Oral Hygiene & Dental Cleanings in Ridgefield

 All of us at Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center know that you do your best to keep your teeth clean and healthy with regular brushing and flossing at home. We support your effort and we even want to enhance your home hygiene routine with regular professional cleanings in our Ridgefield, CT, dental practice.

According to the American Dental Association, patients young and old should see their dentist at least twice each year for a hygiene visit. Some people may even need more frequent appointments if they have a history of tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Jones or Dr. Franzese will be able to advise you on what schedule is best for you.

During a cleaning, one of our skilled dental hygienists will carefully clean and polish your teeth. Each tooth is thoroughly brushed in order to remove plaque and surface stains. If necessary, a special hand instrument can be used to remove spots of stubborn hardened plaque, which is also called tartar.

Plaque and tartar are the precursors to cavities and periodontal disease, so their elimination can help you avoid these and other oral health problems. In addition, these dental troublemakers can dull your otherwise beautiful smile. Once all of the plaque and tartar are removed, your teeth will be polished to enhance their luster and shine.

Home Hygiene Tips from Your 06877 Dentist

We know that you’ve been brushing and flossing your own teeth for a number of years. Nevertheless, Dr. Jones and Dr. Franzese would like to offer some pointers that may help you improve your at-home hygiene routine.

1. Take your time! Quality brushing should last for at least two minutes. Set a timer, hum along to a tune, do some squats—whatever it takes to lengthen the time that you brush.
2. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Those hard bristles may feel as if they clean better, but what they may actually be doing is scratching your tooth enamel.
3. Be sure to choose an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste.
4. Hold the brush at a 45-degree to your teeth. This way you’ll be able to brush along the gum line as well where plaque is more likely to accumulate and possibly lead to periodontal disease.
5. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth.
6. Tear off about 18 inches of floss and advance to a clean section as your move around your mouth from one pair of teeth to the next.
7. Move the floss up and down and back forth, taking care to floss below the gum line.

At Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center, Dr. Dana Jones, Dr. Josephine Franzese, and our staff of dental professionals provide general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services for families in Ridgefield, Redding, South Salem, Danbury, and Wilton. If it’s time for you or another family member to have a cleaning, call our office today. Book an appointment now.