Dental Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning in Aurora, ON | Aurora Borealis Dentistry

Preventive Dentistry

Dental Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning in Aurora, ON

Q: I haven't been to the dentist in a few years, is that okay?

Absolutely, you're always welcome, and there's no judgment here. Patients who haven't had a cleaning in a while may have more tartar buildup, which can mean a longer first appointment or a recommendation to return for a follow-up. The important thing is getting back on track.

Q: Will a cleaning remove stains from coffee or tea?

Yes, the AIRFLOW portion of Guided Biofilm Therapy is very effective at lifting surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine, leaving teeth noticeably brighter. For deeper or more stubborn staining, we may recommend a professional whitening treatment.

Q: Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the CDCP and provides direct billing to most major insurers. Cleanings and periodontal therapy may be covered depending on your plan, and our team can help verify your coverage before your visit.

Gentle, thorough professional cleanings with an experienced Registered Dental Hygienist — now using modern Guided Biofilm Therapy.

Book a Cleaning 905-538-8808

Regular professional cleanings are one of the most important things you can do for your long-term oral health. At Aurora Borealis Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario, our hygiene appointments go well beyond a simple polish — we assess your gum health, remove buildup your toothbrush can't reach, and give you personalized guidance to stay healthy between visits.

We welcome new patients and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with direct billing available for most major insurance providers.

GBT-Certified Practice

Your cleaning, the modern way

We perform our cleanings using Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) — an evidence-based protocol that uses warm water, air, and a fine erythritol powder instead of metal scrapers and gritty paste. It removes plaque and stain more thoroughly and far more comfortably than a traditional "scrape and polish," making it ideal for sensitive or anxious patients, implants, and braces.

Learn how Guided Biofilm Therapy works

Meet Your Hygienist

May So, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

May So, RDH

May So is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 10 years of clinical experience. Known for her gentle, calming approach and expertise in orthodontic hygiene, May takes time to understand each patient's concerns and comfort level. Whether you haven't been to the dentist in a few years or simply have sensitive teeth, her thorough yet reassuring style makes the experience as comfortable as possible — and she's passionate about helping patients build lasting hygiene habits.

What To Expect

What happens at a professional cleaning?

A hygiene appointment here is a comprehensive oral health visit, not just a quick polish. Here's what you can expect:

Oral health assessment

We review your medical history and check for any changes since your last visit, including medications that can affect oral health.

Gum health evaluation

We measure pocket depths around each tooth to assess your gum tissue and identify any signs of early or advanced gum disease.

Biofilm removal (GBT)

Using Guided Biofilm Therapy, we make plaque visible with a disclosing agent, then gently remove biofilm, stain, and early tartar from above and below the gumline.

Tartar removal & polish

Any remaining hardened tartar is removed with a comfortable ultrasonic instrument, leaving your teeth smooth, clean, and fresh.

Hygiene coaching

May gives you personalized tips on brushing and flossing, focused on the specific areas the assessment revealed need attention.

Exam with Dr. Khan

Following your cleaning, Dr. Waji Khan reviews diagnostic images and checks for cavities, wear, and any other concerns.

How Often?

How often should you have a cleaning?

The right interval depends on your individual oral health. We'll recommend a schedule that fits your needs:

Every 6 monthsStandard recallFor most patients with healthy gums and low cavity risk.

Every 4 monthsModerate riskFor patients with a history of gum disease or higher plaque buildup.

Every 3 monthsActive maintenanceFor active periodontal disease, dental implants, or risk factors such as diabetes or smoking.

Unsure how often you should come in? May will assess your gum health and recommend the right interval at your first visit.

Gum Health

Gum disease — what you need to know

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common dental conditions in adults — and one of the most preventable. It develops when plaque and tartar accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation, infection, and over time, damage to the bone that supports your teeth.

Signs you may have gum disease: bleeding when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, sensitivity at the gumline, or teeth that feel loose. If you're experiencing any of these, book an appointment — early treatment makes a significant difference.

Research has also linked untreated gum disease to systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory illness, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Healthy gums aren't just about your smile — they're an important part of your overall health.

Periodontal therapy

If gum disease is detected during your visit, we'll recommend the appropriate level of periodontal therapy. This may include deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), more frequent hygiene intervals, or in advanced cases a referral to a specialist. Our goal is to arrest the progression of gum disease and restore gum health as effectively as possible.

Protecting Your Dental Work

Why cleanings matter for implants & restorations

Professional hygiene care is especially important if you have existing dental work. Maintain a consistent schedule if you have:

Dental implants — plaque around implants can cause peri-implantitis, a serious inflammatory condition that can lead to implant failure if untreated.
Crowns, bridges, and fillings — bacteria accumulates at the margins of restorations, increasing the risk of recurrent decay.
Clear aligners or braces — trays and brackets trap bacteria against teeth, making thorough cleanings even more important during treatment.
Root canal–treated teeth — maintaining gum health around treated teeth supports long-term success.

Your hygiene schedule protects not just your natural teeth, but your investment in any dental treatment you've had. Guided Biofilm Therapy is particularly well suited to cleaning gently and effectively around implants, restorations, and orthodontic appliances.

Coverage

Does insurance cover cleanings in Ontario?

Most dental insurance plans in Ontario cover two professional cleanings per year as part of their preventive benefits, and many also cover periodontal therapy when clinically required.

Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and provides direct billing to most major insurers, so you don't pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement. Because GBT is delivered as part of your hygiene visit using standard cleaning and preventive codes, it's covered the same way a conventional cleaning is. Unsure what your plan covers? Our front desk team is happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

For most patients with healthy gums, a professional cleaning is comfortable with minimal sensitivity — and because we use Guided Biofilm Therapy, which relies on warm water and a gentle powder spray rather than scraping and cold water, most patients find it more comfortable than a traditional cleaning. If you have inflamed gums, significant tartar, or dental anxiety, May will take extra care to keep you comfortable.

What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is the modern, evidence-based protocol we use to clean your teeth. It makes plaque visible with a disclosing agent, then removes it with warm-water AIRFLOW technology and a fine erythritol powder, using ultrasonic instruments only for any remaining hardened tartar. It's gentler and more thorough than a conventional scrape-and-polish. You can read more on our Guided Biofilm Therapy page.

How long does a cleaning appointment take?

A typical cleaning and exam takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes for new patients and 45 to 60 minutes for returning patients. If periodontal therapy is recommended, additional time may be required.

I haven't been to the dentist in a few years — is that okay?

Absolutely — you're always welcome, and there's no judgment here. Patients who haven't had a cleaning in a while may have more tartar buildup, which can mean a longer first appointment or a recommendation to return for a follow-up. The important thing is getting back on track.

Can I request May So as my hygienist for every visit?

Yes. We encourage patients to build a consistent relationship with their hygienist. If you'd like to see May for all your hygiene appointments, let us know when booking and we'll do our best to accommodate your preference.

Will a cleaning remove stains from coffee or tea?

Yes — the AIRFLOW portion of Guided Biofilm Therapy is very effective at lifting surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine, leaving teeth noticeably brighter. For deeper or more stubborn staining, we may recommend a professional whitening treatment — just ask.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes — Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the CDCP and provides direct billing to most major insurers. Cleanings and periodontal therapy may be covered depending on your plan, and our team can help verify your coverage before your visit.

My gums bleed when I brush — should I still get a cleaning?

Yes, and it's important that you do. Bleeding gums are typically a sign of gum inflammation or early gum disease — not a reason to avoid cleaning, but a reason to prioritize it. A professional cleaning is the first step in addressing the underlying cause.

Do you offer cleanings for patients with dental anxiety?

Yes. May's gentle approach, combined with the comfort of Guided Biofilm Therapy, is well suited to anxious patients. For those who need additional support, sedation options may be available through Dr. Khan. Let us know when booking and we'll make sure you're well looked after.

Book Now

Book your dental cleaning in Aurora

Whether you're due for your regular recall, overdue for a cleaning, or new to the area and looking for a dental hygienist you can trust, we'd love to welcome you. We're located at 107–14785 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, open Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 9PM. New patients are always welcome.

Book Online 905-538-8808

Individual needs vary. Recommended cleaning frequency and any periodontal therapy depend on your individual oral health, assessed at your visit. AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW®, PIEZON® and Guided Biofilm Therapy® are registered trademarks of EMS (Electro Medical Systems S.A.). This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a professional consultation.