Whitehouse Family Dental
Kristen Shumate, DDS, Richard Shumate, DDS, Hannah Keller, DDS
Cleanings and Exams
The Foundation of Lifelong Oral Health

Stay a step ahead of cavities and gum disease with routine exams and teeth cleanings.

Cleanings and Exams | Dentist

Cleanings and Exams

Did you know that cavities, gum disease, and infections are preventable for most people? Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are key for maintaining lifelong healthy smiles. At Whitehouse Family Dental, we aim to prevent issues before they start, saving your family time, discomfort, and expense over time.

Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last checkup, Whitehouse Family Dental is a judgment-free zone. Our team will provide the same warm welcome and caring attention because we focus on looking forward, not back. 

Your Comprehensive Dental Exam

Expect us to take the following steps during your routine checkup:

  • We'll review your medical and dental history to understand factors that might affect your treatment. 
  • If you don't have current x-rays, we may recommend updating them with our low-radiation digital technology. 
  • We carefully review the condition of each tooth, check existing dental work, evaluate your bite, and screen for oral cancer. 

Our dentists will discuss their findings with you in clear, straightforward language. If we recommend treatment, we'll explain your options and work together to develop a plan that fits your needs.

Benefits of Routine Exams and Teeth Cleanings

Good oral health is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. When you are proactive with your home care and attend regular dental checkups with us, you can enjoy the many benefits of a healthy smile.
Lifelong Oral Health
Regular exams allow us to catch and address problems while they're still small. A tiny cavity is much easier to treat than one that's reached the nerve. This proactive approach helps maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime.
Cost Savings
Prevention is always more affordable than emergency care. The cost of two yearly checkups and cleanings is far less than a single root canal or crown. Regular visits help you avoid these larger expenses.
Fewer Emergencies
There's never a convenient time for a dental emergency. Regular checkups dramatically reduce the risk of unexpected problems, such as toothaches or lost crowns and fillings that disrupt your family's schedule.

Testimonial

Friendly and professional staff.

Friendly and professional staff. Cori is an excellent hygienist and all the Dentist are top notch! They really care about you!

- Joan

Professional Cleanings: Beyond the Toothbrush

At-home oral hygiene is crucial, but it's most effective when backed up with professional teeth cleanings every six months. Here's what to expect.

  • Remove Plaque and Tartar — Using specialized instruments, your hygienist will gently remove built-up plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline where your toothbrush can't reach.
  • Polish Teeth — After removing deposits, we'll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish that makes it harder for new plaque to attach.
  • Floss Thoroughly — Your hygienist carefully flosses to remove remaining particles between teeth and identify areas where gums might be bleeding or inflamed.
  • Provide Home Care Tips — Based on their observations, our hygienist will offer specific recommendations to enhance your oral hygiene routine. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Gum (periodontal) disease treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. At Whitehouse Family Dental, we offer treatment to address periodontal disease at every stage.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Signs include inflamed, swollen, or bleeding gums. Treatment includes: 

  • Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
  • Detailed instructions for improved home care techniques
  • Recommendation of specific oral hygiene products
  • A follow-up visit to ensure the inflammation has resolved

Moderate Gum Disease

When the disease progresses beyond gingivitis but hasn't caused significant bone loss, we may recommend: 

  • Scaling and root planing ("deep cleaning") to remove bacteria and toxins from below the gumline
  • Application of targeted antibiotics to control bacterial infection
  • More frequent cleaning appointments (usually every 3–4 months)

Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

When periodontitis causes deeper pockets and bone loss, treatment may include:

  • Surgical pocket reduction procedures to access deeper areas for cleaning
  • Soft tissue grafts to address gum recession
  • Bone grafting to help rebuild areas of bone loss
  • Referral to a periodontist (gum specialist) for complex cases

Successful gum disease treatment depends on consistent professional care and excellent home care. If you notice signs of gum disease, including bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding gums, call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule an evaluation. 

  • Dr. Kristen Shumate

    Dr. Shumate founded Whitehouse Family Dental in 2014, fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a dentist. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery cum laude from The Ohio State University ...

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  • Dr. Richard Shumate

    Dr. Rick Shumate has owned and practiced at Whitehouse Family Dental since 2016, bringing his expertise in implants, grafting, root canals, and cosmetic dentistry to the community. A 2011 graduate ...

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  • Dr. Hannah Keller

    As an associate dentist at Whitehouse Family Dental, Dr. Hannah Keller is proud to be part of a dedicated team committed to providing the very best patient care and customer ...

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Preventing Gum Disease

If your gums aren't healthy, your mouth isn't healthy. Without regular cleanings, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis. Without regular attention, the disease progresses to periodontitis, the leading cause of tooth loss.

While we offer treatment for all stages of gum disease, prevention through regular cleanings and good home care is vastly preferable. You can avoid gum disease with good oral hygiene and routine preventive care.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup Today

Whether it's time for your regular six-month visit or you're returning to dental care after a long absence, we're here to help you. Call Whitehouse Family Dental at (419) 877-5404 to schedule your exam and cleaning.

We proudly serve patients from Whitehouse, Waterville, Monclova, Swanton, Perrysburg, Maumee, and surrounding communities.

Cleanings and Exams Technology

Intraoral Cameras

Wonder what your dentist sees when examining your teeth? Our intraoral camera takes high-resolution images that we share on screen so you can see what our dentists see. This technology helps you understand your oral health conditions and treatment recommendations, empowering you to make informed decisions about your care.

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Email: Office@wfdohio.com