Recommended Frequency
Professionally Removed
Cavities & Gum Disease
Typically Covered
of Canadian adults over 30 have some form of gum disease — most without knowing it
Patients who skip cleanings are twice as likely to need fillings, crowns, or extractions within 3 years
Professional removal of tartar — impossible to achieve at home — eliminates the primary driver of both cavities and periodontal disease before they take hold.
The bacteria hiding in tartar deposits and below the gumline are the leading cause of chronic bad breath. A professional cleaning eliminates them at the source.
Professional polishing removes surface stains from coffee, wine, and tea that whitening toothpaste can't shift — leaving your teeth noticeably whiter and smoother after every visit.
Small cavities, early gum disease, oral cancer, and cracked teeth are caught at cleanings — when treatment is simple, quick, and affordable. Missing cleanings means missing this safety net.
Every cleaning you skip increases the risk of needing a filling, root canal, or extraction. Regular maintenance is always dramatically cheaper than treatment.
Healthy gums, low cavity risk, consistent oral hygiene — a twice-yearly schedule keeps you protected and your smile at its best.
Active or history of periodontal disease requires more frequent visits — called periodontal maintenance — to keep the infection controlled.
Diabetics, smokers, patients with dry mouth, or those with a history of frequent cavities benefit from more frequent professional care.
Not sure how often you should be coming in? During your next visit, Dr. Zhao and our hygiene team will assess your individual risk factors and recommend the ideal cleaning schedule for your mouth — not a generic one-size-fits-all answer.
Every cleaning is followed by a thorough exam by Dr. Zhao — ensuring nothing is ever missed and every concern is addressed.
Our hygienists are trained to clean thoroughly without causing unnecessary discomfort — even for patients with sensitivity or dental anxiety.
Most dental insurance plans in Ontario fully cover routine cleanings. We direct bill your insurer directly — no upfront payment needed for most patients.
For most patients, cleanings are comfortable with only minor sensitivity during tartar removal. Patients with gum disease or heavy buildup may experience more sensitivity, which diminishes as gum health improves over time. Let us know if you're uncomfortable — we adjust our technique.
A routine cleaning and exam typically takes 45–60 minutes. If it has been a while since your last cleaning or X-rays are required, allow up to 75 minutes. You can return to work, eat, and carry on normally right after your appointment.
Most healthy adults benefit from cleanings every 6 months. Patients with active or history of gum disease, or those at higher risk for cavities (diabetics, smokers, dry-mouth patients), are advised to come every 3–4 months. Dr. Zhao will recommend the right schedule for you.
Yes — routine dental cleanings are among the most commonly covered dental services. Most plans cover 80–100% of the cost for two cleanings per year. We direct bill your insurance provider directly so there's usually no out-of-pocket cost at the time of your visit.
Yes, you can eat normally before your cleaning. We simply ask that you brush your teeth before your appointment. If you are receiving fluoride treatment as part of your cleaning, we recommend avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward to allow the fluoride to fully absorb.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Two cleanings a year keeps cavities, gum disease, and costly treatments away. Book your appointment today.
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