Cleaning & Prevention Services
Award-Winning Dentist in Ventura County
Cleaning and prevention are essential when it comes to avoiding gum disease
and tooth decay. While maintaining sufficient at-home oral care can keep
teeth and gums healthy and clean, it is always beneficial to schedule
routine visits to the dentist for
deep teeth cleaning.
At Mark Weitzman D.D.S., we stay up-to-date on the latest cleaning procedures,
materials, and techniques in the industry. Our patients' oral health
is our main priority, and we utilize only the most advanced technology
to ensure that your smile stays vibrant and your mouth is healthy.
Schedule an appointment
for your deep cleaning today!
Over the years, our award-winning team has gained a reputation for delivering
excellence because of our ability to provide the utmost patient satisfaction
and professionalism. In fact, our office has been rated
Best of Ventura County in 2011, and Dr. Weitzman has been ranked as the
Top Dentist in Ventura County from 2012-2013.
At-Home Preventative Care
Prevention begins by controlling the spread of plaque and calculus-the
main sources of tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a colorless film
that sticks to the surface of teeth and contains bacteria, while calculus
is a harder mineral deposit. Sufficient, at-home methods can be used as
a way to control the spreading of plaque and calculus.
Since plaque deposits build up on the teeth rather quickly, brushing at
least twice a day after eating and drinking is very important. Flossing
can be used to get in between teeth and gums to clean areas that a toothbrush
cannot get to. Mouth rinses can also be helpful for fighting bad breath,
removing loose food particles after brushing the teeth, and freshening
the mouth.
Keep up with Your Routine Dental Exams & X-Rays
Even if you maintain your at-home dental care regimen, it is still essential
to get a dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year. Exams are essential
when it comes to early detection of more serious problems. Early detection
is an effective way to simplify treatment, as well as make your visits
to the dentist less expensive and more effective.
Dental exams are beneficial because they:
- Assess gum health and check for gum disease
- Diagnose existing tooth decay
- Take and analyze X-rays (which are used to reveal decay, bone loss, abscesses,
tumors, cysts, and other problems)
- Detect oral cancer
- Observe the stability of an existing filling or restoration
During your exam, we will utilize modern digital X-ray technology to get
a clear image of your mouth, making it easier to detect any issues that
otherwise may not have been seen.
The Importance of Fluoride
Every day, minerals are added to and lost from our teeth's enamel layers
through the processes of demineralization and remineralization. During
demineralization, minerals lost from the enamel layer are lost when acids
that are formed from plaque and sugars in the mouth erode the enamel.
During remineralization, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride are redeposited
to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed.
Fluoride is used to help prevent tooth decay by making teeth more resistant
to acid attacks. Fluoride can also be used to:
- Reverse early decay
- Help speed up remineralization
- Disrupt acid production in already-erupted (teeth that have broken through
the gums) teeth of children and adults.
In addition to being found in foods and water, fluoride can be found in
certain types of toothpaste and mouth rinses. It is important for infants
and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old to get exposure
to fluoride, because this is the timeframe during which primary and permanent
teeth come in.
Beyond At-Home Care: Schedule a Deep Cleaning
While most oral disease can be prevented by maintaining a proper oral hygiene
routine, deep cleanings and exams are
one of the most effective forms of prevention. If you have experienced certain symptoms of oral problems, it is highly
recommended that you schedule a deep cleaning service.
Signs that you may need a deep cleaning include:
- Continuous bad breath
- Gingivitis or other dental disease
- Mild or severe toothaches
- Noticeably discolored teeth
- Plaque or other bacteria
- Sensitivity caused by heat or cold
- Tooth decay or rot
During a deep cleaning, our team will remove all traces of plaque and tartar,
thus improving oral health and reducing the risk of gingivitis and gum
disease. The cleaning will then end with a polish, which is used to clean
the surface of teeth, remove stains, and leave the mouth feeling fresh.
What is a dental sealant?
Dental sealants act as barriers to prevent cavities from forming. Sealants
are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay
is most likely to form. While brushing and flossing does remove food and
plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, the bristles cannot effectively
reach or clean the depressions and grooves. Sealants are used to protect
these areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.
Sealants are simple to apply-we paint them onto the tooth enamel, where
it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. The sealant then acts as a
barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids. Sealants can withstand
normal chewing and can last up to several years before a reapplication
is necessary.
We care about your smile and oral health!
Whether you are getting a cleaning, exam, X-ray or sealant, our Ventura
dentist and hygienists always deliver the highest level of standard and
clinical care. Make sure you are taking the necessary steps to maintain
your ultimate oral health and hygiene!
Contact our office to learn more about our cleaning and prevention services. Or, schedule
your free consultation during your call. We are proud to offer a free
whitening card to each new patient who comes in for an exam, cleaning,
and X-ray. Call today!