Dental Checkups and Cleanings That Protect Smiles for Life
At Gilreath Family Dentistry, prevention is the foundation of every healthy smile. It’s a practice philosophy we take seriously. Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings at our Marietta office remove the plaque and hardened tartar that brushing and flossing at home can’t reach. That protects teeth from decay, enamel erosion, and gum disease before they become larger, more costly problems.
From children as young as 3 to adults and seniors, families throughout Marietta and Cobb County trust our doctors and hygienists to keep their teeth and gums healthy through every stage of life. Each visit is unhurried, comfortable, and tailored to the individual patient. Appointments start on time, and patients can relax with a favorite show on the flat-screen TV in every treatment room.
Book a Checkup and CleaningWhy Routine Preventive Care Matters
Visiting Gilreath Family Dentistry every six months offers benefits that go well beyond a brighter smile:
- Early detection of decay: Small cavities found early can often be treated simply, sometimes without drilling at all.
- Healthier gums: Regular cleanings remove the bacteria responsible for gingivitis and periodontal disease, and gum health is closely monitored at every visit.
- Oral cancer screening: A screening is part of every comprehensive exam, supporting early detection when treatment is most effective.
- Fresher breath and a polished smile: Professional cleanings remove surface stains and buildup for a smile that looks and feels clean.
- Lower long-term dental costs: Preventing problems is far simpler than treating them, saving both time and money.
- Protection for existing dental work: Crowns, implants, and veneers last longer with routine professional maintenance.
Fluoride Isn’t Just for Kids
Many people think of fluoride as a children’s treatment, but adults benefit just as much. Today, many adults get far less fluoride than previous generations:
- Filtered water removes fluoride along with chlorine.
- Bottled water typically contains little or no fluoride.
- Modern diets contain more sugar than ever, from sports drinks and specialty coffee drinks to high-carbohydrate meals and desserts.
As a result, cavities are increasing in patients of all ages. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride for patients of all ages, and our doctors can recommend the right in-office and at-home fluoride options for each patient.
Preventive Treatments Beyond the Cleaning
Our doctors go further than a standard cleaning to help patients avoid cavities altogether.
Dental Sealants for Children and Adults
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These deep grooves are the most decay-prone areas of the mouth, and the place where fluoride has the least effect. Sealing them helps prevent cavities and the need for fillings. Gilreath Family Dentistry applies sealants for patients of any age, not just children.
Professional Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is the first line of defense against tooth decay. Our office offers both in-office fluoride treatments and prescription-strength home fluoride for added protection between visits.
Xylitol Products
Xylitol is a naturally derived sugar substitute that helps reduce the bacteria that cause cavities. Gilreath Family Dentistry offers xylitol mints and gum in a variety of flavors, an easy and enjoyable way to support oral health every day.
What Happens During a Checkup and Cleaning Appointment
Every preventive visit at our Marietta office follows a thorough, step-by-step approach. It’s designed to clean the teeth completely, evaluate oral health, and keep every patient comfortable from start to finish.
Health Review and Conversation
Each visit begins with a review of the patient’s health history and a conversation about any concerns, from sensitivity to cosmetic goals.
Low-Dose Digital X-Rays
When needed, digital X-rays are taken to reveal decay between teeth and below the gumline. They use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays.
Professional Cleaning
A dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
Polishing and Flossing
The teeth are polished to remove surface stains and flossed to clear any remaining debris, leaving the smile smooth, clean, and fresh.
Comprehensive Dental Exam
One of our doctors examines the teeth, gums, and bite. They check for decay, evaluate periodontal health, and perform an oral cancer screening.
Personalized Prevention Plan
Our doctors review the findings and recommend any preventive treatments, such as sealants, fluoride, or xylitol. If any concerns are found, they explain every treatment option clearly, with no pressure.
Who Needs Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dentistry is essential for every member of the family, but it’s especially valuable for:
- Children and teens developing lifelong oral health habits
- Adults with a history of cavities or gum concerns
- Patients with crowns, implants, veneers, or other dental restorations
- Patients wearing Invisalign or braces, who are at higher risk for plaque buildup
- Patients who drink filtered or bottled water or enjoy sugary drinks regularly
- Anyone who hasn’t seen a dentist in some time
Complete Care in One Marietta Dental Office
If a checkup reveals an area of concern, patients don’t need to go elsewhere. Gilreath Family Dentistry offers a full range of restorative and cosmetic services in one office, including:
Many concerns can even be treated during the same visit when time allows.
Keep Your Smile Healthy With Preventive Care in Marietta
Give your family the gift of a healthy smile. Contact Gilreath Family Dentistry at 200 White St NW, Marietta, GA 30060 in Marietta to schedule a routine dental cleaning and checkup. We accept most dental insurance plans, offer CareCredit financing and provide a Membership Club for patients without insurance.
Schedule an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
About Preventive Dentistry
Most patients should visit the dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. Twice-yearly visits allow our doctors to monitor gum health, detect tooth decay early and remove tartar before it causes problems. Patients with gum disease or a higher risk of cavities may benefit from more frequent visits, which our doctors will recommend when needed.
A dental cleaning at our Marietta office starts with a health review and digital X-rays when needed. A hygienist then removes plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments, and polishes and flosses the teeth. One of our doctors completes a comprehensive exam, including a gum evaluation and an oral cancer screening, and reviews any recommendations.
Most patients find dental cleanings comfortable. Some patients with heavy tartar buildup or sensitive gums may feel mild pressure or sensitivity, and our hygienists adjust their technique to keep everyone comfortable. Treatment rooms at Gilreath Family Dentistry also feature flat screen TVs and ergonomic chairs to help patients relax.
Yes. Gilreath Family Dentistry uses low-dose digital X-rays, which expose patients to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Digital images appear instantly. That allows our doctors to detect hidden decay, bone loss and other concerns that can’t be seen during a visual exam.
Yes. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities in patients of all ages, and the American Dental Association recommends fluoride for adults as well as children. Many adults today get less fluoride because they drink filtered or bottled water, while diets high in sugar raise cavity risk. In-office and prescription home fluoride help close that gap.
No. While sealants are commonly placed on children’s molars, Gilreath Family Dentistry applies dental sealants for patients of any age. Adults with deep grooves on their back teeth can benefit from sealants. They protect against decay in areas toothbrushes and fluoride have trouble reaching.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, checkups and X-rays, often at a high percentage. Gilreath Family Dentistry accepts most insurance plans and files claims on behalf of our patients. For patients without insurance, our in-house Membership Club offers a simple way to maintain preventive care.
Patients who haven’t seen a dentist in a while are always welcome at Gilreath Family Dentistry, with no judgment. The first visit includes a thorough exam, digital X-rays and a conversation about any concerns. If a deeper cleaning or other treatment is needed, our doctors explain every option clearly and create a comfortable plan to restore oral health.