Dental Cleaning in Markham

A professional dental cleaning — also called a prophylaxis — involves the removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional instruments to eliminate.

During a cleaning, your dental hygienist uses specialized tools to carefully scale away tartar deposits from tooth surfaces and gum pockets. The teeth are then polished with a slightly abrasive paste to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, making it harder for plaque to stick.

A dental cleaning appointment at Smile Dental Arts Centre in Markham also includes a review of your home oral hygiene habits, personalized tips for brushing and flossing, and a dental examination by your dentist to assess your overall oral health.

When you arrive at our Markham clinic for a dental cleaning, you will be welcomed by our friendly front desk team and then escorted to a treatment room. Your hygienist will review your medical and dental history and ask about any concerns or changes since your last visit.

The cleaning itself involves a thorough visual examination of your gums and teeth, followed by scaling to remove plaque and tartar. The hygienist will also clean between your teeth and along the gumline. After scaling, your teeth will be polished. Many patients also receive a fluoride treatment at this visit, which helps strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.

Your dentist will then perform a comprehensive examination, reviewing any X-rays taken, checking for signs of decay, gum disease, or other concerns, and discussing any findings with you. We believe in clear, honest communication — you will always understand what we find and why any recommended treatment is being suggested.

For most patients, a professional dental cleaning every six months is recommended. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent visits — typically every three to four months — particularly those with a history of gum disease, higher rates of tartar buildup, certain systemic health conditions, or other risk factors.

Your dental team at Smile Dental Arts Centre in Markham will recommend a cleaning schedule tailored to your specific oral health needs. Consistency is key: regular cleanings help prevent small problems from becoming larger, more costly ones.

Children should also receive regular professional cleanings, beginning when their first teeth erupt. Establishing good dental habits early supports a lifetime of healthy smiles.

A standard dental cleaning (prophylaxis) maintains healthy teeth and gums by removing superficial plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. This is a preventive procedure appropriate for patients with healthy or mildly inflamed gums.

A deep cleaning — also called scaling and root planing — is a more involved procedure used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). It involves cleaning the root surfaces below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar from deeper gum pockets. This procedure is typically performed in sections of the mouth over multiple visits and may require local anaesthesia.

Your dentist or hygienist at our Markham clinic will assess your gum health and recommend the appropriate type of cleaning based on your specific situation. If early signs of gum disease are detected, addressing them promptly with appropriate treatment can prevent more significant problems.

The cost of a dental cleaning varies depending on the type of cleaning required and what is included in your appointment. We will always discuss fees with you in advance.

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care including professional cleanings, typically one to two times per year. We recommend reviewing your plan or calling your insurer to confirm your coverage. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) may cover preventive dental services including cleanings for eligible Canadians — ask our team for details.

If you do not have insurance coverage, we encourage you to ask about our available options. Investing in regular cleanings is far less costly over time than treating the cavities, gum disease, and other problems that can develop without preventive care.