Athens Oconee Dentistry

2235 Resurgence Dr, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Athens Oconee Dentistry > Services > Preventive Dentistry

Maintaining excellent oral health is easier than you might think! With a few simple steps, you can enjoy healthy smiles for a lifetime!

Are You Due for Your Next Dental Cleaning?

Book with Us

Preventive Dentistry in Watkinsville, GA

Happy family brushing their teeth We can do many practical things to ensure our smiles remain healthy and beautiful. Our team at Athens Oconee Dentistry offers a wide range of preventive dentistry options that can benefit patients of any age.

Preventive dentistry helps you avoid issues such as tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and dental wear. Continue reading on to see how our Watkinsville team can help keep your smile protected with the help of preventive dentistry!

Patient Education and Information

One of the most important things our staff does is educate patients on how to take care of their teeth and gums to achieve lifelong oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one important way to lower your risk of developing dental conditions like cavities and gum disease.

Below are some practical steps our dentist in Watkinsville recommends for staying on the path to a healthy smile.

Daily Brushing and Flossing

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is the most important step to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. If you’re unsure of your brushing skills, don’t hesitate to ask your dental hygienist for tips. They will be happy to demonstrate the proper technique and recommend the right toothbrush for your smile.

Flossing your teeth once a day is also an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine. Many people think they know how to floss but don’t. Here’s another case where you should use your hygienist as a resource to ensure you get the most benefit out of the time you spend flossing.

Routine Exams and Teeth Cleanings

Athens Oconee Dentistry encourages you to schedule routine dental appointments. For patients with healthy teeth and gums, exams and dental cleanings every six months are sufficient. If you have gum disease or a history of cavities, we may recommend more frequent visits throughout the year to ensure that your oral health is on the right track.

These appointments allow your dentist to identify and diagnose oral issues early enough to make a difference in your treatment.

Dental Sealants and Fluoride

Woman holding illustration of the teeth We offer dental sealants and fluoride applications because they help strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Dental sealants are painted on cavity-prone teeth like molars to provide a smooth surface that seals out cavity-causing bacteria and food particles.
Fluoride is an essential mineral we recommend for all patients at any age.

Eating a Nutritious, Well-Balanced Diet

Limiting your intake of sugar and other carbohydrates can help decrease your risk of developing tooth decay. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep your teeth strong and protected.

Preventive Dentistry Near Me

If you are at a higher risk of developing issues such as gum disease, gingivitis, and enamel loss, it’s crucial to adhere to a strict oral healthcare routine. Your dentist can also recommend dental sealants or a fluoride treatment. Contact our Watkinsville, GA, dental clinic today to set up your next appointment and reap the benefits of a healthy smile that makes you feel great!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need teeth cleanings?

Healthy smiles at Athens Oconee Dentistry begin and end with prevention, which includes routine teeth cleanings and dental exams. If your teeth and gums are healthy, having these preventive services every six months is typically enough to keep them that way.

Individualized Dental Hygiene Schedule

However, everyone is unique, and we tailor the frequency of your preventive checkups and teeth cleanings based on your needs. The goal is to prevent cavities and gum disease from wreaking havoc on your oral health by staying ahead of them and not letting them worsen.

Dr. Nail may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease or cavities. Some patients, especially those who need periodontal maintenance, may see us for dental cleanings three or four times a year. These appointments allow your dentist to identify and diagnose oral issues early enough to positively impact treatment outcomes.

Consistent At-Home Oral Hygiene

What you do between exams and teeth cleanings at our Watkinsville, GA, dental office makes the difference between a healthy smile and one plagued by problems. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily—after meals is best—is crucial to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Flossing once daily is also essential because it removes cavity-causing plaque between your teeth, where cavities commonly develop. If you aren’t sure if you’re oral hygiene habits are up to par, don’t hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable hygienists for tips and advice.

Is It Time for Your Next Dental Cleaning?

The team at Athens Oconee Dentistry in Watkinsville would love to help you achieve and maintain your healthiest smile. Please call us to schedule your next teeth cleaning and exam.

Will dental cleanings remove stains from my teeth?

When you visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning, you know the hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth to help you avoid tooth decay. However, if your teeth are stained from age, medications, or certain foods or beverages, can a dental cleaning remove those stains? Keep reading to find out.

The Purpose of Dental Cleanings

A professional teeth cleaning is designed to keep your tooth enamel clean and help you avoid tooth decay and gum disease. This important preventive dental treatment can strengthen your teeth and give your mouth a fresh, clean feeling.

Regarding any stains on your teeth, a regular dental cleaning can possibly remove fresh coffee, tea, or wine stains on the surface of your tooth enamel. However, if the stains are in the dentin of your teeth, you may need professional teeth whitening to remove those stains.

Dental Cleanings in Watkinsville, GA

If you need to schedule a dental cleaning and checkup, we will be happy to help! At Athens Oconee Dentistry, we understand the importance of preventive dentistry in maintaining good oral health. You can reach our dental office by calling (706) 549-2440.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Brent Nail

Dr. Brent Nail, DMD, is a proud graduate of The Medical College of Georgia, where, in addition to studying to be a general dentist, he participated in advanced oral surgery studies. Admittedly a perfectionist, Dr. Nail takes great pride not only in the details of dentistry but also in creating the absolute best experience possible for patients.

Dr. Nail designed Athens Oconee Dentistry as a thoroughly modern paperless dental practice utilizing state-of-the-art digital x-rays and the latest technology. But he never forgets the human side of dentistry. Your comfort is our ...

Featured Blog Posts - Preventive Dentistry

June 22, 2025

5 Signs It’s Time for Your Next Dental Cleaning

Even if your teeth look good and feel strong and stable, skipping regular cleanings can open the door for significant problems down the road. Professional dental cleanings and oral exams that remove plaque, monitor jawbone health, and detect early signs of decay or disease—including oral cancer—are crucial to keeping your oral and overall health on track.

At Athens Oconee Dentistry in Watkinsville, GA, Dr. Brent Nail and our outstanding team are here to help you stay ahead of any dental concerns! To help us help you, here are five telltale ...

The ABCs of Dental Cleanings: What You Need to Know

Maintaining optimal oral health involves more than just daily brushing and flossing. Regular dental cleanings and exams play a pivotal role in preventive dentistry, ensuring the longevity of a person's smile and the integrity of their bite.

We're delving here into the essential aspects of dental cleanings, from what they entail to maintaining their results to common, misguided misconceptions.

The Basics of Dental Cleanings

A dental cleaning, which is also sometimes known as "scaling and polishing," is a professional procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist intended to mitigate ...

Preventive Dentistry Technology

intraoral camera | Watkinsville Dentist Technology

Intraoral Cameras with Cavity Detection

A major advance in dentistry has come from the use of diagnostic intraoral cameras. Where x-rays show us what we cannot see on the surface, our intraoral camera shows us all parts of the various teeth in the mouth in clear detail. We can share these images with you on our computer screen, where we can zoom in on areas of concern and explain what is happening in your mouth.

One of the practices we are very proud of is the thoroughness of our examination process. Dr. Nail or our hygienist carefully observes every tooth so that we may closely monitor oral health. Additionally, we use the Cam X Spectrum caries detection aid. This instrument works like doppler radar, using the power of fluorescence to detect caries as early as possible and take the guesswork out of dental care.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Preventive Dentistry for the Entire Family!

Schedule an Exam