Why Regular Dental Cleanings Mean More Than You Know: A Guide from A Dentist in St. Louis

July 23, 2025

Missing regular dental cleanings won’t be a problem—until plaque has built up, gums bleed, or unexpected cavities pop up. Brushing and flossing at home sounds like a good enough idea. But no matter how good your home care is, no home routine can get everything. Professional cleanings are where you plug that gap.

At Crestwood Dental Group, your health and long-term well-being are the top priority. Having your teeth professionally cleaned by a St. Louis dentist stops small issues from turning into big ones, while also providing your smile with the TLC it requires.

What Is Done During a Professional Cleaning?

A professional cleaning isn’t just a polish and rinse. It’s a full examination that better your overall health.

Here’s what you can expect during a typical visit:

Plaque and tartar removal: Plaque accumulates and hardens to form tartar, which can be removed only by a dentist safely.
Gum health check: Your gums are checked for the first signs of gum disease.
Polishing: A deep clean removes surface stains and polishes the enamel.
Fluoride treatment (if required): This makes the enamel more resistant and helps prevent decay.

These cleanings also provide your St. Louis dentist with the chance to detect warning signs of potential problems—like wear on your teeth, cracks, or cavities—before they can be more expensive to fix.

How Professional Cleanings Protect Your Health

There is more on the line than a healthy breath. Poor oral hygiene has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. Gum disease is found in nearly half of American adults over 30, the American Dental Association said. Prevention early on reduces the risk.

Professional dental cleanings:

Help to prevent inflammation that could lead to gum disease
Reduce your chances of cavities and infection
Help to control chronic diseases by reducing oral bacteria

How Often Should You Get Cleanings?

Most patients require cleanings every six months. But if you’ve had gum disease, have braces, or have particular health conditions, your dentist may want you to come back more often.

Your oral requirements are not cookie-cutter. Your treatment needs to be tailored to your health and lifestyle. That’s exactly what you get at Crestwood Dental Group—care tailored to you.

A Preventive Measure That Saves Time and Money

The majority of dental problems start small. Cleanings give your dentist a chance to catch them early, so you can avoid costly procedures in the future.

Regular cleanings can: