DENTAL CARE
Dental Hygiene Canning Vale
Teeth Cleaning & Gum Care
Our Dental Hygiene Services
Dental hygiene goes well beyond brushing and flossing at home. Our professional services remove what home care can't reach, monitor your gum health, and provide the education and tools to keep your teeth for life.
Scale and Clean (Professional Teeth Cleaning)
Our most common hygiene service. Using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, we remove hardened plaque (tartar/calculus) from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline where bacteria cause gum disease. Followed by polishing to remove surface stains and fluoride treatment to protect enamel.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
We assess your current brushing and flossing technique, identify problem areas and demonstrate the most effective methods for your specific mouth. Small changes in technique make a significant difference to long-term outcomes.
Gum Disease Monitoring
At each hygiene visit, we measure gum pocket depths and check for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Catching gum disease early is critical, it's the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to systemic health conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
Periodontal Treatment
For patients with active gum disease, more thorough cleaning (root planing and debridement) removes infection from deeper pockets. This is done under local anaesthetic for comfort and is highly effective at controlling moderate periodontitis.
Fluoride Treatments
Concentrated fluoride applied professionally strengthens tooth enamel and can reverse early-stage decay. Particularly beneficial for patients with dry mouth, high decay risk or undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Dietary Counselling
Diet is one of the biggest drivers of both decay and gum disease. We identify specific patterns in your diet that may be increasing your risk and give practical, achievable guidance on changes that make a real difference.
Why Dental Hygiene Matters Beyond Your Mouth
Research increasingly links oral health to systemic conditions. Gum disease bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications and premature birth. Maintaining good oral hygiene isn't just about your smile, it's part of your overall health.
Heart Health
Gum disease bacteria are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Controlling gum disease may lower this risk.
Diabetes Management
Gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control, and poorly controlled diabetes worsens gum disease, a two-way relationship.
Respiratory Health
Oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs, increasing risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections, particularly in older adults.
Pregnancy Outcomes
Gum disease in pregnancy is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Dental care during pregnancy is safe and important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see a dental hygienist?
Most patients benefit from a professional clean every six months. Those with active gum disease or a history of periodontitis may need to come every three to four months to maintain healthy gum levels.
Is a professional clean different from what I do at home?
Yes, significantly. No toothbrush or floss can remove hardened tartar. Professional instruments are the only way to do this, and the difference in bacterial load and gum health after a professional clean is substantial.
My gums bleed when I brush, is that normal?
No. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, usually caused by plaque bacteria at the gumline. It's one of the first signs of gingivitis. The good news is it's fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care.
Can dental hygiene appointments be claimed on health insurance?
Yes, scale and clean is one of the most commonly covered items in extras health insurance. We process HICAPS on the spot and you pay only the gap.
I'm embarrassed about my teeth, will I be judged?
Absolutely not. We see patients at every stage of dental health, including those who haven't been to the dentist in years. Our job is to help, not judge. Every patient gets the same respectful, professional care.
Book Your Dental Hygiene Appointment
A clean and healthy mouth is easier to maintain than you think. Let's get you started.
Book Online NowImportant Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian Society of Orthodontists. aso.org.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.