Teeth Cleaning & Prevention

Cleaning & Prevention Overview
Prevention and early detection are the key to avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. A good home regimen, in addition to regular check-ups and visits, can spare you many expensive dental treatments. Prevention starts with controlling plaque, a colorless bacteria that sticks to the surface of your teeth, and calculus (tartar), a harder mineral deposit. These are the main sources of decay and disease. By maintaining a proper routine of daily hygiene, you can avoid most oral issues.

Brushing
As damaging as plaque can be, it is easily removed with simple brushing. Plaque deposits build up on the teeth fairly quickly after eating and drinking, and if they are not brushed away at least once or twice a day, they can lead to tooth decay and periodontal diseases.

Flossing
Daily flossing is an effective way to clean teeth where regular brushing can't reach. Flossing daily helps get rid of bits of food that your brush' can't reach. This helps keep your gums healthy and prevents tooth decay.

Mouth Rinses
Over-the-counter mouth rinses can help to fight bad breath and remove loose food particles after brushing. However, mouth rinses are never a substitute for brushing, flossing, or regular dental examinations, and may disguise warning signs of periodontal disease.

Regular visits
We believe in the benefits of regular preventative care, and encourage all of our patients to return for periodic recare visits. We encourage you to schedule your next preventive visit when leaving our office. We will contact you to confirm your appointment before your next visit.

Bennett Family Dentistry’s Cleaning and Prevention Services:
Professional dental cleaning is performed by one or our registered dental hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

Removal of Tartar:\Tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Tartar forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris and saliva. The bacteria produces toxins in the gums. This inflammation is start of periodontal disease.
Teeth Polishing: Removal of stains and plaque that are not otherwise removed during brushing
Dental X-Rays: These are typically taken once per year but may be required more frequently if evidence of oral health issues is found. X-Rays may reveal decay, tumors, cysts, and other dental problems.
Oral Hygene Instructions: Your hygienist will provide you with information on the condition of your oral health, and instructions on how to properly care for your teeth and mouth.

Informational Articles

Wisdom Teeth Extraction (05/27/10)

Composite Fillings (04/27/10)

Partial Dentures (04/27/10)

Tooth Colored Fillings (04/27/10)