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F: 519-583-3737 P: 519-583-2929
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental hygienist providing a routine teeth cleaning to an adult

Port Dover Family Dentistry

Teeth Cleanings in Tillsonburg

Cleanings remove tartar that brushing misses and check gum health. What happens in the chair and how Tillsonburg patients can keep results going.

New patients welcomeCDCP accepted

Let’s get you smiling

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Tillsonburg patients are welcome at our Port Dover office

Every dental service for Tillsonburg patients

Beyond what brushing reaches

A professional cleaning resets the starting point for home care.

Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which cannot be brushed away. Over time, tartar along and below the gumline can irritate the gums and contribute to gum disease. A professional cleaning removes these deposits, polishes away surface stains and lets the hygienist check for signs of gum inflammation or other changes.

Tillsonburg patients can schedule cleanings at our Port Dover office, often together with an exam. Making the trip count by combining appointments, and bringing questions about home care, helps you get the most from each visit.

Talk to our team
Dental hygienist explaining gum health before a routine teeth cleaning

Before the visit

A few details help the hygienist plan.

  • Updating health information

    Let the team know about any changes in your health, new medications, pregnancy or recent surgery. Some heart conditions or joint replacements may require special precautions, which your physician can advise on. Bring an up-to-date medication list to every visit.

  • Mentioning sensitivity or concerns

    If your teeth are sensitive or your gums bleed easily, mention it at the start. The hygienist can adjust their technique or offer comfort options. Share any concerns, such as bad breath, staining or a rough area, so they can pay attention to those spots.

The cleaning

The hygienist works carefully around each tooth.

  1. Removing tartar above and below the gums

    Using hand instruments, an ultrasonic scaler or both, the hygienist removes tartar from tooth surfaces and just below the gumline. You may feel scraping, vibration or a cool water spray. The hygienist may measure gum pockets to check gum health. Tell them if anything feels uncomfortable.

  2. Polishing and finishing

    Teeth are then polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. Flossing between teeth follows. Fluoride may be offered depending on your risk. The hygienist may point out areas that need more attention at home and answer any questions you have.

Home care

Daily habits keep tartar from building up.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling toward the gumline. Clean between teeth once daily with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Ask the hygienist to watch your technique and suggest improvements if you are unsure.

Products that may help

Depending on your needs, the hygienist may recommend an electric toothbrush, a toothpaste for sensitivity, a fluoride rinse or specific interdental tools. Ask why each product is suggested. Small adjustments to your routine can make the next cleaning easier and quicker.

Scheduling

Regular cleanings protect long-term gum health.

Choosing a cleaning interval

Many people have cleanings at regular intervals, but those with gum disease or a high risk of decay may need more frequent visits. Ask what schedule suits you and book before you leave the Port Dover office so the date is set.

Combining with exams

Combining cleanings with exams can reduce the number of trips from Tillsonburg. Family members may also be booked together. If you need to reschedule, call as early as possible so your next cleaning is not delayed for too long.

Planning your appointment

Book your cleaning from Tillsonburg.

Call our Port Dover office to schedule a cleaning. Ask whether an exam can be booked on the same day and how often you should return.

Bring your medication list and mention any sensitivity, bleeding gums or concerns you would like checked.

Port Dover Family Dentistry

697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2
519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact details

Before you book

Teeth cleaning questions

Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

The right interval depends on your gum health, decay risk and medical history. Some people need cleanings more often than others. The hygienist and dentist will recommend a schedule suited to you and adjust it over time.

Do cleanings hurt?

Most people find cleanings comfortable, though some feel pressure or sensitivity, especially if gums are inflamed. Let the hygienist know if you are uncomfortable so they can adjust their technique or offer comfort options.

Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?

Bleeding often indicates gum inflammation from plaque or tartar. Regular cleanings and good home care usually help. Persistent bleeding may suggest gum disease, which the dentist can assess and discuss with you.

Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?

Polishing can remove surface stains from coffee, tea or tobacco, making teeth look brighter. It does not change the natural colour of teeth. Whitening treatments are a separate option you can ask the dentist about.

Can I have a cleaning and exam on the same day?

Many patients schedule them together, which is especially helpful when travelling from Tillsonburg. Ask the team when booking about coordinating both appointments and how long to allow for the visit.

Recognized year after year

Winner of the Three Best Rated Award

Best Dentists in Norfolk

Proudly recognized among Norfolk’s top-rated dental practices for six consecutive years.

  • Three Best Rated Best Business of 2021 Excellence award

    2021 Winner

  • Three Best Rated Best Business of 2022 Excellence award

    2022 Winner

  • Three Best Rated Best Business of 2023 Excellence award

    2023 Winner

  • Three Best Rated Best Business of 2024 Excellence award

    2024 Winner

  • Three Best Rated Best Business of 2025 Excellence award

    2025 Winner

  • Three Best Rated Best Business of 2026 Excellence award

    2026 Winner

Stories from our patients

Comfortable care, shared in their own words.

Watch a patient’s experience and browse more five-star reviews from people who have visited our Port Dover dental clinic.

Patient video

Welcoming and Wonderful Practice

A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.

Google reviews

More five-star experiences

★★★★★

“I believe it’s been about 7+ years that I have been a patient here, and I have never had an unpleasant experience. Everyone from the…”

★★★★★

“Honestly I’ve been terrified of the dentist since I was super young. So I’ve avoided it most of my life. But I knew I had…”

★★★★★

“I had a really good experience here. The whole team is friendly and makes you feel comfortable right away. The dentist took the time to…”

★★★★★

“I recently visited Port Dover Family Dentistry and had one of the best dental experiences I’ve ever had. The moment I walked in, I noticed…”

G
★★★★★

“I visited Port Dover Family Dentistry for a routine teeth cleaning and a dental filling, and I had a great experience from start to finish.…”

★★★★★

“Let's face it, going to the dentist is probably not at the top of anyone's To Do list! However, visiting Port Dover Dentistry has never…”

★★★★★

“Dr. Syed Bukhari and his staff, they were focused on reducing my anxiety and on making my visits pleasant,, from Dr. S,, with his perfect…”

★★★★★

“I have always had a terrible fear of the dentist. The team here made me feel so comfortable and I was able to get more…”

★★★★★

“The best experience with Dr. Mithwani.. he explained everything in details and helped me understand what I need to do to save my teeth.”

★★★★★

“It was my first time visiting Port Dover Family dentistry. First of all Sylvia was amazing. She made me feel so comfortable. She was so…”

★★★★★

“I recently visited Port Dover Family Dentistry and had an outstanding experience. Dr. Bukhari and his team were professional and respectful. They made me feel…”

★★★★★

“Went to Port Dover Dentistry for an oral exam, a cleaning and some restoration work after not seeing a dentist in quite a while. The…”

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Your next visit can start today

Ready for a healthier, more confident smile?

New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.

Evening appointments Monday and Tuesday

How can we help?

Our Port Dover dental team is here for you.

Ready to book or have a question? Choose the option that works best for you.

For severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.

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