We are currently accepting new patients!
We are currently accepting new patients!
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Ever wonder what your hygienist is doing during your visit—and why you feel so fresh afterward? A professional dental cleaning is more than a polish. It’s a preventive, evidence-based sequence designed to remove buildup you can’t clear at home, check the health of your gums, and coach you toward easy, sustainable habits. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step tour of a typical cleaning at Shoreline Dental Studio in Fort Walton Beach.
We start with a short conversation: any changes in your health or medications, any sensitivity, and what you’ve noticed in your mouth. These details guide everything that follows, from the tools we choose to the tips we share.
Your hygienist performs a periodontal screening to evaluate gum health. Using a tiny measuring tool, we assess the pocket depth around each tooth. Healthy gums typically measure 1–3 mm. If we note bleeding points or deeper readings, we’ll flag areas for special attention and discuss a plan to calm inflammation.
Plaque is a soft biofilm that forms every day; tartar (calculus) is plaque that has hardened on the teeth. While brushing and flossing remove fresh plaque, tartar bonds to enamel and requires professional instruments to remove. Left alone, it irritates gums and increases the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
Your hygienist removes tartar above and just below the gumline. We may use ultrasonic scalers (which vibrate and spray water) and hand instruments for fine detail. If you’re sensitive, say the word—topical numbing gel or local anesthetic can make the visit calm and comfortable.
After scaling, we polish the enamel to sweep away surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, or colorful foods. A smooth enamel surface makes it harder for plaque to stick, so you leave with that unmistakable just-cleaned feel.
We floss every contact to remove any leftover paste and to evaluate tight spots. If certain spaces collect more plaque, we’ll suggest tailored tools—floss threaders, interdental brushes, or water flossers—so at-home care feels easier and more effective.
For many patients, a fluoride varnish or gel is applied at the end of the appointment. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps remineralize areas starting to soften. If your cavity risk is higher (dry mouth, frequent snacking, orthodontics), we may recommend a prescription-strength toothpaste for nightly use.
Depending on your history, bitewing X-rays may be taken every 12–24 months to check between teeth and under existing fillings. Panoramic or 3D images may be recommended for wisdom teeth, implants, or complex concerns. We keep exposures low and only take images that inform better care.
After your cleaning, the dentist reviews your chart, checks any areas of concern, and performs an oral cancer screening. Together we’ll create a simple plan: any treatment needed, plus straightforward habits to keep your next visit quick and easy.
Brushing angle, pressure, and sequence matter. We’ll share a two-minute routine, demonstrate a gentle technique at the gumline, and help you choose products you’ll actually use. Because prevention is personal, the best plan is the one that fits your real life.
Most healthy patients do well with visits every six months. If we’re treating gum inflammation, we may recommend periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months to keep bacteria from recolonizing deeper pockets.
Professional cleanings reduce bleeding, freshen breath, and support brighter smiles. More importantly, they help us spot small problems early—when solutions are simpler and more comfortable.
Want that just-cleaned feeling? Call Shoreline Dental Studio in Fort Walton Beach at (850) 462-5050 to Book an Appointment and keep your smile healthy, bright, and confident.
