Top 7 Reasons to Never Skip Your Dental Cleanings

Skipping the Dentist? Here’s Why That’s a Big Mistake

We all get busy. Between work, family, and the everyday stress of life, it’s easy to cancel or postpone your dental cleaning. But that seemingly harmless decision could lead to long-term health issues and expensive treatments. At Riverside Dental Group, we believe prevention is the best investment you can make in your oral health—and your overall well-being.

Here are seven compelling reasons why you should never skip your dental cleanings, especially if you live in St. George or Washington, Utah, where dry climate and dietary habits can affect oral health more than you think.

1. Prevent Cavities Before They Start

Plaque is the sticky, bacteria-filled film that builds up on your teeth over time. If left untreated, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and painful cavities. Even with great brushing and flossing habits at home, plaque can still accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.

Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar entirely—before they turn into cavities. Our hygienists at Riverside Dental Group use specialized tools that clean more thoroughly than a toothbrush ever could.

2. Catch Gum Disease Early (or Stop It Altogether)

According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is completely reversible with proper dental care. But left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a serious infection that leads to gum recession, tooth loss, and even bone damage.

Routine dental cleanings help detect signs of gum inflammation early. We’ll check for bleeding, pockets, and plaque buildup—then give you the care and education needed to restore gum health.

3. Get a Professional Oral Cancer Screening

Every cleaning at Riverside Dental Group includes an oral cancer screening. This is a crucial yet often overlooked reason to stay consistent with your dental visits.

Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, or throat and often goes unnoticed in the early stages. Our team is trained to spot unusual signs, increasing the chance of early diagnosis and successful treatment.

4. Save Money in the Long Run

Preventive care may cost a little now—but restorative care costs a lot more later. A regular cleaning is far more affordable than a root canal, tooth extraction, or implant.

Here’s an example:

Routine cleaning: ~$100
Filling: ~$200–300
Root canal & crown: ~$2,000+

It adds up fast. Keeping your scheduled cleanings can literally save you thousands of dollars and a lot of discomfort.

5. Brighten Your Smile—Naturally

Over time, coffee, tea, red wine, and even some fruits can stain your teeth. Regular dental cleanings help remove surface stains, giving you a noticeably whiter and brighter smile without the need for whitening treatments.

Our ultrasonic scalers and polishers gently buff away the buildup that dulls your teeth, revealing a cleaner, healthier smile underneath.

6. Keep Your Breath Fresh and Confidence High

Bad breath—also called halitosis—is often caused by food particles, plaque, or gum disease. No mint or mouthwash can truly fix bad breath if those deeper issues aren’t resolved.

Professional cleanings eliminate odor-causing bacteria and ensure your mouth stays fresh. Whether you’re heading into a meeting or out on a date, fresh breath can boost your confidence significantly.

7. Stay in the Know About Your Oral Health

Your dental visit is more than just a cleaning—it’s a check-in on your overall health. At Riverside Dental Group, we take time to:

Assess your brushing and flossing techniques
Look for signs of clenching, grinding, or enamel erosion
Check your bite and jaw alignment
Examine previous dental work
Answer your questions

Our goal is to keep you informed so you can make the best decisions for your smile.

A Local Team That Cares

Choosing a local provider means choosing a team that knows your needs. St. George and Washington, UT residents deal with unique dental challenges—including dry mouth due to our arid climate, high mineral content in the water, and seasonal allergies that affect oral health.

At Riverside Dental Group, we personalize every visit to your lifestyle and dental history. We’re not just here to clean your teeth—we’re here to partner with you for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What to Expect During Your Cleaning

New or anxious about dental cleanings? Here’s what a typical visit includes:

Plaque and tartar removal using ultrasonic tools and gentle scaling.
Professional flossing to clean between the teeth.
Polishing with a special paste to smooth enamel and remove stains.
Gum and oral cancer screening for early warning signs.
X-rays if needed to catch decay or problems under the surface.
Personalized advice on improving your home care routine.

The whole process usually takes less than an hour—but the benefits last for months.

Schedule Your Next Cleaning With Riverside Dental Group

If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, now’s the perfect time to get back on track. At Riverside Dental Group, we make cleanings easy, comfortable, and judgment-free. Whether you’re in St. George or Washington, UT, our team is ready to help you achieve and maintain the healthy smile you deserve.

📞 Call us today to schedule your dental cleaning—or book online for convenience!