Dental Cleanings in North York
Brushing and flossing do a lot, but tartar can only be removed with dental tools. A regular cleaning keeps your gums healthy and your teeth feeling smooth.
Dental cleanings in North York at Emerald Forest Dental are done by a registered dental hygienist. Your hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar above and just below the gum line, polishes your teeth and checks your gums. Many people come every six months, but your hygienist will suggest a schedule that fits your gum health.
- Typical time
- Usually 45–60 minutes
- Who it's for
- Children, teens and adults as part of routine care
- Coverage
- Often covered by dental insurance up to your plan's limits; check how many cleanings your plan allows each year
- Recovery
- None; gums may feel a little tender for a day
About dental cleanings
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. When it is not fully cleared away, minerals in your saliva harden it into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar clings tightly to the tooth, often along the gum line and behind the lower front teeth, and a toothbrush cannot remove it. Left in place, it keeps your gums irritated and can lead to gum disease.
During a cleaning, your registered dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates and sprays water, along with small hand instruments to lift tartar off each tooth. They then polish away surface stain and floss between your teeth. Your hygienist also measures the small space between your gums and teeth, which shows whether your gums are healthy or starting to pull away.
A cleaning is also a good time to ask questions. Your hygienist can show you spots you tend to miss, suggest a toothbrush or floss style that suits your mouth, and explain anything they notice. If you find cleanings uncomfortable, tell us before we begin. We can go slowly, use a numbing gel on sensitive areas and stop whenever you need a break.
Signs it is time for a cleaning
- It has been more than six months since your last cleaning
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You can feel rough, hard spots near your gum line
- Your teeth look more stained than usual
- Your breath stays stale even after brushing
Benefits
- Removes tartar that brushing and flossing cannot reach
- Helps keep gums firm and lowers the chance of gum disease
- Lifts surface stain from coffee, tea and food
- Gives your hygienist a chance to spot changes early
What to expect
- Health updateWe review any changes to your health or medicines, since some can affect your gums.
- Gum checkYour hygienist looks at your gums and measures the pockets around your teeth.
- ScalingTartar and plaque are removed with an ultrasonic scaler and fine hand instruments.
- Polish and flossYour teeth are polished to remove surface stain, then flossed to clear the spaces between them.
- Home care tipsYou get simple, personal tips and a suggested date for your next visit.
Aftercare
- If your gums feel tender, rinse with warm salt water and keep brushing gently.
- Wait about 30 minutes before eating or drinking if fluoride was applied.
- Keep brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day so tartar is slower to come back.
Other options
If your hygienist finds deep pockets or tartar well below the gum line, a regular cleaning may not be enough. In that case, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, which is a deeper cleaning done in sections, often with local anaesthetic.
Cost and coverage
Most dental insurance plans include routine cleanings, though plans differ in how many units of scaling and how many visits they cover each year. The fee is based on the time your cleaning takes, and offices usually use the ODA suggested fee guide as a reference. Our front desk can help you check what your plan covers before your visit. If you are enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, please ask us how it may apply. If you need to spread out the cost of follow-up care, LendCare payment plans are an option.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Dental Cleanings FAQ
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Many people do well with a cleaning every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, diabetes or heavy tartar build-up, your hygienist may suggest every three or four months. Your schedule is based on what we see in your mouth.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Most people feel pressure, scraping and some cold from the water spray, but not pain. If your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive, it can feel uncomfortable. Let your hygienist know and they can slow down or numb the area.
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Bleeding usually means the gums are inflamed from plaque and tartar. It tends to settle once the tartar is removed and you keep up with daily flossing. Bleeding that does not improve should be checked by your dentist.
Is a cleaning the same as an exam?
No. The hygienist cleans your teeth and checks your gums, while the dentist examines your teeth for cavities, cracks and other problems. The two are often booked in the same visit.
Can a cleaning whiten my teeth?
A cleaning removes surface stain, so your teeth may look brighter afterward. It does not change the natural colour of your teeth. If you want a lighter shade, ask your dentist about whitening.
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Dental Cleanings near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book dental cleanings in North York
New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.