Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Jacksonville, FL

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?

Six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings are key to ensure you prevent cavities. During these appointments, we’ll examine your smile for early warning signs of tooth decay and other oral health issues that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye. If we notice weakening in the tooth enamel that indicates an increased risk for cavities, we’ll assist you by guiding your at-home hygiene routine to ensure you remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of teeth. If we do find areas of decay, we can typically repair them immediately to prevent the spread of decay and fully renew your oral health. We’ll also check for enamel damage, gum disease, oral cancer, teeth grinding, and even warning signs of systemic health issues like acid reflux and diabetes.

What To Expect During a Dental Checkup

During your dental checkup, one of our talented team members will examine your mouth. They’ll take a close look at your teeth, gums, and the other soft tissues in your mouth, and in some cases, we’ll take X-rays to see what’s going on beneath the surface. We’ll check the integrity of any restorations or cosmetics you may have, such as fillings, crowns, veneers, or dentures, to ensure they are holding up well.

Afterwards, we’ll fully review our findings with you. If a problem like gum disease or a cavity has been detected, we’ll explain which treatment(s) we recommend and why. Together, we’ll work to create a plan for getting your oral health back on track. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you may have, model best flossing techniques, and offer personalized suggestions for maximizing your at-home oral healthcare.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

As its name suggests, the dental cleaning portion of your visit will be dedicated to polishing up your pearly whites. With specialized tools and a highly trained eye, we’ll be able to clean out areas of your smile that are difficult to take care of at home.

These tough-to-clean areas often accumulate plaque, which can harden into tartar. Tartar is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush. Fortunately, we’ll be able to thoroughly remove any tartar buildup and clear away plaque accumulation. Not only will this leave your smile fresh, but it will drastically reduce your risk of oral health issues in the future. Finally, we’ll buff and polish your teeth to remove surface stains and keep your smile sparkling.

Caring for Your Smile At Home

In addition to your regular dental checkup and teeth cleaning appointments, at-home hygiene is important to every cavity prevention routine. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure you’re maximizing your daily oral hygiene routine:

• Brush for at least two minutes at a time at least twice a day
• Use soft or ultra soft bristled toothbrushes to avoid damaging soft tissue
• Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque buildup near the gums
• Floss at least once each day to remove bacteria and plaque that accumulate between teeth
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel

Learn More About Preventive Dentistry

Helping Kids Keep Their Smiles Healthy

Kids who are still learning to care for their smiles may need a little extra help with their oral hygiene routines. Dental sealants are excellent preventive dentistry options that work for many young patients. Placed quickly during any dental checkup, sealants create a protective barrier between the surfaces of teeth and potentially damaging plaque and tartar. Once in place, dental sealants will protect your child’s smile for years. Adults who struggle with chronic tooth decay may also benefit from this preventive dentistry service, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Learn More About Children’s Dentistry

Cavity Treatment with Tooth-Colored Fillings

If you do have a cavity, we use cosmetically superior, natural looking and feeling tooth-colored fillings. Crafted from high quality composite resin, these fillings are easily placed during a single appointment, and they replace lost tooth structure, leaving you with a flawless smile. We can also use composite resin to repair cracked or chipped teeth and conceal minor cosmetic flaws.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dental Checkups and Cleanings FAQs

Certainly, regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. Before you schedule your appointment with us, however, you may want to learn more about this service and why it is so important. Below, you will find answers to some commonly asked questions about cleanings and checkups. If you don’t see the specific information you were hoping for, give us a call so we can personally assist you!