Gentle Dental Cleanings & Exams in South Lake Tahoe

Preventive Dentistry That Keeps Your Smile Strong

Routine dental visits are the cornerstone of lifelong oral health. At The Smile Shop in South Lake Tahoe, our skilled dentists provide gentle, comprehensive cleanings and exams to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

These visits are about more than clean teeth — they’re an opportunity to catch small issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems. Whether you're a long-time patient or it’s your first visit, our goal is to provide care that’s both effective and comfortable.

What’s Included in a Dental Cleaning and Exam?

Our cleanings and exams are designed to keep your teeth and gums in top shape. When you visit us for preventive care, you can expect:

• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
  
• Polishing to reduce surface stains and smooth enamel
  
• A thorough dental exam to check for cavities, gum disease, and early signs of oral issues
  
• Digital X-rays if needed
  
• Evaluation of your bite, jaw health, and existing restorations
  
• Personalized advice for brushing, flossing, and home care routines
  
• Nutritional counseling to help support healthier teeth and gums
  

We also offer oral cancer screenings to help ensure your total oral health is monitored with each visit.

Cleanings for Adults and Children

We welcome patients of all ages and understand the different needs of children, teens, adults, and seniors. Our children’s dentistry services help young patients feel safe and supported while learning healthy habits that last a lifetime. If your child is nervous about the dentist, our team takes a calm, friendly approach and ensures their first visits are both educational and fun.

How Often Should You Get a Cleaning and Exam?

Most patients benefit from a cleaning and dental exam every six months. However, your dentist may recommend a custom schedule based on your oral health and risk factors such as:

• History of cavities
  
• Gum inflammation or periodontal disease
  
• Tobacco use
  
• Diabetes or other medical conditions
  
• Orthodontic appliances (e.g., braces or retainers)
  

If you're overdue for a cleaning, don’t worry. Our team will help you get back on track with a care plan that fits your needs.

Medi-Cal Accepted + Flexible Financing Options

At The Smile Shop, we believe preventive care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we accept Medi-Cal and most major dental insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, you can still receive the care you need thanks to our financing and membership plans. We also partner with local businesses through our Local Business Membership, making it easy for teams and employees to get routine care.