Teeth Cleaning and Preventative Care

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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we believe that strong oral hygiene habits are the foundation of a healthy, lasting smile. During every visit, we take time to educate our patients on the importance of preventive care — not just what to do, but why it matters. You’ve probably heard that daily brushing and flossing are essential, but we’re here to show you the best techniques to protect your teeth and gums from harmful plaque buildup.

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As part of our hygiene and prevention program, we offer:

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• A complimentary toothbrush and floss at every preventive care visit

• A personalized cleaning schedule created by your dentist and dental hygienist, based on your specific needs

• Hands-on guidance for brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain great oral health between appointments

 

Recommended Preventative Products

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For the best home care, we strongly recommend upgrading to an electric toothbrush. Not all models are created equal — we advise choosing a high-quality brush like the Sonicare or Oral-B SmartSeries 5000 for superior plaque removal. In fact, we prefer a quality manual toothbrush (like those we provide) over lower-cost electric “spin brushes” that don’t offer much benefit.

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We also provide dental sealants — a simple but highly effective way to protect you and your family’s teeth against cavities, especially in those hard-to-reach back teeth.

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The Connection Between Oral and Overall Health

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Oral health is about more than just your smile. The condition of your gums and teeth is closely linked to your total body health. Scientific studies have shown connections between oral disease and serious health concerns, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, low birth weight, erectile dysfunction, and other systemic issues.

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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we take this seriously. Our approach goes beyond cleanings — we focus on your overall wellness through comprehensive, preventive dental care.

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TMJ and Sleep Apnea Screening

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Our team is trained in the evaluation and management of TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. We carefully assess your jaw joint and screen for common issues that could be contributing to head, jaw, or neck pain. If necessary, we may recommend low-radiation digital X-rays to gain a complete picture of your oral health — though not every patient will require them.

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Oral Cancer Screening

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Every dental appointment includes a thorough oral cancer screening. Early detection is critical, as oral cancer becomes more dangerous the longer it goes unnoticed. During your visit, we’ll carefully examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, face, and neck for any signs of concern.

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You may be at higher risk for oral cancer if you:

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• Use tobacco

• Have an HPV infection

• Have had significant sun exposure

• Follow a diet low in fruits and vegetables

 

Be mindful of symptoms like:

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• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Trouble opening or closing the jaw

• Numbness in the tongue

• Red or white sores in the mouth

• Persistent swelling or discomfort in the jaw area

 

If you notice any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, please schedule an evaluation right away.

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If you have questions about your oral health or would like to book your next appointment, we invite you to contact Bridgewater Dental Center today. We look forward to helping you protect your smile and your overall health!