A professional dental exam and hygiene cleaning at Forsyth Family Dental involves a thorough review of your teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues — not just a quick polish. Dr. Woodward personally reviews X-rays and probing measurements to catch early signs of decay, gum disease, or bite changes before they become costly problems. Recommended every six months for most patients, these visits are the single most effective way to maintain long-term oral health and avoid unexpected dental emergencies.
Book NowFind out how routine dental exams & cleanings can help you. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions.
Every six months is the clinical standard for most adults because gum disease and early cavities are typically painless until they've progressed significantly. Dr. Woodward may recommend more frequent visits — every three to four months — if you have a history of gum disease, dry mouth, or high cavity risk, as these conditions accelerate without regular professional intervention.
A regular prophylaxis cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline and is appropriate for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a clinical treatment for periodontal disease, reaching several millimeters below the gumline to remove bacterial deposits from root surfaces — it's typically done in quadrants with local anesthetic and requires follow-up periodontal maintenance visits.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. At Forsyth Family Dental, early visits for young children are kept short, positive, and low-pressure — the goal is to establish familiarity with the dental environment so that dental anxiety doesn't develop as they grow.