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Preventive dentistry

The cleaning that keeps everything else simple.

Regular hygiene visits are the least expensive dentistry there is. They catch small problems early and keep your gums healthy for life.

Hygienist Richa Singh performing a gentle cleaning at Riverside West Dental in Owen Sound

Current promotion

$199

Scaling, polishing & fluoride · uninsured patients

More than a polish

A professional cleaning does what brushing and flossing can't: it removes tartar, the hardened plaque that builds up along and below the gumline. Left in place, tartar irritates the gums, and gum disease is the leading reason adults lose teeth. Our hygienist, Richa Singh, RDH, is thorough and gentle at the same time, which matters if you've been putting a cleaning off.

A standard visit includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar, polishing to lift surface stain, and a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel. For uninsured patients we offer the full cleaning for $199. Most insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover cleanings, and we bill them directly.

If your gums bleed, feel tender, or you've been told you have deep pockets, you may need periodontal therapy rather than a routine cleaning. This is a deeper cleaning under freezing, done over a visit or two, followed by more frequent maintenance visits until things settle down. Richa manages this in-office for patients across Owen Sound and Grey-Bruce.

Why it matters

What a hygiene visit does for you

Healthier gums

Removing tartar stops the inflammation that leads to gum disease and tooth loss.

Early warning

Small cavities, cracks and gum changes are spotted while they're still easy to fix.

Fresher, brighter

Polishing lifts coffee and tea stain; fluoride protects enamel afterward.

$199 for uninsured

Scaling, polishing and fluoride at one price, so there's no reason to wait.

What to expect

What happens at a cleaning

  1. 01

    Gum check

    We measure the space between gum and tooth and note any bleeding or recession.

  2. 02

    Scaling

    Tartar is removed above and just below the gumline using ultrasonic and hand instruments. We go gently and can numb areas if needed.

  3. 03

    Polishing

    A fine paste removes surface stain and leaves teeth smooth so plaque has a harder time sticking.

  4. 04

    Fluoride

    A varnish is painted on to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.

  5. 05

    Home care

    Honest, practical tips for your mouth, not a generic lecture.

Good to know

How often, and what about gum disease

Every six months suits most people. If you have a history of gum disease, diabetes, dry mouth, or you smoke, every three or four months is usually better, and most insurance plans allow it in those situations.

Periodontal therapy is billed differently from a routine cleaning and is often well covered by insurance and the CDCP because it treats an active condition. We'll explain the difference and the cost before we start.

Common questions

Cleanings & Hygiene, answered.

If your question isn't here, call us. A real person picks up during office hours.

Does a cleaning hurt?

It shouldn't. If your gums are inflamed you may feel some tenderness, and we can numb sensitive spots. Most people find cleanings get more comfortable as gums become healthier.

What does the $199 include?

Scaling, polishing and fluoride in one visit, for uninsured patients. An exam and X-rays are separate; ask about our complete exam offer if you're due.

Why do my gums bleed when I floss?

Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, usually from plaque that's been sitting a while. It typically stops within a week or two of consistent flossing and a professional cleaning. If it doesn't, we should check for gum disease.

Can I book a cleaning without seeing the dentist?

New patients need an exam first so we know what we're dealing with. After that, cleaning-only visits are fine between check-ups.

Is fluoride necessary for adults?

It's helpful, especially for exposed roots, dry mouth or a history of cavities. It's included in the visit, and it's quick.

Book your visit

Ready to talk about cleanings & hygiene?

Send a request and Sandy or Shantell will call you back during office hours to find a time that fits. Emergencies: please phone us directly.

Call us(519) 371-9415
Emergency? Call (519) 371-9415 for the fastest help.