Cleanings & Prevention

Dental Care and Prevention Services

At Jax Dental Arts, we are dedicated to preserving your natural smile and ensuring the well-being of your teeth and supporting structures. Our preventive program is a collaborative effort involving you, our experienced dentists, and our caring dental staff. Together, we work to prevent the onset, progression, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.

Starting at Home: Oral Hygiene and Nutrition

The foundation of dental disease prevention begins with you. A healthy smile starts with good oral hygiene practices and a well-balanced diet. Brushing, flossing, and maintaining a nutritious diet are your first lines of defense in safeguarding your oral health.

In the Dental Office: Professional Care

Beyond your efforts at home, our team is here to support and enhance your oral health. Our skilled dentists and dental hygienists play a vital role in promoting, restoring, and maintaining your dental well-being. We are committed to ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident, and beautiful smile.

Preventive Services

Our dental practice offers a range of preventive services, including:

  • Regular Dental Exams: Routine check-ups are essential to monitor your oral health and detect any issues early, before they become major problems.
  • Professional Cleanings: Our dental hygienists provide thorough cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring your teeth stay healthy and vibrant.
  • Digital X-rays: We utilize the latest technology to capture detailed images of your teeth, aiding in early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
  • Sealants: These protective coatings are applied to the biting surfaces of your teeth to shield them
    from decay and damage.
  • Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.

Preventive care is a proactive investment in your dental health. By preventing serious dental issues, we not only help you maintain a beautiful smile but also save you from costly treatments down the road.

Dental Exams & Cleanings

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

  • Abscesses or cysts.
  • Bone loss.
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
  • Decay between the teeth.
  • Developmental abnormalities.
  • Poor tooth and root positions.
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

  • Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

  • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

At Jax Dental Arts, we are committed to partnering with you to achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Schedule your appointment today, and let us work together to ensure your smile remains confident, healthy, and beautiful.
Questions & Answers
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

Generally, most people require professional cleanings twice a year, every six months. However, individual needs may vary depending on factors like your oral health history, diet, and lifestyle habits. Your dentist can recommend a personalized cleaning schedule during your regular checkups.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

A routine dental cleaning typically involves:

  • Examination: Your dentist will closely examine your teeth and gums, checking for cavities, gum disease, and other potential issues.
  • Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized tools, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, even in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Flossing and Brushing: You’ll receive expert guidance on proper flossing and brushing techniques for optimal oral hygiene at home.
  • Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride application can help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
What are the benefits of regular dental cleanings?

Regular cleanings offer numerous benefits, including:

  • Preventing cavities and gum disease: The main goal of cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar, which are the key contributors to these common dental problems.
  • Maintaining fresh breath: Cleanings remove bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath, leaving you with a healthier, fresher smile.
  • Early detection of oral health issues: Regular checkups allow your dentist to identify potential problems early on, leading to faster and easier treatment.
  • Boosting overall health: Studies have shown a link between good oral health and overall health, as oral inflammation can impact other areas of the body.
What can I do between cleanings to maintain good oral hygiene?

Here are some key practices for maintaining good oral hygiene between cleanings:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
  • Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
  • Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings as recommended by your dentist.
I'm afraid of going to the dentist. Can you still help me with cleanings?

We understand that dental anxiety is common. Our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable and stress-free experience for all patients. We offer sedation options if needed and prioritize clear communication throughout your appointments. We’ll work with you at your own pace to ensure you feel safe and relaxed during your cleaning. (edited)

Request an Appointment

Complete the form below to request an appointment with our friendly team.

    What Our Patients Say