Jacksonville Dental Cleanings & Checkups
Have you ever wondered why your dentist encourages regular cleanings when you already brush and floss at home? The truth is that even the most diligent home care routine can’t reach every surface where stubborn plaque hides, silently threatening your oral health. That hidden plaque eventually hardens into tartar and becomes a fortress for bacteria that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even contribute to severe systemic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
At Airway Dental and More, Jacksonville dentist Dr. Neil K. Stevenson and our caring team transform routine dental cleanings into opportunities for total wellness. We provide comprehensive dental cleanings and checkups in Jacksonville that look beyond just polishing teeth—we examine your entire oral-systemic connection, including critical airway health factors that many traditional practices overlook. Using state-of-the-art technology and a gentle touch, we’ve helped countless Jacksonville residents achieve healthier smiles and better overall well-being through our unique approach to preventative dental care.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
Your dental cleaning appointment at our Jacksonville office involves several essential steps to maintain optimal oral health. Our hygienists use gentle, thorough techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
During your professional dental cleaning, our team will perform the following steps:
- Remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline
- Polish teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish
- Floss between teeth to remove debris and plaque from interdental spaces
- Apply fluoride treatment if necessary to strengthen enamel
- Provide personalized oral hygiene education tailored to your specific needs
Following the cleaning, Dr. Stevenson will conduct a comprehensive examination to check for indicators of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential concerns.
This proactive approach allows us to identify and treat minor issues before they develop into more serious problems requiring extensive treatment.
Why Regular Dental Cleanings Are Essential
Maintaining a consistent schedule of dental cleanings offers far more benefits than just a brighter smile. The American Dental Association recommends getting dental cleanings at least twice a year, with some individuals requiring more frequent appointments. Professional cleanings play a vital role in safeguarding your oral health and can contribute significantly to your overall wellness.
Prevent Gum Disease
When bacteria-laden plaque accumulates along the gumline, it may lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the supporting structures of your teeth.
Treatment for mild periodontitis often involves more frequent professional cleanings, Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR), and probiotic and antibacterial therapies. For moderate cases, we offer professional cleanings and deep scaling treatments combined with bacterial reduction modalities. Our advanced treatments include laser-assisted Perio Repair and guided tissue regeneration, which are proven to manage gum disease effectively.
Detect Oral Health Issues Early
During your checkup, Dr. Stevenson examines your mouth for signs of potential problems. Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to identify concerns like tooth decay, gum defects, or oral cancer in their earliest, most treatable stages. Early detection often means simpler, less invasive treatment options.
Maintain Fresh Breath
Chronic bad breath often stems from bacterial buildup in the mouth. Regular professional cleanings help eliminate these bacteria, particularly in areas hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing at home.
Protect Your Overall Health
Research continues to reveal connections between oral health and systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Routine cleanings can help keep your mouth healthy and limit your risk for these serious health concerns.
The Airway Dental Difference
At Airway Dental and More, we recognize that excellent oral health extends beyond clean teeth. Dr. Stevenson’s unique approach integrates airway health considerations into every dental checkup, looking for signs that might indicate breathing issues or sleep disorders.
Our dental cleanings and checkups may include additional assessments for the following conditions:
- Signs of mouth breathing patterns
- Indications of teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Symptoms of tongue tie that might affect proper oral function
- Evidence of airway obstruction that could impact breathing quality
This in-depth approach allows us to address not just your dental health but your complete oral wellness. By identifying potential airway issues early, we can often prevent more significant problems from developing.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning?
While the standard recommendation is to have professional dental cleanings every six months, the ideal frequency varies based on your individual oral health needs. Some patients with excellent home care and minimal risk factors may only need annual cleanings, while others with gum disease or rapid tartar buildup may benefit from cleanings every three to four months.
During your initial visit to our Jacksonville office, Dr. Stevenson will evaluate your oral health status and suggest a cleaning recall schedule tailored to your needs. This personalized approach ensures you receive appropriate preventative care without unnecessary appointments.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Jacksonville at Airway Dental and More
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are essential investments in both your oral and overall health. At Airway Dental and More, we provide thorough, gentle care in a comfortable environment using advanced technology. Dr. Stevenson and our team treat our patients like family, delivering personalized attention and a comfortable dental experience.
Take the first step toward maintaining your healthiest smile by scheduling your dental cleaning today. Our Jacksonville office welcomes patients of all ages and provides comprehensive care that addresses your unique oral health needs. Call (904) 268-4466 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
