Preventive Dentistry in Burnaby

Professional Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleanings play a vital role in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Our team uses a combination of advanced tools and traditional techniques to ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and polished.

Scaling

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth. Depending on the buildup, we use:

• Manual scaling with handheld instruments for precision.
• Ultrasonic scaling (Cavitron) that uses sound waves to break up large deposits quickly.

Since ultrasonic scalers remove only about 50% of tartar, they are often followed by manual scaling to ensure a complete clean.

Root Planing

Root planing is a deep-cleaning technique used to treat gum disease by cleaning below the gum line. This procedure helps reduce pocket depth around the teeth and removes harmful bacteria. If you have inflamed or bleeding gums, we may recommend root planing to stop the progression of periodontal disease. In some cases, local anesthesia is applied for comfort. Treatment may require multiple visits depending on the severity of the condition.

Polishing

Once your teeth are clean, we polish them to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. We use:

• Prophy Jet polishing, which sprays a high-pressure mix of water and baking soda to clean and neutralize acidity.
• Rubber cup polishing with prophy paste to lift stubborn stains and leave your smile bright.

How often you need a cleaning depends on your individual oral health. For most people, cleanings every 6 months are ideal. If you have deeper gum pockets or ongoing gum disease, every 3 months may be recommended to prevent progression.

Home Care Education

Maintaining your smile between visits is just as important as professional care. Here’s what we recommend:

Brushing

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in an up-and-down motion, not side-to-side.
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste labeled “tartar control” to reduce plaque buildup.
• Avoid hard bristles and excessive pressure to protect your enamel and gums.

Flossing

• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• The technique is more important than floss type (waxed, unwaxed, string, or ribbon).
• For best results, floss before brushing.

Need help with technique? Ask us during your next visit, we’re happy to demonstrate the proper way to floss and brush.

Fluoride and Children’s Dental Health

Preventive care should start before teeth erupt. Children benefit greatly from a healthy diet and fluoride during early development.

• Contact your local Burnaby water provider to ensure the fluoride level is around 1 ppm (part per million), a safe and effective amount for strengthening developing teeth.
• Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Begin flossing when teeth begin to touch.

By taking early action, you’re helping children build strong, cavity-resistant teeth for life.

Bad Breath (Halitosis) Treatment

Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacterial buildup in the mouth—especially on the tongue and in gum pockets.

Common Causes:

• Accumulated plaque and food debris
• Sulfur-producing bacteria on the back of the tongue
• Gum disease (periodontitis)
• Cavities or oral infections

Our Treatment Approach:

1. Comprehensive oral exam and medical history review
2. Optional odor-meter testing to measure sulfur gas levels
3. Treatment of periodontal disease and cavities
4. Removal of infections or impacted teeth, if present
5. Tongue cleaning and customized oral hygiene guidance
6. Targeted mouthwash and toothpaste recommendations

Halitosis treatment is highly effective. If you struggle with persistent bad breath, we encourage you to book a consultation. With proper care, you can regain fresh breath and confidence.

Schedule a Preventive Visit Today

Preventive care is your best investment in long-term oral health. Whether it’s your first visit or your next checkup, Carleton Square Dental Centre in Burnaby is here to provide the care you need. Contact us today to schedule your cleaning, consultation, or halitosis treatment.