The staff at SouthCentre Dental were absolutely amazing and would not hesitate to refer all my friends and family to go. They were very courteous, polite and made me feel very welcome. I went in for an Exam and throughout the whole thing they were patiently going through everything and i did not feel rushed at all and they ( Dr. Silver, Valerie and Katie at the front) were absolutely amazing.

— Nya, ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

The importance of proper dental hygiene for your teeth

Dr. Jennifer Silver and our team promote the practice of comprehensive dental care. Our philosophy is based on the importance of maintaining good home dental hygiene practices as well as seeking regular, professional dental care. Both aspects are necessary to keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible. We also believe that preventative dental care is the best medicine — that’s why we teach our Calgary patients the benefits of home and professional care starting at a young age.

If it’s time to schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning or a regular dental check-up in Calgary, then we invite you to contact our office right away.

What to expect during your teeth cleaning & dental exam?

When you contact our team to schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning, we provide a two-fold service during your visit. Not only will our experienced hygienists clean and polish your teeth, but this visit is also a time where we can look for potential signs of tooth decay or gum disease.

Visiting the dentist every six months is one of the best things that you can do to protect your dental health. When small dental concerns are identified in their early stages, then minimally-invasive treatments can be used to avoid bigger problems in the future. We take a proactive approach by recommending preventive treatments whenever possible, helping you preserve the structure and health of your natural teeth.

Dental Exam

Your dental checkup will begin with a comprehensive periodontal screening exam of your entire mouth, including teeth and gums. Depending on when you’ve come in last or if you’ve been experiencing pain, our dentists will perform x-rays to get a better idea of the overall health of your teeth.

All dental exams are completed by our local on-site dentist, Dr. Jennifer Silver.

Scaling

Your teeth cleaning will begin with scaling. Our dental hygienists will use a dental scaler to remove plaque and tartar build up from your teeth. This includes below the gum line and in between each tooth. Removing plaque is an important step to preventing gum disease.

Polishing

Once our dental hygienist has removed all the plaque from your teeth, they will go in with a high powered electronic to remove any leftover build up and polish your teeth. This gives you that smooth feeling when you run your tongue across your teeth — who doesn’t love that feeling!

Fluoride Treatment

A fluoride treatment is the final step in the teeth cleaning process to help fight off future cavities. We provide either a fluoride varnish or a mouthwash — both come in a variety of flavours!

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What are the benefits of regular dental cleanings?

Regular, professional dental cleanings do so much more for your overall oral health than removing plaque, tartar buildup, and stains from your teeth. Some of the other benefits of regular dental cleanings include:

Detect dental problems in their early stages
Brighten your smile
Freshen your breath
Prevent gum disease
Prevent tooth loss
Detect other illnesses including heart problems

Important at-home dental hygiene habits for cleaner, healthier teeth

We encourage consistency with your dental cleaning appointments, but at the same time, your habits at home will have the most impact on your long-term dental health. Here are the top tips that everyone should practice at home to maintain great dental hygiene:

1. Brush twice a day. Most people choose to brush in the morning after eating breakfast, and again at night after dinner.

2. Never go to sleep without brushing your teeth! Germs collect in your mouth throughout the day. Brushing before bed helps to remove the problem-causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Learn proper brushing techniques. We’ll show you the right techniques that should be used, such as moving the toothbrush in circular, gentle motions to reach all surfaces of the teeth.

4. Don’t forget to floss! Brushing removes the bacteria and plaque from the main surface areas of your teeth, but food and decay-causing compounds can collect between the teeth. Daily flossing is one of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of gum disease.

5. Choose a quality toothpaste with fluoride. This ingredient is the leading defence for preventing tooth decay, helping to strengthen your teeth and resist cavities.

6. Use the right dental tools. The right toothbrush and quality floss can go a long way to make your brushing and flossing more comfortable and effective. If you find it challenging to use standard dental floss, consider ready-to-use dental flossers that make it easier to reach the back areas near your molars.

7. Consider your diet. The food and drinks you consume throughout the day play a role in your overall dental health. Frequently choosing sugary treats and sodas increase the activity of bacteria in your mouth… which can increase the risk of tooth decay. It’s ok to have a sweet treat occasionally, but make sure to brush your teeth after you are done eating.

Pairing these at-home practices with regular appointments for teeth cleaning are essential if you want to protect your smile. These dental care habits will protect your teeth and gums for years to come!

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FAQs

Typically for a routine dental exam and cleaning, it will be around $400. If you are a new patient and require a complete exam and X-rays, it can cost upwards of $600. For more information about our pricing or insurance coverage, contact our team!

Insurance will typically cover 80% of most dental services up to your yearly maximum. However, every insurance plan is different, with different yearly maximums and limitations on how many units of scaling you are allowed per year.

We always recommend reviewing your current insurance coverage before booking an appointment.

Gum disease is the infection of the gum tissue that holds your teeth in place and is the most common cause of tooth loss today! Even more frightening is the fact that the majority of gum disease sufferers have no idea that they are experiencing the negative effects of gum disease and the resultant jaw bone infection.

The signs of gum disease or other tooth problems are:

Red, swollen gums
Loose teeth
Bleeding gums
Bad breath
Growing gaps between teeth

If you notice any of the above dental issues, contact us right away for a dentistry consultation. The sooner your gum tissue and supporting bone is treated — the better! Not only does periodontal disease damage your teeth and supporting structures, it may place a person at more risk for complications related to diabetes and heart disease.

Our hygienists customize treatments for your “gum tissue” to your unique needs. The traditional 6-month “cleaning” does not always work for everyone. As part of our soft tissue program, we use therapy techniques which include the use of micro-ultrasonic scalers (much more gentle than the traditional scraping) and diode lasers.

You do not have to get x-rays at every check up. Typically we will do routine x-rays once per year. However if you have any concerns, we will take x-rays as needed.

Yes, scaling and polishing can remove some stain on your teeth, giving the effect of whiter teeth.

Getting a cleaning should not hurt as long as tooth and gum health is optimal. If you’re worried about any discomfort, we recommend taking an Advil prior to your appointment.

You can eat and drink immediately after a cleaning, however, if you have received fluoride at your appointment you may need to wait 30 minutes after before you eat or drink. Don’t worry, we’ll let you know.

About Dr. Jennifer Silver

Dr. Jennifer Silver has been cleaning teeth in Calgary for the past 15 years! She’s helped provide people with whiter smiles and healthier mouths by promoting regular dental check ups and providing preventative dental techniques.

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Teeth Cleaning & Dental Check-Ups In Calgary

The importance of proper dental hygiene for your teeth