Preventative Dentistry  Framingham, MA

Why Is Preventative Dentistry Important?

Preventive dentistry is the practice of taking care of your teeth and gums to keep them healthy. Through these efforts, it is possible to keep cavities, infection, gum disease, and other oral health problems at bay. There are many forms of preventive dentistry and some you can carry out on your own while others require the support and expertise of your Atlantis Dental team in Framingham, MA.

What You Can Receive with Preventative Dentistry

Professional Teeth Cleanings

It is recommended that everyone see their dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. At these visits, the following will occur:


•   Removal of tartar and plaque

•   Teeth brushing and polishing

•   Flossing

•   Review of brushing and flossing techniques

•   Recommendations for oral health tools

•   Fluoride treatments and sealants (for children)


While it may seem like this kind of cleaning is no different than the work you do every day at home to care for your teeth, the quality of care you receive from a hygienist is beyond compare. Powerful cleanings tools, attention to detail, and the hygienist’s ability to see and reach areas in your mouth that you cannot make a professional cleaning far more thorough and effective.

Dental Exams

During your teeth cleaning appointments, you will also receive a dental exam performed by your Framingham dentist. Here is what you can expect:


•   Examination for potential cavities

•   Review of digital x-rays (if taken)

•   Check for signs of gum disease

•   Check for any developing oral health problems


Dental exams are incredibly important, allowing your dentist to review how your oral health may have changed over the past six months and identify any problem areas. This is also the time to discuss any concerns or questions with your dentist, whether you want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry or find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontics.

Oral Cancer Screenings

A critical piece of every dental exam and six-month cleaning visit is an oral cancer screening by your Framingham dentist. Cancer of the mouth and throat is often not diagnosed until the condition has progressed to a late stage – but this can be avoided if you see your dentist regularly.


An oral cancer screening includes a check of the following:


•   Tongue

•   Lips

•   Cheeks

•   Palate

•   Floor of the mouth

•   Tonsils

•   Neck


The oral cancer screening is brief but thorough, and it is so important to your oral health and overall well-being.

Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is difficult for the untrained eye to spot signs of this infection in the early stages, yet another reason regular dental exams are so important. If you are suffering from gum disease, periodontal therapy will treat this problem, restore your mouth to a healthy place, and rebuild a foundation strong enough for restorative dentistry.


A strategic approach with focused treatment is necessary to control this chronic bacterial infection. Milder cases can often be treated with a visit or two to your Atlantis Dental hygiene team and dedicated at-home care. Advanced cases require a deeper cleaning under the gum line, which usually occurs over several dental visits.

HOME CARE

You play a major role in your personal preventive care – and it doesn’t take much effort to get the job done. If you develop healthy habits and maintain them, you can keep a strong, beautiful, pain-free smile for a lifetime.


Preventive home care should include the following:


  • Brush at least twice a day, morning and night
  • Floss daily
  • Get fitted for a night guard if you grind your teeth
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products
  • Avoid acidic foods harmful to tooth enamel


Talk to your hygienist and dentist about the best products to use for your teeth, from toothbrushes to toothpastes, floss to mouthwash. If you need better techniques for cleaning your mouth, ask for advice and demonstrations.

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY IN FRAMINGHAM, MA

At Atlantis Dental in Framingham, MA, we deliver thorough teeth cleanings, dental exams, and oral cancer screenings in a comfortable, gentle environment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and allow us to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.