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Jul
How Important are Routine Dental Cleanings to Your Oral Health?
The main purpose of dental cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which are responsible for causing cavities and gum disease. Dentists use special dental tools to clean your teeth, far exceeding what a toothbrush alone can do. Dental cleanings promote better oral health by minimizing your risk of decay and gum disease. Athens Dental Group in Watkinsville, Georgia, is the place to go for comprehensive dental cleanings near you. Here are some questions Drs. Drew Richardson and Brant Sandifer are often asked about dental cleanings.
How important is plaque and tartar removal?
Dental cleanings don’t take the place of daily brushing and flossing at home. They augment your home oral hygiene routine by removing plaque that brushing misses. Plaque is a clear, sticky bacterial film that develops on your teeth after eating. If not removed, it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist. Plaque and tartar are the main causes of decay and periodontal disease. Regular dental cleanings rid your mouth of these harmful substances to keep your smile strong and healthy.  Â
What happens during a dental cleaning?
Your Watkinsville dentist will start by inspecting your teeth for signs of abnormalities. We may also take x-rays to check for hidden dental issues. The actual cleaning is done by our hygienist, who will use special tools to get your mouth sparkling clean. We’ll remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth at and below the gumline, paying special attention to those areas that are hard for you to reach. Our hygienist will also remove surface stains from your teeth to brighten their appearance. Then, we’ll floss and polish your teeth, leaving them shiny and smooth.
How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?
Everyone should have at least one professional cleaning a year. At Athens Dental Group, we encourage our patients to schedule biannual cleanings to stay on top of their oral health. If you’re having problems with cavities or gum disease, we can schedule more frequent dental visits to help you manage these conditions.
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New Patients: (706) 666-4611 | Existing Patients: (706) 353-1958
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Are dental cleanings painful?
Routine dental cleanings shouldn’t cause pain. Our dental tools may cause slight discomfort or sensitivity if you have sensitive teeth. By informing our hygienist of discomfort or pain, we can take measures to make you more comfortable during your procedure.
How can I keep my teeth clean between dental visits?
Drs. Richardson and Sandifer recommend you brush at least twice daily using a soft bristle manual or electric toothbrush and floss at least once daily. Good oral care habits will keep plaque to a minimum. To reduce stains, stop smoking and avoid or minimize your intake of coffee, red wine, tea, and other stain-causing foods and drinks.
Where can I go for comprehensive dental cleanings near me?
If you live in or near Watkinsville, GA, you can come to Athens Dental Group for professional cleanings and all your dental care needs. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (706) 666-4611.
Dr. Brant Sandifer Connect Dr. Brant Sandifer on LinkedIn
Highly regarded local dentist Dr. Brant Sandifer graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Biology degree from the University of Georgia. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. Since 2017, Dr. Sandifer has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in Athens. He is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Dr. Sandifer is actively involved in the community and is trusted by his patients to provide the highest standard of dental care.
Dr. Drew Richardson Connect Dr. Drew Richardson on LinkedIn
An esteemed local dentist, Dr. Drew Richardson earned his Biology degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia. As a Hinman Scholar, he graduated second in his class at the Dental College of Georgia, joining Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Societies. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the L.D. Pankey study club and has advanced cosmetic training from Spear Academy. He volunteers at Georgia dental clinics such as Hope Dental Clinic and Christ Community Clinic and has participated in dental missions to Haiti.