19
Oct
5 Signs That You Are Overdue for a Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning in Augusta, Georgia, is the first step towards a healthy, confident smile. This preventive step stops minor issues from turning into problems. Ready to step up your dental care with dental cleanings? Reserve an appointment with Westmoreland Family Dentistry. Let’s help protect your smile with this small step.
Signs you are due for a dental cleaning
Life can get busy, and sometimes, dental visits fall to the bottom of the list. However, your teeth and gums often give clues when it’s time for a professional cleaning. Watching out for these signs helps you avoid potential problems and protect your smile. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a dental cleaning visit in Augusta, here are the key indicators to look out for.
- Swollen or bleeding gums: Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. So, when you notice blood spots when cleaning or flossing your teeth, it indicates your gums need extra care. Often, bleeding and swollen gums are a sure sign of gum disease, a common cause of tooth loss in adults. If you notice signs of periodontal disease, take action immediately. Gum disease progresses silently, and you often notice its presence when it has already advanced.
- Persistent bad breath: Bad breath in the morning or after a garlic-based meal isn’t anything to worry about. However, if you have consistent bad breath (halitosis)—even after brushing and flossing—it’s a sign of an underlying oral health issue. Dental cleanings remove odor-causing bacteria in the hard-to-reach areas to ensure lasting fresh breath.
- Visible tartar build-up: Dental plaque accumulates over time as saliva interacts with food debris and harmful bacteria. Plaque is removable with brushing and flossing. However, plaque hardens into tartar over time when not brushed or flossed away. Tartar (dental calculus) requires removal with professional tools and skills. Left untreated, tartar puts you at risk of bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. If you notice yellow or brown build-up, especially along the gum line or between teeth, it’s time for a dental cleaning.
- It’s been over six months: The standard is to visit your dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning in Augusta, GA. If it’s been longer than that, then it’s time to book your cleaning appointment. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar from those hard-to-reach areas. It also allows our dental team to detect and treat dental issues when they are easy and inexpensive to treat.
- Tooth sensitivity: Does a sip of hot coffee or a splash of ice water make your teeth twinge? Feeling occasional sensitivity is normal, but persistent discomfort could indicate gum recession or enamel abrasion. The good news? Routine cleanings with professional fluoride treatments help fortify your teeth against sensitivity. If sensitivity has become a daily struggle, schedule a dental visit soon—your smile will thank you.
Dental cleaning services near me in Augusta, Georgia
Everyone loves a fresh-from-the-dentist feeling. However, as time passes, you can quickly forget this feeling, so much so that you forget to book your cleaning appointment in Augusta, Georgia. If you spot any of the above symptoms, call (706) 535-2300 and reserve your visit with Westmoreland Family Dentistry. It’s never too late to reclaim your healthy smile.
Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland – Dentist
With over 22 years of experience, Dr. Westmoreland leads our practice with a heart for service and a passion for excellence. He earned his Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Georgia and his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Augusta University Dental College of Georgia. A proud member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Westmoreland is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. His commitment to community service is evident through his volunteer work in countries like Peru and Ecuador.
When he’s not creating confident smiles, Dr. Westmoreland enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their three sons—William, Mitchell, and Philip. He’s also an avid fisherman, a devoted UGA football fan, a sci-fi and fantasy movie buff, and an active church and men’s group member.
