How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Regular teeth cleanings and checkups are key to maintaining a healthy mouth. They go beyond just caring for your teeth—they protect your gums and overall oral health. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Hygienists reach areas that brushing and flossing can’t, helping you prevent painful and costly dental issues.
Consistent cleanings also naturally brighten your smile by:
- Removing plaque that weakens enamel
- Clearing tartar that leads to gum disease
- Lifting stains from coffee, tea, and more
- Spotting early signs of gum recession, chips, and infections
Stay proactive with your oral health and keep your smile shining bright!
Your Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums
Healthy Gums
Your gums do more than just hold your teeth in place—they keep your entire mouth healthy and your smile looking great. During your checkup, we take a close look at your tongue, gums, teeth, and everything in between. We pay special attention to your gum line to catch any signs of inflammation or gum disease early. And don’t worry—we won’t judge your flossing habits (we’ve heard it all before!).
Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is that sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth throughout the day. If it’s not cleaned off properly, it hardens into tartar, which is much tougher to remove and often shows up around the gumline. Our hygienists are pros at getting rid of plaque and tartar, even in those hard-to-reach spots. After that, we polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking fresh and bright.
Dentist Exam
After your cleaning, your dentist will check everything out, including your dental history and x-rays, to make sure there are no issues lurking. If they spot anything concerning, they’ll talk you through the next steps or give you some tips to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Got questions or feeling any discomfort or sensitivity? Just let us know—we’re here to help!
The Cost of A Cleaning In Wake Forest
The cost of a dental cleaning can vary depending on several factors. If you have standard dental insurance, most or all of the cost is typically covered. However, if you’re paying out of pocket, the price can range from $100 to $250.
Here’s what affects the cost:
- Oral Health Condition: If you have gum disease or other oral health issues, you may need a more intensive cleaning, which can be more expensive.
- X-Rays: New X-rays may be required to get a full picture of your oral health, adding to the cost.
- Hygienist’s Expertise: More experienced hygienists may charge higher fees for their specialized skills.
- Advanced Technology: The use of modern equipment and high-quality materials can influence the overall cost.
At our dental office, we believe in transparent pricing and high-quality care. Our goal is to provide the best possible treatment using the latest technology and highly skilled professionals to ensure your oral health is in top shape. If you have any questions about the cost of your cleaning or what your insurance covers, feel free to reach out!
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend scheduling a dental cleaning and check-up every six months to maintain optimal oral health. However, if you have specific dental needs—such as orthodontics, dental crowns, implants, or frequent cavities—your dentist might suggest more frequent visits. We’re also flexible with appointment schedules to accommodate insurance coverage or budget concerns.
Don’t wait—contact us right away! Pain or discomfort is often a sign of underlying issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or problems with dental crowns, fillings, or implants. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming serious problems. Even if the discomfort seems minor, give us a call, and we’ll evaluate the cause and provide timely care.
Yes! Even with dentures, it’s essential to maintain regular check-ups. These visits allow us to evaluate the health of your entire mouth, including your gums, tongue, and jawbone. We also check the fit and condition of your dentures to ensure they’re comfortable and functioning properly. If you’re considering dental implants as an alternative to dentures, we can discuss your options during your visit.
Absolutely! Regular cleanings and check-ups are key to preventing tartar buildup. At home, use fluoride toothpaste designed for tartar control and floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth. For those with orthodontics, such as braces or Invisalign, we recommend specialized tools like floss threaders to clean hard-to-reach areas effectively. An antiseptic mouthwash also helps eliminate bacteria that cause plaque and tartar.
Yes, but it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before eating to allow the fluoride treatment to fully absorb. If you’ve had teeth whitening during your visit, avoid staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine for at least 24 hours to maintain your brighter smile.
Definitely! The best way to maintain the results of your cleaning is by continuing a consistent brushing and flossing routine. If you have dental crowns, implants, or orthodontics, use dentist-recommended products to protect and clean them effectively. This helps preserve the health of your teeth and gums while extending the life of your dental restorations.
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