Teeth Cleanings

Read more about the article How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?

How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?

How Often Should You Get a Professional Dental Cleaning? For most healthy adults, a professional dental cleaning every six months is the standard recommendation — and for good reason. Regular cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing and flossing simply cannot eliminate, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other serious oral health issues. However, your ideal cleaning frequency depends on your individual health history, lifestyle, and risk factors. The Six-Month Standard: Why It Works for Most People Twice-yearly dental cleanings have long been the benchmark for maintaining good oral health, and this schedule remains appropriate for most patients with healthy gums and low cavity risk. During each visit, your registered dental hygienist will: Remove tartar buildup that cannot be addressed with at-home brushing or flossing Polish away surface stains to keep your smile looking its best Screen for early signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer Identify minor concerns before they develop into more complex — and costly — problems Tartar accumulates steadily over time. Waiting longer than six months between professional teeth cleanings can lead to gum irritation, persistent bad breath, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Consistency is key. Not Everyone Needs the Same Schedule While the every-six-months guideline suits many patients, others benefit significantly from more frequent care. Your dentist or hygienist will assess your oral health and recommend a personalised cleaning schedule based on factors that increase your risk. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) Patients diagnosed with gum disease — whether mild gingivitis or more advanced periodontitis — are typically advised to visit every 3 to 4 months. More frequent cleanings help control the bacterial buildup that drives gum inflammation and bone loss. If left unmanaged, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Learn more about periodontal care at Expressions Dental. Higher Cavity Risk Some patients are naturally more prone to cavities due to diet, dry mouth, enamel strength, or the anatomy of their teeth. If you fall into this category, your dental team may recommend cleanings every 3 to 4 months to stay ahead of decay before it requires restorative treatment such as composite white fillings. Smoking or Tobacco Use Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and stubborn tartar accumulation. Patients who smoke or use tobacco products generally benefit from cleanings every 3 to 4 months, along with thorough oral cancer screenings at each visit. Diabetes Diabetes and oral health are closely linked. High blood sugar levels can worsen gum disease, and gum disease can in turn make blood sugar harder to control. Patients managing diabetes are often advised to schedule dental cleanings three to four times per year as part of their overall health routine. Pregnancy Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause gums to become more sensitive and prone to inflammation — a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Many pregnant patients are advised to have an additional cleaning during their second trimester to keep gum health on track. Weakened Immune Systems Certain medications or health conditions that…

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Is it safe to see the dentist during COVID-19? Yes!

Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During COVID-19? Yes — visiting the dentist during COVID-19 is safe when proper infection control protocols are followed. Licensed dental clinics across Canada, including those in Calgary NW, have implemented rigorous safety measures to protect both patients and staff. Neglecting your oral health during the pandemic can lead to more serious dental issues that are harder to treat later. Why Oral Health Matters More Than Ever During a Pandemic A healthy mouth contributes directly to overall health. Research consistently shows that poor oral hygiene can increase susceptibility to infections, including respiratory illnesses. Conditions like untreated gum disease, tooth decay, and dental infections can compromise your immune response — making it more important, not less, to keep up with your regular dental care during uncertain times. Routine professional teeth cleaning and check-ups help identify problems early, reducing the need for more complex and urgent treatment down the road. If you're experiencing sudden tooth pain or swelling, don't delay — emergency dental care is available and is carried out under the same strict safety protocols. What Dental Offices Are Doing to Keep You Safe According to public health authorities, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission linked to dental office visits when proper protocols are followed. Licensed dental teams have adapted their practices to meet and exceed infection control standards. Here is what you can expect at a safety-compliant dental clinic: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dentists, hygienists, and assistants wear masks, face shields, gowns, and gloves during all procedures. Enhanced sterilisation: All instruments are sterilised between patients, and high-touch surfaces are disinfected regularly throughout the day. HEPA air filtration and aerosol management: High-efficiency air filtration systems and aerosol reduction strategies minimise airborne risk during treatment. Pre-screening protocols: Patients are screened for symptoms before appointments, either by phone or upon arrival. Physical distancing in waiting areas: Seating arrangements and appointment scheduling have been adjusted to reduce crowding. Contactless check-in where possible: Digital forms and minimal paperwork reduce unnecessary contact. Hand hygiene stations: Sanitiser is available at entry points and throughout the clinic. What You Can Do Before Your Dental Appointment Patients also play an important role in keeping dental visits safe for everyone. Here are a few simple steps you can take: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your dental clinic to reschedule. Arrive on time — not early. This helps manage the number of people in waiting areas at any one time. Wear a mask to your appointment and remove it only when directed by your dental team. Inform the clinic of any recent travel or exposure to confirmed COVID-19 cases. Brush and floss before your visit to support good hygiene practices for your dental team. Don't Let COVID-19 Anxiety Put Your Oral Health on Hold It's understandable to feel hesitant about visiting any healthcare setting during a pandemic. However, postponing dental care often leads to worsening conditions that may require…

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Read more about the article How Can Your Dentist Help You With Oral Hygiene?

How Can Your Dentist Help You With Oral Hygiene?

How Your Dentist Helps You Maintain Better Oral Hygiene Your dentist plays a central role in your oral hygiene — not just by treating problems, but by helping you prevent them in the first place. Regular dental visits combined with a consistent at-home care routine are the most effective way to protect your teeth and gums throughout your life. For families across Calgary NW, building this partnership with a trusted dental team is one of the best investments in long-term health. Why Oral Hygiene Matters More Than Most People Realise Oral health is directly connected to your overall physical wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and has been linked to broader health concerns including heart disease and diabetes. Starting good habits early — and maintaining them consistently — can prevent the need for costly and more complex dental treatments later on. Many patients only visit a dentist when they experience pain or notice a problem. However, licensed dental professionals recommend scheduling a checkup at least twice a year, even when your mouth feels fine. Conditions like early-stage gum disease or tooth decay often have no obvious symptoms until they become more serious. What Your Dentist and Hygienist Do for Your Oral Hygiene Professional Teeth Cleaning No matter how diligently you brush and floss at home, plaque can harden into tartar in areas that are difficult to reach. A registered dental hygienist in Calgary uses specialised instruments to remove tartar buildup safely and thoroughly — something that simply cannot be done with a toothbrush alone. Professional teeth cleaning also helps reduce the risk of gum inflammation and keeps your smile looking its best. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) At Expressions Dental, we also offer Guided Biofilm Therapy — a modern, minimally invasive cleaning approach that uses a disclosing agent to identify bacterial biofilm before removing it with gentle air and water polishing. GBT is ideal for patients of all ages, including those with sensitive teeth or dental restorations. Comprehensive Oral Examinations During a routine checkup, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues for any early signs of concern. Digital X-rays allow your dental team to detect problems between teeth and below the gumline that are invisible to the naked eye. Early detection means simpler, less expensive treatment — and better outcomes. Personalised Oral Hygiene Instruction Your dentist and hygienist will assess your individual oral health needs and provide tailored guidance — including the correct brushing and flossing techniques, the most suitable products for your situation, and advice on diet and lifestyle habits that affect your teeth and gums. This personalised coaching is something no app or online article can fully replace. Periodontal Monitoring and Care If your gums show signs of inflammation, bleeding, or recession, your dental team may recommend periodontal care to address gum disease before it progresses. Left untreated, gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss in Canada. Building an Effective At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine…

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Read more about the article Five Oral Hygiene Practices You Might Be Doing Wrong

Five Oral Hygiene Practices You Might Be Doing Wrong

Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes That Could Be Harming Your Teeth Most people brush twice a day and floss regularly, yet still develop cavities, gum irritation, or plaque build-up — and the reason is often technique, not effort. Small errors in your daily oral hygiene routine can leave significant areas of your mouth uncleaned, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease over time. Understanding exactly where these habits go wrong is the first step toward a genuinely healthy mouth. 1. Not Cleaning Every Surface of Each Tooth One of the most common mistakes patients make is following the same brushing pattern every day — sweeping across the biting surfaces, then quickly scrubbing the front of the teeth. While this feels thorough, it often misses a significant portion of each tooth's total surface area. Licensed dentists point out that each tooth has five surfaces that need cleaning: Front (outer) surface — facing your lips or cheeks Back (inner) surface — facing your tongue or palate Left side — the contact point between adjacent teeth Right side — the contact point on the other side Biting (occlusal) surface — the chewing surface on top Plaque and bacteria accumulate on all five surfaces, not just the ones that are easiest to reach. Many Calgary patients are surprised to learn how much of their mouth a standard brushing routine leaves unaddressed. The Role of Floss and Interdental Brushes Your toothbrush — whether manual or electric — physically cannot reach the contact points between teeth. This is why daily flossing or the use of interdental brushes is essential, not optional. These tools remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth and just below the gumline, areas that, if neglected, are the most common sites for cavities and the early stages of gum disease. If you are unsure whether an electric toothbrush would suit your needs, speak with your dentist before switching. Electric toothbrushes can be beneficial for many patients, but the correct technique still matters regardless of which tool you use. For patients with more advanced gum concerns, our team also offers periodontal care to help restore and maintain gum health. 2. Brushing for Too Short a Time A quick thirty-second brush before bed is one of the most common oral hygiene shortcuts — and one of the most damaging over time. Dental guidelines recommend brushing for a full two minutes, twice daily. This duration gives you enough time to methodically work through all areas of your mouth, including the back molars that are most frequently missed. Consider dividing your mouth into four quadrants — upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left — and spending approximately thirty seconds on each. Using a timer, a toothbrush with a built-in timer, or a simple phone alarm can help you build this habit consistently. If you find that even with proper brushing and flossing your teeth still feel less than clean, a professional teeth cleaning in Calgary can remove hardened tartar that no toothbrush…

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Read more about the article Causes Of A Toothache

Causes Of A Toothache

Common Causes of a Toothache A toothache can range from a mild, nagging discomfort to sharp, debilitating pain — and the cause is not always a cavity. Toothaches can result from tooth sensitivity, sinus infections, dental injuries, wisdom teeth eruption, gum recession, and more. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward finding effective relief. Why Do Toothaches Happen? Even with excellent oral hygiene habits, most people will experience tooth discomfort at some point in their lives. While dental cavities are the most common culprit, a variety of dental and non-dental conditions can trigger tooth pain. Below are the most frequent causes your dentist will consider when evaluating a toothache. Sensitive Teeth Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common reasons people experience sudden, sharp tooth pain — particularly when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. This sensitivity typically occurs when the protective layer of tooth enamel wears away or when gums recede, exposing the underlying dentine. Common triggers include: Hot or cold beverages and foods Sweet or acidic foods Cold air Brushing or flossing near the gum line In some cases, tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of an untreated cavity. If sensitivity persists or worsens, it is important to have it assessed by a licensed dentist. Regular teeth cleaning in Calgary can help identify early signs of enamel erosion before they progress. Sinus Infection Not all toothaches originate in the teeth themselves. A sinus infection (sinusitis) can cause pain that radiates to the upper teeth and the sides of the face, making it feel very much like a dental problem. This happens because the roots of the upper back teeth sit close to the sinus cavities. When the sinuses become inflamed and congested, the resulting pressure can mimic a toothache. If your tooth pain is accompanied by nasal congestion, facial pressure, or cold-like symptoms, a sinus infection may be the source. A visit to your dentist can help rule out a dental cause and guide you toward the appropriate care. Dental Injury Trauma to the mouth — whether from a sports injury, a fall, or an accident — can cause tooth pain ranging from mild to severe. Dental injuries can result in: Cracked or fractured teeth Tooth displacement or loosening Soft tissue damage and swelling Tooth infection if the inner pulp is exposed In serious cases, complete tooth loss If you have experienced a dental injury in Calgary NW, it is important to seek care promptly. Delaying treatment can lead to infection or permanent damage. Our team at Expressions Dental offers emergency dental care for trauma and urgent dental situations. Wisdom Teeth The eruption of wisdom teeth — your third molars — is a common cause of toothache in teenagers and young adults. As these teeth push through the gum tissue, they can cause pressure, throbbing, and localised pain. In many cases, wisdom teeth do not have adequate room to emerge properly, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can press against neighbouring teeth…

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Read more about the article Does Dental Cleaning Hurt?

Does Dental Cleaning Hurt?

Does Dental Cleaning Hurt? For most patients, a routine dental cleaning causes little to no pain — mild sensitivity or temporary gum tenderness is normal, but significant discomfort is uncommon. However, if you have gum disease, deep tartar build-up, or naturally sensitive teeth, you may notice more sensation during and after your cleaning. Understanding what to expect can help ease anxiety before your appointment. What Happens During a Dental Cleaning? A standard dental cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar (calculus) from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. Even patients who brush and floss diligently every day can develop plaque build-up in hard-to-reach areas. Your dental hygienist in Calgary uses specialised hand tools and ultrasonic instruments to scale away this build-up before polishing your teeth. A routine cleaning appointment at our teeth cleaning Calgary clinic typically includes: Scaling: Removing plaque and hardened tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline Polishing: Buffing tooth surfaces to remove surface stains and smooth enamel Flossing: Clearing debris from between the teeth Examination: Your dentist checks for cavities, gum health, and other concerns X-rays (when needed): Capturing images to detect issues not visible to the naked eye Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or scraping, not pain. Any temporary sensitivity usually resolves within a few hours of your appointment. Why Do Some Patients Experience Discomfort? Several factors can make a dental cleaning feel more uncomfortable than usual: Sensitive teeth: Exposed dentine (the layer beneath enamel) reacts more strongly to the instruments and water used during scaling Inflamed or receding gums: Gum tissue that is swollen or pulled back is more sensitive to touch Heavy tartar build-up: More extensive deposits require more thorough scaling, which can increase sensitivity Infrequent dental visits: The longer the gap between cleanings, the more build-up there is to remove Gum disease: Active gum disease causes inflammation that makes the gums more tender during treatment What Is a Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)? If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist or hygienist may recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure goes below the gumline to remove tartar deposits from the root surfaces of your teeth and smooth those surfaces to help prevent bacteria from reattaching. Because deep cleaning reaches into the pockets that form between your teeth and gums, it is more involved than a routine cleaning. Patients with moderate to advanced periodontal (gum) disease are most likely to need this treatment. While the procedure can feel uncomfortable, it is essential for stopping gum disease progression and protecting your long-term oral health. Deep cleaning is typically performed in sections — one or two quadrants of your mouth at a time — so that each area receives thorough care. How to Prevent Pain During a Dental Cleaning There are several effective ways to reduce or eliminate discomfort during your cleaning: Ask about anaesthetic: If you have significant sensitivity or gum disease, your dentist can…

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