Most people think a dental cleaning is just about getting their teeth polished. While we all love a brighter smile and that smooth feeling, there’s much more to it. Regular visits help keep your gums healthy, catch problems early, and protect your natural teeth for years to come.
At Parkwood Dental, we want you to understand what’s going on in your mouth and how to take care of it. You should leave your appointment knowing what we found, what we recommend, and why. “You don’t have to be in pain to have a dental problem,” says Dr. Hernandez. “Prevention gives us the opportunity to catch changes early.”
Even if you’re great about brushing and flossing, there are areas that are easy to miss. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and between your teeth. If it stays there, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus. Once that happens, your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash won’t remove it.
That’s where our hygienists come in.
Professional cleanings remove that buildup, and exams give us a chance to catch cavities and other concerns before they become painful or need more involved treatment. Taking care of something early can often mean less time in the dental chair and less expense.
One concern we pay close attention to is gum disease. According to the CDC, approximately 42% of adults age 30 and older in the U.S. have periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease. About 8% have severe periodontitis. Those numbers are a reminder that this is common.
If you’ve been diagnosed, you are certainly not alone. Gum disease can develop without pain, so feeling fine doesn’t always mean everything is healthy. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, look swollen, or are pulling away from your teeth- or you have persistent bad breath- please bring it to our attention. These are things worth checking.
The good news is that early gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with consistent home care and professional treatment. Periodontitis is more serious because it damages the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. It needs treatment and ongoing care to help control the disease and prevent further damage. “Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile,” says Dr. Hernandez. “Protecting them is essential to keeping your natural teeth.”
Have you ever wondered what all those numbers mean when your hygienist is checking your gums? We’re measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums. Healthy spaces are usually one
to three millimeters deep. Deeper pockets can be a sign that something needs a closer look. Those measurements, along with your exam and X-rays when needed, help us find changes you wouldn’t notice just looking in the mirror.
Your overall health matters here, too. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. Keep us updated on changes in your health or medications so we can take those into account when planning your care.
What you do between visits makes a difference. Brush twice a day for two minutes making sure you reach the gumline and back teeth. Clean between your teeth daily with floss. A water flosser with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance can help remove plaque and reduce gingivitis, but it won’t remove hardened tartar.
And if you’re not sure you’re doing it right, ask us! Our hygienists can show you techniques and tools that work for your mouth. Everyone is different, and we want to help you find a routine you can actually stick with.
The same goes for how often you come in. Many people are used to six-month visits, but some need more frequent care. If you have periodontitis, you may need a deep cleaning followed by periodontal maintenance. We’ll explain what we recommend and why that schedule matters for you.
“We want you to feel comfortable asking questions,” says Jodie Hernandez, owner and manager at Parkwood Dental. “Understanding your care helps you feel more confident about taking the next step.”
We also know that getting through the door can be the hardest part. Maybe you had a difficult experience, you’re concerned about the cost, or it’s been a while and you’re embarrassed.
At our office, these things matter. We’ll ask when you last saw a dentist, if you have any concerns, and what your schedule looks like so we can plan your first visit. We want to get to know you, understand what you need, and help you feel comfortable from the start.
“Whether it’s been six months or six years, we’re glad you’re here,” says Jodie. “Let’s start with where you are today and work together from there.”
For our team at Parkwood Dental, caring for Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch families means building relationships, answering questions, and helping you feel comfortable coming back.
You don’t need perfect teeth to take good care of your smile. You just need a starting point-and team that will help you along the way.
Ready to get back on track? Call Parkwood Dental at call 941-254-2595 or request an appointment online.
