If it has been more than six months since your last visit, we invite you to schedule your next appointment with our Franklin family dental team.
This Article Will Address
- Why professional teeth cleanings are important
- What happens during a professional teeth cleaning
- What happens if you skip dental cleanings
- Whether cleanings prevent gum disease
- How often teeth should be professionally cleaned
- Whether brushing and flossing alone are enough
- How cleanings support long-term oral health
- Common questions about teeth cleaning in Franklin, TN
Why Are Professional Teeth Cleanings Important?
Professional cleanings do what toothbrushes and floss alone cannot.
Even with consistent home care, plaque can harden into tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed at home. It must be carefully removed by a dental professional. If left in place, tartar creates an environment where bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Routine cleanings also allow us to:
- Identify small cavities before they require extensive treatment
- Monitor existing restorations such as crowns or fillings
- Screen for oral cancer
- Evaluate gum health
- Provide personalized guidance for improved home care
At Kelly Family Dentistry, preventative care is not rushed. We believe early detection and consistent monitoring are the foundation of lifelong oral health.
What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Understanding what happens during your visit can help you feel more comfortable and confident about your care.
Plaque And Tartar Removal
We begin by gently removing plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This step is essential for reducing inflammation and lowering your risk of gum disease.
Complete Oral Examination
Dr. Allyson Kelly performs a thorough examination to check for signs of cavities, gum disease, bite concerns, and other developing issues. Early detection often means simpler and more conservative treatment.
Polishing And Preventative Recommendations
After cleaning, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth. We may also provide fluoride treatment or individualized recommendations to strengthen enamel and support your home routine.
Our approach reflects our commitment to serving families in Franklin with attentive, comprehensive care.
What Happens If You Skip Dental Cleanings?
Skipping professional cleanings may not seem serious at first, especially if you are not experiencing discomfort. However, oral health concerns often progress quietly.
When cleanings are delayed:
- Tartar accumulates along the gumline
- Gum inflammation develops
- Small cavities grow larger
- Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease
- Treatment needs become more complex
Preventative visits are far less invasive and more cost-effective than corrective procedures. Delaying routine care can eventually lead to a need for restorative dentistry in Franklin, such as crowns or more advanced periodontal treatment.
Our goal is always prevention over repair.
Do Cleanings Prevent Gum Disease?
Yes, regular cleanings play a critical role in preventing gum disease.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. At this stage, the condition is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting your teeth. Periodontitis can develop with little discomfort, which is why consistent visits are so important.
Professional cleanings remove the bacteria and hardened deposits that contribute to gum disease, helping protect the stability of your smile for years to come.
Schedule your professional teeth cleaning at Kelly Family Dentistry in Franklin, TN today. Our team is here to help you protect your oral health with personalized preventative care.
How Often Should Teeth Be Professionally Cleaned?
For most patients, we recommend professional cleanings every six months. This schedule allows us to:
- Remove buildup before it becomes problematic
- Detect early signs of decay or gum disease
- Monitor changes in your oral health
Some patients may benefit from more frequent visits. Those with a history of gum disease, certain medical conditions, or increased plaque buildup may require cleanings every three to four months.
As a trusted provider of family dentistry in Franklin, TN, we tailor recommendations to your specific needs.
Are Brushing And Flossing Enough Without Professional Cleanings?
Brushing and flossing are essential, but they are not enough on their own.
Even with proper technique and the use of an electric toothbrush, plaque can harden into tartar in hard-to-reach areas. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed without professional instruments.
Home care and professional care work together. Daily brushing and flossing maintain oral health between visits, while routine cleanings remove what home care cannot.
How Do Regular Cleanings Support Long-Term Oral Health?
Regular cleanings protect more than just your immediate comfort. They contribute to long-term oral stability in several ways.
- Detecting small cavities before they require extensive treatment
- Preserving gum health and supporting bone stability
- Protecting crowns, bridges, and dental implants
- Supporting healthy smiles for children through pediatric dentistry
- Reducing the likelihood of emergency dental visits
- Helping patients avoid complex restorative procedures
By maintaining consistent preventative care, many patients significantly reduce their need for advanced treatment later in life.
Protect Your Smile With Professional Teeth Cleaning in Franklin, TN
Your pathway to radiant smiles and impeccable oral health starts here. At Kelly Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide thorough, compassionate teeth cleaning for patients of all ages.
Dr. Allyson Kelly, DDS, combines advanced training with a patient-centered approach rooted in decades of service to the Franklin community. Whether you are maintaining routine preventative care or addressing specific concerns, our team is here to help.
We are open Monday through Thursday and welcome families seeking dependable, personalized dental care. If you are experiencing tooth pain, a chipped tooth, or another urgent concern, call us for prompt assistance.
Contact Kelly Family Dentistry today to schedule your professional teeth cleaning in Franklin, TN, and protect your smile for years to come.
Sources
Dr. Kelly
Dr. Allyson Kelly, DDS, is a dedicated General Dentist at Kelly Family Dentistry in Franklin, TN. A graduate of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, she served five years as a Captain in the U.S. Army, where she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Fort Carson. With advanced training in dental implants, oral surgery, and endodontics, Dr. Kelly combines clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to care. Outside the office, she enjoys equestrian sports, coaching her daughter’s soccer team, running half marathons with her husband, and giving back through school and community involvement.