Dental Cleanings & Exams

Regular dental cleanings and exams in Salt Lake City are one of the simplest ways to keep your smile healthy and catch small problems before they become bigger ones. At Holladay Smiles, Dr. Michael T. Smith and our hygiene team recommend visiting twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.

During a routine visit, our hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, including areas that daily brushing and flossing can miss, and polishes your teeth to remove surface stains. Dr. Smith then examines your teeth, gums, and bite, checking for cavities, signs of gum disease, and other concerns, often with the help of digital X-rays. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, which brushing and flossing alone cannot remove, so regular visits give Dr. Smith the chance to catch problems while they are still small and easier to treat.

Benefits of routine dental visits include:

• Prevents cavities: Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent the buildup that leads to decay.
• Catches problems early: Regular exams can catch cavities, cracked teeth, and gum disease while they are small and easier to treat.
• Brighter smile: Professional cleanings remove surface stains that brushing alone cannot.
• Fresh breath: Removing plaque and tartar helps address one of the common causes of bad breath.

Most patients, both adults and children, benefit from a cleaning and exam twice a year, though Dr. Smith may recommend more frequent visits for patients being treated for gum disease or at higher risk for cavities. Many dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings and exams at little to no out-of-pocket cost, and our team can help verify your specific benefits before your visit.