectively with regular brushing alone.
Professional scaling can help:
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Remove plaque and calculus buildup
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Reduce inflammation around the gums
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Help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease
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Support long-term gum and oral health
The amount of scaling needed varies from person to person. Some patients may require additional time or multiple visits depending on their individual needs.
Polishing
Dental polishing may be provided as part of your hygiene appointment when appropriate.
Using professional polishing materials and instruments, polishing can help remove some minor surface stains and residual deposits while leaving the tooth surface feeling smoother and cleaner.
Polishing may help improve:
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Mild surface staining
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The smoothness of the tooth surface after cleaning
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Areas where plaque may more easily accumulate
Polishing is not the same as teeth whitening and does not change the natural colour of your teeth.
If your main concern is more noticeable coffee, tea, or other external staining, you may also ask us about our separate Air Polishing service.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and improve its resistance to acids that contribute to tooth decay.Depending on your age, cavity risk, tooth sensitivity, and overall oral health, our Dental Hygienist may recommend a professional fluoride treatment.
Fluoride treatment may be especially helpful for:
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Children and adults at higher risk of cavities
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Patients with frequent tooth decay
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Sensitive teeth
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Exposed root surfaces or gum recession
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Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment
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Patients who may have difficulty maintaining oral hygiene at home
Fluoride recommendations are based on individual risk and clinical need, rather than age alone.
Periodontal Care
Healthy gums are an essential part of a healthy mouth.
When plaque and calculus remain around or below the gumline, they can contribute to inflammation and, over time, periodontal disease.
Signs that you may need periodontal care can include:
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Frequent bleeding when brushing or flossing
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Red, swollen, or tender gums
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Persistent bad breath
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Gum recession
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Teeth appearing longer
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Deeper periodontal pockets
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Loose teeth
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A previous diagnosis of periodontal disease
For patients with periodontal concerns, a routine dental cleaning may not always be enough.
Our Dental Hygienist will assess your periodontal condition and recommend an appropriate treatment and maintenance plan. Some patients may require more thorough cleaning below the gumline, and treatment may be completed over more than one appointment.
After active periodontal treatment, more frequent periodontal maintenance may also be recommended to help control plaque, calculus, and inflammation.
How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?
There is no single cleaning schedule that is right for everyone.
The recommended frequency of professional dental hygiene visits depends on factors such as:
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How quickly you develop calculus
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Your gum and periodontal health
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Your risk of cavities
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Your brushing and flossing habits
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Smoking or other lifestyle factors
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Previous periodontal disease
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Other individual health and risk factors
Some patients may be well suited to a six-month hygiene schedule, while others may benefit from more frequent maintenance, such as every three to four months.Our Dental Hygienist will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.
Will Dental Cleaning Hurt?
Most patients are able to complete routine dental hygiene care comfortably.
However, if you have heavy calculus buildup, inflamed gums, tooth sensitivity, or require deeper periodontal cleaning, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort during treatment.
If you have sensitive teeth, feel anxious about dental cleaning, or have had an uncomfortable hygiene experience in the past, please let us know.
We can adjust the treatment approach and pace whenever appropriate to help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
What May Be Included in My Hygiene Appointment?
Depending on your individual needs, your dental hygiene appointment may include:
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Oral and gum health assessment
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Scaling to remove plaque and calculus
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Dental polishing
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Professional fluoride treatment
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Periodontal assessment
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Personalized brushing and flossing instruction
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Preventive oral health education and home-care recommendations
Not every patient requires every service. Your care will be based on your oral health condition and clinical needs.
Preventive Care Starts with Regular Maintenance
Professional dental hygiene care, together with effective home care, is an important part of maintaining long-term oral health.
If it has been a while since your last cleaning, you experience frequent bleeding gums, or you are unsure how often you should have your teeth cleaned, our team can assess your oral health and recommend a care plan that is appropriate for you.
Book your Dental Hygiene & Preventive Care appointment with ALH Dental Hygiene Clinic.