Preventative Dentistry
Why Is Preventive Dental Care Important?
Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining a healthy, confident smile. When paired with strong at-home habits—like daily brushing and flossing—routine dental cleanings and exams help keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition while reducing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
During your visits to My Dentist, our team closely monitors your oral health and can detect potential concerns early, before they become more serious. Professional cleanings effectively remove plaque, bacteria, and surface stains that naturally accumulate over time, helping your smile stay bright and healthy.
For most patients, we recommend scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. These regular visits play an important role in maintaining your oral health and allow your dental provider to address any minor issues before they progress.
Caring for your smile at home is just as important as your visits to the dentist. A healthy smile begins with consistent oral hygiene habits. Be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. In addition, floss daily—preferably at the end of the day—to remove food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
What to expect before preventative dental services
A comprehensive exam with full mouth gingival measurements to establish a periodontal baseline for prophylactic cleanings or periodontal “deep” cleanings. A personalized treatment plan based on what we uncover during your exam, and tailored with your dentist to fit your dental needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Professional Dental Cleaning
During a prophylactic cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar (“calculus”) that have accumulated above the gumline using an ultrasonic scaler. We also floss between your teeth and provide guidance on proper flossing technique. Afterward, your teeth are polished, leaving your smile feeling clean, refreshed, and smooth.
For a periodontal “deep” cleaning, we focus on removing tartar buildup below the gumline. Because this is a more thorough procedure, local anesthesia is strongly recommended to ensure your comfort while we effectively remove all buildup beneath the gums.
Establishing your Routine Care
After your prophylactic cleaning, our team at My Dentist will place you on a six-month recall schedule to help keep your oral health on track. We’ll send friendly reminders by call or text to ensure you never miss your next visit.
Following a periodontal “deep” cleaning, maintaining regular dental visits is essential for managing your oral health. We strongly recommend scheduling periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months to help control the progression of periodontitis and protect your smile.