Prevention

Dental Cleaning: Protecting Your Smile

Professional dental cleanings should always be performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. A complete cleaning includes three essential steps: scaling, root planing, and polishing.

Scaling

Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces. Depending on the severity, we use different methods:

• Hand Scaling: Performed manually by a dental hygienist for precise cleaning.
• Electric Scaling: Speeds up the process and is often combined with hand scaling for best results.
• Ultrasonic Scaling (Cavitron): Uses sound waves to break down tartar, followed by manual scaling to complete the cleaning.

Root Planing

Root planing targets deeper pockets caused by gum disease. It removes plaque from below the gum line, promoting healing and preventing further bone loss. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort. In advanced cases, multiple visits are required to fully clean and stabilize the gums.

Polishing

Polishing is the final step, removing surface stains and making teeth smooth and shiny.
There are two main types of polishing:

• Prophy Jet Polishing: Sprays a high-pressure water and baking soda mixture to clean teeth and neutralize acids.
• Rubber Cup Polishing: Uses a low-speed handpiece with a polishing paste to gently remove surface stains.

The time required for a dental cleaning depends on plaque buildup, gum health, and existing restorations. Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months, but individuals with gum disease may require cleanings every three months to control plaque and prevent tooth decay.

Preventive Care Starts Early

Although adult patients can still benefit from preventive care, early action is key for children. Good nutrition, fluoride exposure through water, and early oral hygiene habits create strong, cavity-resistant teeth.

If you are raising young children, it’s essential to:

• Confirm that your local water supply contains 1 ppm of fluoride.
• Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they erupt.
• Begin flossing once teeth are close enough that a brush cannot reach all surfaces.

Early prevention leads to stronger teeth and healthier smiles for life.

Brushing Tips for Stronger Teeth

• Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Apply gentle pressure to avoid enamel wear.
• Brush vertically, not side-to-side.
• Choose fluoride toothpaste, ideally with tartar control.
• Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for each brushing session.

Proper brushing protects enamel, prevents cavities, and supports long-term oral health.

Flossing: A Vital Step in Prevention

Flossing removes plaque and food debris between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Tips for effective flossing:

• Floss daily, ideally before brushing.
• Use any floss type you prefer (waxed, unwaxed, string, or ribbon).
• Focus on technique, not just frequency.

Our team is happy to demonstrate proper flossing during your checkup at Cambie Marine Gateway Dental.

 

Bad Breath (Halitosis) and Oral Health

Bad breath is often caused by sulfur compounds released by bacteria in the mouth. Common causes include:

• Buildup on the tongue’s rough surface
• Accumulation of plaque around teeth
• Deep gum pockets from periodontal disease

Fortunately, bad breath caused by oral issues is treatable.

 

Treatment for Halitosis

• Complete oral exam and dental history review
• Potential odor-meter test to measure sulfur gas levels
• Treatment of gum disease and cavities
• Elimination of oral infections
• Emphasis on daily oral hygiene, including tongue cleaning

If needed, your dentist can recommend specialized mouthwashes or toothpaste to manage breath odor.

At Cambie Marine Gateway Dental, we encourage anyone suffering from bad breath to seek treatment. Most cases respond very well to professional dental care and a tailored oral hygiene plan.

Book Your Preventive Care Appointment

Preventive dentistry helps you avoid serious dental issues later.
Schedule your dental cleaning and checkup today at Cambie Marine Gateway Dental in Vancouver and take a proactive step toward protecting your healthy smile.