Preventative Dentistry in 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do I Need Dental Cleaning?
If you have a healthy mouth and you're low risk for cavities or gum disease, then you typically need a routine cleaning twice a year. This is known as a prophylaxis and is usually covered 100% by most dental insurance plans.
However, if you're at higher risk — for example, if you’ve had gum disease, a deep cleaning, multiple implants, or a full-mouth reconstruction — then it's best to come in for a cleaning every 3 months. This allows us to maintain your results and prevent harmful bacterial overgrowth.
Your dentist will always recommend the right cleaning schedule based on your individual needs.
Why Do I Need a Cleaning Every 3 Months if I’ve Had Gum Disease?
Research shows that harmful bacteria begin to repopulate beneath the gums within 90 days. These bacteria can break down bone and tissues, leading to further tooth loss. A 3-month periodontal maintenance cleaning helps keep your gums stable and healthy after a deep cleaning.
Gum disease isn’t always “cured” — it's a chronic condition that requires ongoing maintenance and excellent home care.
How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?
Most people think every 6 months — but I recommend changing your toothbrush every month.
Why? The bristles lose their strength quickly, and if your toothbrush is worn out, you're not cleaning your teeth properly, even with perfect technique. Plus, bacteria build up on the bristles — and the last thing you want is to reintroduce bad bacteria into your mouth!
What Causes Bad Breath, and How Do I Prevent It?
Bad breath can be caused by several things, but here’s what helps:
- Stay hydrated — dry mouth is a major cause of bad breath
- Brush and floss daily — bacteria between teeth causes odor
- Use a tongue scraper — many bacteria live on the tongue
- Use mouthwash — alcohol-free rinses can help
If you still struggle with bad breath despite good habits, talk to your dentist and your physician. Sometimes, it can be linked to an infection in your gums or even gut health.
Do I Really Need a Deep Cleaning?
At Atlantis Dental, we only recommend a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) when your gum and bone health truly require it. This treatment helps stop gum disease before it causes irreversible damage like tooth loss.
How We Diagnose the Need for Deep Cleaning:
1. Bleeding on Probing – Gums that bleed during measurement are inflamed or infected.
2. Bone Loss on X-rays – Lower bone levels on bitewing X-rays indicate active gum disease.
3. Gum Color & Texture – Red, purple, or swollen gums signal bacterial overload.
4. Halitosis – Chronic bad breath often means bacteria are trapped under the gums.
Causes of Gum Disease:
- Irregular dental visits
- Smoking, vaping, or marijuana use
- Genetics and family history
- Bacterial transmission through utensils or kissing
What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?
1. 3-Month Maintenance Cleanings – Bacteria regrow at the 3-month mark, so these visits keep bacteria low and help prevent relapse.
2. Personalized Home Care – We provide daily instructions tailored to your needs.
3. Vitamin Support – Vitamin D (with K2) and Vitamin C support gum health and healing.
Insurance Info:
Most insurance plans cover 3-month maintenance cleanings (at 100% or 80%). However, many plans only cover one deep cleaning every 3 years, so prevention is key to avoid out-of-pocket costs.