How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

For most people, every six months. Patients with gum disease or a higher risk of build-up may be advised to come more often — every three to four months. The right interval is set with you based on your gum health, not a fixed rule.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

A routine cleaning shouldn't be painful. You may feel some sensitivity if your gums are inflamed or if there's significant build-up. Tell your hygienist — technique can be adjusted, and numbing is available for deeper cleanings.

What's the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A routine cleaning (scaling and polishing) removes build-up above the gumline and is what most patients have at recall. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes tartar below the gumline and is used to treat gum disease. The right one depends on your gum assessment.

Is a cleaning the same as teeth whitening?

No. A cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and some surface stain, which can make teeth look brighter, but it doesn't change the natural shade of the teeth. Whitening is a separate cosmetic treatment.

My gums bleed when I brush — should I still book a cleaning?

Yes. Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of inflammation that a cleaning and improved home care can reverse. It's a reason to come in, not to wait — catching it early is what keeps it from progressing.

Will my insurance cover the cleaning?

Cleanings are covered under the preventive or hygiene benefit of most dental plans, often subject to frequency and unit limits. We'll review your plan and confirm coverage before your appointment.

— HYGIENE & PREVENTION — TORONTO

Dental Cleaning in Downtown Toronto

Professional cleaning and hygiene at Innova Dental — routine and deeper cleanings, supported by a modern digital workflow and a focus on comfort. Evening appointments available, and new patients are welcome.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

EVENINGS

Appointments available on select days

EVERY 6 MONTHS

Typical recall interval — adjusted to your gum health and risk

DIGITAL

Intraoral imaging and digital records as standard

— WHY IT MATTERS

More Than
a Polish

Daily brushing and flossing keep most surfaces clean, but plaque hardens into tartar in places a toothbrush cannot reach — along the gumline and between teeth. Tartar can only be removed professionally. Left in place, it's the starting point for gum disease and decay.

A professional cleaning removes that build-up, lets your hygienist assess the health of your gums, and helps catch small problems while they're still small. It's the most straightforward appointment in dentistry and the one that prevents the expensive ones.

Removes plaque and tartar brushing can't reach
Helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay
Freshens breath and removes surface staining
Gives an early read on gum recession and other changes

— WHAT TO EXPECT

Your Cleaning Appointment

A routine cleaning is comfortable and usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. Cleanings are normally paired with a check-up, so any concerns are reviewed at the same visit.

Assessment

Your hygienist reviews your gums and teeth, with intraoral imaging where useful, and notes any areas of concern or change since your last visit.

Scaling

Plaque and tartar are removed from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline using gentle ultrasonic and hand instruments.

Review & Advice

Your hygienist talks through what they found, tailored home-care advice, and — paired with your check-up — any treatment worth planning.

Polishing

Teeth are polished to remove surface stain and leave a smooth finish that resists new build-up.

— LEVELS OF CLEANING

Routine vs Deeper Cleaning

Not every mouth needs the same cleaning. The right level depends on the health of your gums, which is assessed at the visit.

Deeper Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

When gum disease is present, tartar below the gumline is removed and the root surfaces smoothed to help the gums reattach. If your assessment points this way, it's discussed and planned with you — not added on the day without explanation.

A cleaning is often where the first signs of gum recession or gum disease are caught. If that's the case, treatment is planned with you in the same practice — see gum disease treatment and gum grafting, both available under one roof.

Routine Cleaning (Scaling & Polishing)

For healthy gums or mild build-up. Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline and polishes the teeth. This is the standard recall cleaning most patients have every six months.

About Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is the professional removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gumline, performed to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. At Innova Dental in downtown Toronto, routine cleanings (scaling and polishing) and deeper cleanings (scaling and root planing for gum disease) are provided as part of preventive care, usually paired with a check-up and supported by a digital workflow. Recommended cleaning frequency is typically every six months and is adjusted to each patient's gum health.

— FAQ

Dental Cleaning Questions

CONTACT US

For most people, every six months. Patients with gum disease or a higher risk of build-up may be advised to come more often — every three to four months. The right interval is set with you based on your gum health, not a fixed rule.
A routine cleaning shouldn't be painful. You may feel some sensitivity if your gums are inflamed or if there's significant build-up. Tell your hygienist — technique can be adjusted, and numbing is available for deeper cleanings.
A routine cleaning (scaling and polishing) removes build-up above the gumline and is what most patients have at recall. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes tartar below the gumline and is used to treat gum disease. The right one depends on your gum assessment.
No. A cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and some surface stain, which can make teeth look brighter, but it doesn't change the natural shade of the teeth. Whitening is a separate cosmetic treatment — see cosmetic dentistry.
Yes. Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of inflammation that a cleaning and improved home care can reverse. It's a reason to come in, not to wait — catching it early is what keeps it from progressing.
Cleanings are covered under the preventive or hygiene benefit of most dental plans, often subject to frequency and unit limits. We'll review your plan and confirm coverage before your appointment.

— READY WHEN YOU ARE

Keep It Simple. Start with a Cleaning.

General dentistry, advanced implant dentistry, oral surgery, and IV sedation — in one practice, with one team. A routine cleaning is the easiest way to start, and the best way to keep the bigger appointments away.