Teeth Cleaning and Dental Checkups

An Important Part of Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Even when you take great care of your teeth at home, regular professional care still matters. Dental checkups and cleanings give us an opportunity to remove buildup that brushing and flossing cannot, monitor the health of your teeth and gums, and look for changes that may need attention.

At Foley Family Dentistry, these visits are also an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what is happening with your oral health. Rather than treating every checkup exactly the same, we consider your dental history, current health, risk factors, and individual needs when recommending preventive care.

Call (251) 257-7009New Patient Info

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

Many dental problems can develop without causing noticeable symptoms at first. By the time a tooth hurts or another problem becomes obvious, treatment may be more involved than it would have been if the issue had been identified earlier.

Regular checkups allow us to look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, damaged or worn teeth, changes in your bite, and other concerns. We also perform an oral cancer screening as part of your comprehensive care.

Early detection gives us the opportunity to talk with you about what we see and, when treatment is necessary, recommend an appropriate approach before the problem has a chance to progress.

Why Do You Need Professional Teeth Cleanings?

Plaque continually forms on your teeth. Although daily brushing and flossing help remove it, plaque that remains can eventually harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Once tartar forms, you cannot remove it effectively with a toothbrush or dental floss.

During a professional cleaning, your dental hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, including areas that can be difficult to reach at home. Your teeth may also be polished to remove certain surface stains and leave them feeling smooth and clean.

We can point out areas where plaque tends to accumulate and offer practical suggestions for improving your home care. Our goal is not to criticize how you care for your teeth. It is to give you the information and tools you need to protect your smile between visits.

What to Expect at Your Dental Checkup

Your visit will be based on your individual needs, but a routine checkup may include:

A Review of Your Health

Your oral health and overall health are connected in many ways. We will review your dental and medical history, medications, and any changes that could affect your dental care. This is also a good time to tell us about new symptoms, concerns, or changes you have noticed.

Digital X-Rays When Needed

Dental X-rays allow us to see areas we cannot examine visually, including between teeth and beneath the gumline. The type and frequency of X-rays you need will depend on factors such as your dental history, age, current oral health, and risk for dental disease.

An Examination of Your Teeth and Mouth

We will examine your teeth for decay, cracks, wear, failing restorations, and other potential problems. Your examination also includes checking the tissues of your mouth for abnormalities or signs that may warrant further evaluation.

A Gum Health Evaluation

Healthy gums provide an important foundation for your teeth. We evaluate your gums and may measure the spaces around your teeth to look for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

A Professional Cleaning

When a routine cleaning is appropriate, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar before polishing your teeth. If we find signs of gum disease or significant buildup, we may recommend a different type of periodontal treatment instead.

Are All Dental Cleanings the Same?

A routine preventive cleaning, or prophylaxis, is intended for patients whose gums are generally healthy. If gum disease is present, simply performing a routine cleaning may not adequately address the problem.

Depending on what we find, treatment may instead include scaling and root planing to remove bacterial deposits beneath the gumline. Patients who have been treated for periodontal disease may require periodontal maintenance visits afterward to help keep the condition under control.

We will explain what we see, why we are recommending a particular type of care, and what you can expect from treatment.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Checkup and Cleaning?

Six months is a common interval for preventive dental visits, but it is not necessarily the right schedule for everyone. Some people may benefit from more frequent care because of gum disease, a higher risk for cavities, certain health conditions, or other individual factors.

We will recommend a schedule based on what is appropriate for your oral health rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Caring for Your Teeth Between Visits

What happens at home plays a major role in your long-term oral health. Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, and try to limit frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks.

If you are unsure about your brushing or flossing technique, have difficulty cleaning a particular area, or want recommendations for dental care products, ask us. Small changes to your daily routine can sometimes make a significant difference.

Make Preventive Care Part of Your Routine

Regular checkups and professional cleanings help us understand how your oral health is changing over time. More importantly, they give us the chance to work with you to protect your teeth and gums and address concerns as early as possible.

The Cost of Teeth Cleaning

Many dental insurance plans include benefits for preventive care, including routine dental checkups and cleanings, although coverage varies from one plan to another. Staying consistent with preventive care can also help us identify concerns earlier, when treatment may be simpler and less extensive.

We understand that cost is an important consideration when making decisions about your dental care. Our team is happy to discuss anticipated costs with you, help you understand your insurance benefits, and answer your questions before moving forward with recommended treatment.

Ready to Brighten Your Smile?

We want you to feel informed and comfortable with your care every step of the way.

Call for more information or to schedule an appointment with Foley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL.

Call (251) 257-7009