Dental Hygiene In Ottawa

The Easiest Way to Protect Your Smile

Most dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, are largely preventable. A professional dental cleaning every six months is one of the simplest, most cost-effective things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. At Inova Dental, our hygiene appointments go beyond a basic clean — we catch problems early, remove buildup that brushing at home can’t reach, and send you home with a brighter, healthier smile.

And right now, every cleaning at Inova Dental includes complimentary in-office teeth whitening.

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What Is a Dental Hygiene Appointment?

A dental hygiene appointment is a professional cleaning performed by a registered dental hygienist. It removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gumline — areas that regular brushing and flossing simply cannot reach on their own. Left untreated, this buildup leads to gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and eventually tooth loss.

A hygiene appointment also gives your dentist and hygienist a chance to examine your mouth for early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other issues before they become serious and costly to treat.

What’s Included in a Hygiene Appointment

A standard hygiene visit at Inova Dental includes:

• Scaling: Removal of plaque and hardened tartar from all tooth surfaces and below the gumline
• Polishing: Removal of surface stains and remaining soft deposits using a professional polishing paste
• Flossing: Professional flossing between all teeth
• Fluoride treatment: Application of fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities
• Oral examination: Assessment of your teeth, gums, and mouth for early signs of decay, gum disease, or other concerns
• Complimentary in-office whitening: Included with every cleaning at Inova Dental

Types of Dental Cleanings

Routine Prophylaxis Cleaning

A prophylaxis cleaning is a standard preventive cleaning for patients with generally healthy gums and minimal buildup. It is recommended every six months for most patients. Staying consistent with routine cleanings keeps costs lower and appointments shorter, as there is less buildup to remove each visit.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

If gum disease has developed or significant tartar has accumulated below the gumline, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be required. This procedure removes hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach and heal. It is typically performed in sections over one or more appointments using local anesthetic for comfort.

Periodontal Maintenance

For patients who have been treated for gum disease, periodontal maintenance appointments are recommended every three to four months rather than every six. These visits focus on maintaining the results of treatment and monitoring the health of the gums and bone over time.

Why Regular Cleanings Matter

Even the most diligent brushers and flossers cannot remove all plaque and tartar at home. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with professional tools. Without regular cleanings:

• Plaque and tartar buildup leads to gum inflammation and gum disease
• Gum disease, if left untreated, progresses and can cause bone loss and tooth loss
• Cavities form in hard-to-clean areas that go undetected without regular exams
• Small issues that are inexpensive to treat become larger, more costly problems
• Two routine cleanings per year cost significantly less than treating gum disease or replacing a tooth

Staying consistent is always the more economical and healthier path.

The Hygiene Appointment Process at Inova Dental

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene at Home

What you do between appointments matters just as much as the appointments themselves:

• Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between teeth and along the gumline
• Use an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that feed bacteria and erode enamel
• Stay hydrated, as saliva naturally helps neutralise acids and wash away food particles
• Attend your regular cleaning and checkup appointments every six months

How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost in Ottawa?

A routine dental cleaning in Ottawa typically ranges from $150 to $300 without insurance. If your appointment includes a dental exam and X-rays, the total may range from $250 to $500 depending on what is required. Deep cleaning and scaling and root planing costs more, typically $200 to $600 depending on severity and the number of areas treated.

At Inova Dental, every cleaning includes complimentary in-office teeth whitening when i’ts your first time. A treatment that typically costs $300 to $600 on its own. It is one of the best value appointments we offer.

Most private dental insurance plans cover 80 to 100 percent of the cost of two routine cleanings per year. Dental hygiene cleanings are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers and are happy to check your coverage before your appointment.

Why Choose Inova Dental for Dental Hygiene in Ottawa?

• Early Detection: Regular hygiene visits mean problems are caught early when they are small and inexpensive to treat.
• Gentle Care: Our hygienists take the time to ensure every appointment is as comfortable as possible.
• CDCP Accepted: We help eligible patients access their government dental coverage with no hassle.
• Multilingual Team: Our staff speaks English, French, and Arabic, so nothing gets lost in translation.
• Two Convenient Ottawa Locations: Visit us on Innes Road or Bank Street, Monday through Saturday.

Dental Hygiene FAQs

How often should I get a dental cleaning?

Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease, heavy buildup, or other risk factors may be recommended more frequent visits every three to four months. Your hygienist will advise on the ideal schedule for your specific situation.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

Routine cleanings are generally comfortable. Some patients experience mild sensitivity during scaling, particularly around the gumline. If you have a history of sensitivity or dental anxiety, let us know before your appointment and we will take extra care to keep you comfortable throughout.

What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, goes further below the gumline to remove deposits from the roots of the teeth and is used to treat gum disease. Your hygienist will assess which type of cleaning you need at your appointment.

Is a dental cleaning covered by insurance?

Most private insurance plans cover 80 to 100 percent of two routine cleanings per year. Cleanings are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. We offer direct billing to most major providers and will check your coverage before your appointment.

What is included in my cleaning at Inova Dental?

Every hygiene appointment at Inova Dental includes scaling, polishing, professional flossing, fluoride treatment, an oral examination, and complimentary in-office teeth whitening.

How long does a cleaning take?

A routine cleaning typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If it has been a while since your last cleaning or significant buildup is present, the appointment may take longer. Deep cleaning appointments are generally scheduled over multiple visits.

What happens if I skip cleanings?

Without regular professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar that cannot be removed with brushing alone. Over time this leads to gum disease, cavities, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Early stage gum disease is reversible with treatment, but advanced gum disease is not. Staying consistent with cleanings is by far the most cost-effective way to protect your oral health long term.

Ready to Book Your Cleaning?

Whether you’re due for a routine visit or it’s been a while since your last appointment, our hygiene team at Inova Dental is here to help. Every cleaning includes complimentary in-office whitening. We’re welcoming new patients at both of our Ottawa locations.

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