General Frequently Asked Questions

Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%. Some plans may cover additional cleanings, such as 3-month periodontal maintenance visits, at 80%.

Even if insurance doesn’t fully cover extra cleanings, investing in them is far less expensive than waiting and needing crowns, root canals, or implants later. These cleanings typically cost $120–$200 and are worth every penny in prevention.

No! I’ve seen many patients pause their cleanings while between jobs, only to return with serious problems that cost thousands to fix. If you're uninsured temporarily, it’s still better to pay out of pocket for your cleaning than to skip it altogether.

Staying on schedule with cleanings is the best way to protect your investment in your dental health.

Yes. Bleeding gums are often a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). The earlier we catch it, the easier and more affordable it is to treat.

At Atlantis Dental, we strongly believe in early detection — we even created a flyer recently to help our patients understand the signs of gum disease and when to seek treatment.

If you see blood on your toothbrush or floss, schedule a visit right away. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, but it's preventable with timely care.

Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

A regular cleaning is for patients with healthy gums and no significant bone loss. It involves:

• Removing plaque and tartar above the gumline
• Polishing the teeth
• Flossing between the teeth
• Checking for early signs of decay or gum issues

🔹 Typically done every 6 months

🔹 Covered 100% by most insurance plans

🔹 Helps prevent future dental problems

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

A deep cleaning is not preventive — it’s therapeutic. It’s for patients with active gum disease (periodontitis), which causes bone loss around the teeth. Deep cleaning involves:

• Removing plaque and bacteria below the gumline
• Cleaning around tooth roots to reduce infection
• Numbing the area for comfort
• Sometimes done over multiple visits

🔹 Necessary when pockets between teeth and gums measure 4mm or deeper

🔹 Helps stop gum disease from progressing

🔹 Usually followed by cleanings every 3 months to maintain health

Why it matters:

“If you only get a regular cleaning when you really need a deep cleaning, it’s like vacuuming the surface while ignoring what’s under the carpet. Gum disease won’t go away on its own — and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.”

– Dr. Sumbul Naqvi

How to know which one you need:

At Atlantis Dental, we use periodontal charting and digital X-rays to check the health of your gums. We’ll always explain what we see, what’s best for you, and why — so you can make an informed decision.

Diabetic patients are more prone to dental problems — especially gum disease (periodontitis). Diabetes affects blood flow and the body’s ability to fight infection, making it harder to heal from gum infections and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Every 3 months. This strict protocol helps prevent gum disease from advancing. Most dental insurances cover additional cleanings for diabetic patients once risk is documented. Our office helps submit all necessary paperwork and narratives to support insurance approval.

Gum disease can spread rapidly, leading to:

- Bleeding gums

- Bad breath

- Loose or shifting teeth

- Excessive decay

- Risk of total tooth loss

Untreated gum disease in diabetics also doubles the risk of heart disease, since both diabetes and gum disease are inflammatory conditions that impact heart health.

Yes — always take your regular medications unless your physician has told you otherwise. Never stop medication or change your eating routine before a dental visit.

If you're feeling lightheaded or shaky during your appointment, let us know. We keep sugar pills and drinks on hand to help raise blood sugar quickly in case of hypoglycemia.

Yes — controlled diabetics can safely receive dental implants. Healing may take slightly longer, but with proper planning and care, diabetic patients often experience excellent long-term results.

- **Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):** Diabetes can reduce saliva production, increasing cavity risk. Stay hydrated and use xylitol-based products.

- **Fungal Infections (Oral Thrush):** More common in diabetics, especially denture wearers. Look for white patches or burning.

- **Delayed Wound Healing:** Diabetics may heal more slowly after surgery or deep cleanings.

- **Monitoring HbA1c:** Lower HbA1c (under 7%) is linked with better oral healing.

- **Daily Home Care:** Brush twice daily, floss or use interdental brushes, use a water flosser, and consider antimicrobial mouthwash.

- **We Work with Your Doctor:** We’re happy to coordinate care with your primary care physician or endocrinologist as needed.

1. Infrequent Dental Visits

Plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up when cleanings are skipped for more than 6 months — especially below the gumline. This is a major source of odor.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing but skipping flossing or tongue cleaning allows bacteria to thrive. The tongue especially can trap odor-causing debris.

3. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

A leading cause of chronic halitosis. Bacteria deep in gum pockets can’t be removed by brushing alone.

4. Food Triggers

Foods like garlic, onions, and spices can linger. Brushing/flossing afterward helps.

 Fun fact: Chewing coffee beans may help with garlic breath!

5. Wisdom Teeth or Infections

Partially erupted or infected wisdom teeth often trap bacteria, which can smell bad.

6. Tonsillitis, Throat Infections, or GI Issues

Non-dental causes like sinus infections, tonsil stones, acid reflux, and digestive issues can contribute.

7. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Saliva rinses away bacteria. A dry mouth — caused by dehydration, medications, or health issues — increases bad breath risk.

• Brush at least twice a day (electric toothbrush preferred).

• Floss daily to eliminate hidden food and bacteria.

• Use a tongue scraper — especially in the morning.

• Change your toothbrush every 4 weeks.

•  Use a Waterpik if you have crowns, bridges, or implants.

• Rinse with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash

 (Try Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse — effective and under $5)

• Brush with baking soda for 7 days to balance pH and neutralize bacteria.

• Stay hydrated (8+ glasses of water daily).

• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes — they dry out your mouth.

It’s time to see a dentist. At Atlantis Dental, we offer full halitosis evaluations, including:

• Gum disease assessment

• Wisdom teeth examination

• Dry mouth screening