Preventive Cleanings

Periodontal Health

Maintaining a regular schedule of dental examinations and preventive dental care can help you avoid problems like tooth decay and gum infections (periodontal disease), as well as costly procedures to treat painful toothaches.

To determine the type of dental cleaning that is best suited for your needs, our dentists and dental hygienists will first examine your teeth and gums to assess your oral health. In addition to checking the teeth to look for signs of tooth decay or broken restorations, they will ‘measure’ the gums around the teeth and review recent dental x-rays to identify any areas that have been damaged by periodontal disease and infection.

Learn more about periodontal disease.

What is a Dental Cleaning?

Our dental hygienists will perform a regular teeth cleaning for patients that have healthy gums and no evidence of any major dental problems.

Every day, oral bacteria accumulate and form a sticky coating on the teeth called dental plaque. Most dental plaque can be removed by normal brushing 2-3 times per day and flossing at least once a day.

Some areas, however, are more difficult to clean, such as between teeth and in the space between the teeth and the gums. Teeth stains from dark beverages like coffee, tea and wine or smoking can also be very hard to remove with regular brushing and flossing.

Accumulation of plaque, hard deposits and stains on teeth attract even more bacteria that organize and cause acidic toxins. This process can destroy tooth enamel and cause tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

A professional teeth cleaning is necessary to get into the areas where the toothbrush and floss can't reach. Your dental hygienist will use special instruments and polishing tools to thoroughly clean tooth surfaces. Smooth, clean tooth surfaces are much less appealing to oral bacteria, which makes it easier for you to maintain at home.

Good news!
Dental cleanings are a simple procedure that is very comfortable for the patient. Contact Patterson & Hughes Family Dentistry to schedule your next dental cleaning.

Other Dental Preventive Measures

Dental Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that interacts with tooth enamel to make it stronger and more resistant to decay. Our dentists and hygienists recommend using a fluoride toothpaste at home; we may recommend in-office application of fluoride varnish for additional protection.

Learn more about brushing and flossing.

Dental Sealants

A child's molar and pre molar teeth normally have very deep grooves and pits in the chewing surface. These areas can be difficult to keep clean with tooth brushing alone.

A dental sealant is a plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surface of a tooth to seal the deep grooves and pits. Sealants provide a very simple solution - they fill the voids to create a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean and can last for years.

Sealants require no drilling or anesthetic; they are a painless preventive procedure to help protect your child's permanent teeth.