DENTAL CARE
Dental Hygiene
Dedicated preventative hygiene visits focused on deep plaque removal, periodontal monitoring and tailored at-home oral care support.
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 support your long-term oral health.
Scale and Clean (Professional Teeth Cleaning)
Routine professional cleaning removes soft plaque and hardened tartar from tooth surfaces and around the gumline, followed by gentle polishing and fluoride application. For patients with more advanced gum concerns, dedicated periodontal care may be recommended.
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 can make a meaningful difference to your oral health.
Gum Disease Monitoring
At each hygiene visit, we examine your gums and check for early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Detecting gum concerns early helps protect tooth support and maintain healthy gums.
Periodontal Treatment
For patients with active gum concerns, focused periodontal care helps remove plaque and calculus from below the gumline and manage gum disease. This is performed gently to help restore and protect gum health.
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 plays an especially important role in the development and prevention of tooth decay. We provide practical guidance on everyday food and drink choices to help protect your teeth and support healthy gums.
Oral Health and Your General Health
Your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Research has found associations between gum disease and several health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an important part of looking after your general wellbeing.
Cardiovascular Health
Research has identified associations between chronic gum inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Looking after your gums is an integral part of supporting overall wellness.
Diabetes Management
Research shows an association between gum disease and blood sugar management. Regular dental care helps support both oral and general health.
Respiratory Wellbeing
Maintaining good oral cleanliness helps reduce the buildup of oral bacteria, supporting respiratory health and general wellbeing.
Pregnancy Care
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase gum sensitivity. Routine preventive care during pregnancy is safe and helps keep gums healthy.
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. While daily brushing and flossing are essential, they cannot remove hardened tartar once it forms. Professional dental instruments gently clear away calculus and reach areas that home care alone cannot access.
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 gum disease, Long- term gum bleeding can lead to irreversible bone loss. Gingivitis can often improve with good plaque control and professional care, while bleeding gums can also have different causes that your dentist can assess.
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. You can claim eligible health fund benefits on the spot, with any applicable gap payable at your visit.
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.