Get Ahead of Dental Issues with Routine Dental Cleanings

You have the power to stop periodontal disease, decay, tooth loss, and bad breath with routine dental cleanings in Augusta, Georgia. If it’s more than six months before you had your teeth professionally cleaned, schedule an appointment today with Westmoreland Family Dentistry. Thorough cleanings by Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland and his team remove unhealthy deposits from hard-to-reach surfaces to help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth.

What can I expect during cleaning?

Brushing and flossing are the first line of defense against plaque and harmful bacteria. While effective, at-home oral hygiene isn’t enough. Even with diligent cleaning, there are areas in your mouth you can’t brush or floss effectively at home. Dental cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) and other nasties between teeth, along the gum line, and other hidden spots. 

During a dental cleaning, oral prophylaxis, or simply “prophy,” the Augusta dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to clean areas you can’t access at home. Removing unhealthy deposits promotes fresh breath and protects your smile from cavities and gum infections. After cleaning, we polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste for a glossy, natural-looking finish. Although simple, the benefits of dental cleanings go beyond that fresh-from-a-dentist feeling.

How often do I need my teeth cleaned?

The standard is to visit your dentist every six months for dental cleanings. However, no two smiles are the same. The dentist may recommend cleanings every 3-4 months if you are at risk of gum disease or decay. Routine cleanings prevent dental issues before they occur.

Why do dental cleanings matter?

More than a just-cleaned feeling, Augusta professional cleanings offer numerous health and cosmetic benefits. 

Here are reasons why you shouldn’t skip dental cleanings.

  • Prevention: Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque naturally accumulates on your teeth. Dental cleanings remove unhealthy deposits from all areas of your mouth to protect your smile from decay and infections.
  • Early detection: Dental issues like cavities, fractures, gum disease, and early-stage oral cancer can develop silently. A six-month check-up allows your dentist to spot and address problems before they become more serious—and costly—to treat.
  • Fresh breath: Dental cleanings remove odor-causing bacteria to keep your breath smelling fresh.
  • Better systemic health: Research has shown oral pathologies can increase the risk of heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, and more. Keeping harmful oral bacteria under control maintains optimal oral-systemic health.
  • A brighter smile: Professional cleanings erase coffee and tobacco stains to maintain a beautiful, bright smile.
  • Cost savings: Investing in prevention now means fewer expensive dental problems later. Generally, for every $1 spent on preventive care, you can save $8-$50 on restorative and emergency treatments.

Dental cleanings are covered by insurance and our in-house savings plan. Even without coverage, they remain an affordable way to protect your smile. Their benefits extend far beyond the present, contributing to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Ready to schedule your Augusta dental cleaning appointment?

We get it—life gets busy, dental visits can be intimidating, and cost can be a concern. Whether it’s been years since your last appointment or you’ve never seen a dentist, achieving a healthy smile is never too late. Expect no lecture or judgment in our office—just compassionate care and a commitment to restoring oral health. Call (706) 535-2300 to schedule your appointment today with Westmoreland Family Dentistry!