Published on Jan 17, 2026 | 5 minute read
You brush, you floss (most days), and everything feels fine—so why show up every six months? Because good dentistry is about prevention: catching early changes, strengthening weak spots, and keeping gums healthy before problems become painful or expensive. A professional cleaning and comprehensive exam give you a snapshot of your oral health today and a roadmap for the next six months. Here’s what to expect—and why each step matters.
We start by asking the right questions. Any new medications? Sensitivity to cold? Morning jaw tightness? Snoring or dry mouth at night? These details guide your care. Your dentist will also ask what you want—fewer cavities, calmer gums, whiter teeth, or long-term plans like straightening or replacing a missing tooth. When we know your goals, we can tailor care that fits your timeline and comfort.
Healthy gums are the foundation of every smile. We gently measure pocket depths around each tooth and note any bleeding or recession. Numbers in the 1–3 mm range without bleeding usually signal stable health; deeper readings or bleeding suggest inflammation that needs attention. If you’ve had gum disease before, we’ll compare today’s findings to your baseline. The aim is steady or improving numbers and fewer bleeding points over time.
Even excellent brushers miss places where plaque matures into tartar (calculus). The hygienist removes buildup with ultrasonic and hand instruments, then polishes away surface stains and residual film. If you’ve got stubborn tea, coffee, or red-wine discoloration, we’ll focus there. This cleaning doesn’t just make teeth shiny—it reduces bacterial load so gums can stay calm between visits.
Mouths and habits differ. Tight contacts might call for waxed floss or soft picks; braces or aligners benefit from interdental brushes and water flossers. We’ll demo techniques that match your mouth, not a generic routine. You’ll leave knowing exactly which tools and tactics make the most difference for you.
We examine each tooth for early white-spot lesions, leaky margins around old fillings, and hairline cracks. Bite tests help isolate a tender cusp; a cold test can differentiate between superficial sensitivity and deeper nerve inflammation. Catching problems at this stage often means a small filling instead of a crown—or a protective night guard instead of a cracked tooth emergency.
We take radiographs based on your risk, not a rigid clock. If you’re low risk and cavity-free, you’ll need fewer images; if you’ve had new decay or symptoms, focused films guide precise treatment. Modern digital radiographs use minimal radiation and reveal what we can’t see clinically—interproximal decay, bone levels, and hidden fractures.
Topical fluoride or varnish strengthens enamel and helps with root sensitivity. If certain teeth “zing,” we’ll consider targeted desensitizers or switch you to a prescription paste that reduces nerve response while hardening enamel.
We screen your tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat for unusual changes and check lymph areas. We also note airway clues—chronic mouth breathing, scalloped tongue, or worn incisors from clenching—that may warrant further discussion with medical providers. Your mouth tells a story about overall health; our job is to read it.
Deep grooves in molars trap plaque. Sealants can protect these areas, especially for kids and teens, but adults with deep fissures benefit too. Think of a sealant as clear armor that keeps acids out of hard-to-clean nooks.
Six months is a good default, but not a law. If you build tartar quickly, battle recurrent decay, or manage gum disease, a 3–4 month rhythm helps keep things stable. If your risk is low and habits are stellar, we’ll say so and celebrate it.
Do cleanings make teeth loose? No—removing tartar lets inflamed gums tighten around teeth.
Are electric brushes better? Many people clean more effectively with them, thanks to timers and motion.
How do I stop bleeding gums? Consistent flossing, targeted tools, and reducing bacteria between visits calm tissues quickly.
Small, smart steps add up. At each visit, you’ll get a realistic plan to keep teeth strong and gums steady. Premier Dental of Woodhaven in Woodhaven, NY is here to make prevention simple. Call (347) 474-4566 to Schedule a Cleaning and Exam and make the next six months your healthiest yet.
