Is Teeth Whitening Safe? What a Hygienist Wants You to Know

Whitening is one of the most requested services in our clinic, and one of the most misunderstood. Here is the honest version. What whitening does to enamel Peroxide gel penetrates the enamel and breaks down the pigment molecules inside it. It does not strip or thin enamel. Decades of research on professional whitening at controlled […]

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss? (And Why You Should Keep Flossing)

The most common reason people stop flossing is that their gums bleed when they do it. That is exactly backwards. Bleeding means inflammation, not injury Healthy gums do not bleed when floss slides between the teeth. Bleeding means plaque has been sitting at the gumline long enough to inflame the tissue and make it fragile. […]

What to Expect at Your First Dental Hygiene Visit

Whether it has been six months or ten years, the first visit follows the same steps. Knowing them in advance takes most of the anxiety out of it. 1. Health history A short form covering medications, allergies and medical conditions, plus anything you want us to know: sensitive spots, past bad experiences, anxiety. This shapes […]

Dental Hygienist vs Dentist: Who Should Clean Your Teeth?

At most dental offices, the person cleaning your teeth is a dental hygienist, not the dentist. So what changes when you book a hygienist directly? What a hygienist does Registered dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who specialize in prevention and gum health. In Alberta they can assess your mouth, take and interpret X-rays, […]

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

Every six months is the answer most people know. It is a reasonable default, but it is not based on your mouth. Here is how a hygienist actually decides. Healthy gums, low risk: every six months If your gums do not bleed, you build tartar slowly and you have not had a cavity in years, […]

How Much Does a Teeth Cleaning Cost in Edmonton? (2026 Guide)

If you have ever been surprised by a dental bill, you are not alone. Cleaning fees in Edmonton vary widely, and the reason is rarely explained. Here is how it actually works. Cleanings are billed in units of time Every Alberta dental plan pays for scaling in 15-minute units, plus separate codes for polishing, fluoride […]

Using the Canadian Dental Care Plan at a Dental Hygienist: What Is Covered

Since the Canadian Dental Care Plan launched, thousands of Edmontonians have had their first professional cleaning in years. One thing many members do not realize: you can use your coverage at an independent dental hygienist, and you do not need to see a dentist first. Who qualifies Canadian residents who have filed their taxes, have […]