You brush twice a day. You floss — well, most days. You avoid sticky candy and you drink your coffee quickly instead of sipping it all morning. So why do you still need a professional dental cleaning every six months?
It's a fair question, and the answer isn't that your home care routine is inadequate. It's that even the best brushing and flossing can't do everything. Professional cleanings at
Kanata Family Dentistry address what your toothbrush simply can't reach, and they play a critical role in preventing problems that would otherwise sneak up on you.
What a Professional Cleaning Actually Does
Your dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove two things that your toothbrush can't: tartar (also called calculus) and subgingival plaque — the bacteria-laden film that forms below the gumline. Once plaque mineralizes into tartar, it's bonded to your tooth surface and can only be removed with professional tools.
Beyond the cleaning itself, your hygienist is also screening. They're checking your gum health by measuring pocket depths around each tooth. They're looking for signs of inflammation, recession, or bleeding that might indicate early gum disease. And they're documenting changes from your last visit.
The Gum Disease Factor
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it's disturbingly common — estimates suggest that nearly half of Canadian adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. The early stage, gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. It's reversible with proper care.
Left unchecked, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the supporting bone and tissue begin to break down. This is where tooth loss happens. Regular professional cleanings are one of the most effective ways to prevent this progression.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
A dental cleaning at Kanata Family Dentistry typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Your hygienist will begin by reviewing your health history and asking about any changes since your last visit. Using a combination of ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers, they'll remove deposits from above and below the gumline.
After scaling, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, making it harder for plaque to adhere. Flossing follows, and then a fluoride treatment may be applied for additional protection against decay.
If it's time for X-rays, those are usually taken at the beginning of the appointment. Your dentist will review the X-rays and the hygienist's findings, examine your mouth, and discuss any recommendations.
A Word About Sensitivity
Some patients experience mild sensitivity during or after a cleaning, particularly if there's been significant buildup or if gum disease is present. This is normal and typically resolves quickly. If sensitivity is a concern for you, let us know — we can take steps to make the process more comfortable.
Keeping Up With the Schedule
For most patients, every six months is the recommended interval for professional cleanings. Some patients with a history of gum disease or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits. We'll work with you to find the right schedule for your individual situation.
If it's been a while since your last cleaning, don't let embarrassment hold you back. We're here to help, not to judge. Book your dental cleaning at
Kanata Family Dentistry today and give your teeth the professional care they deserve.
