Columbia, MO patients turn to Dr. Chase Patton D.D.S. for teeth cleaning and prevention services
Focusing on preventative dentistry is important in order to keep your mouth healthy and to save money on dental treatments. We partner with our patients by providing teeth cleaning and prevention services as well as patient education so that you can achieve and maintain oral health. If you are looking for a dentist who is truly an advocate for preventative services, you’ve come to the right place at the office of Chase Patton, D.D.S. in Columbia, MO
The Importance of teeth cleanings
Who doesn’t love the feeling of a freshly cleaned and polished set of teeth? Besides making your smile look and feel good, these dental cleanings serve an important purpose. By removing difficult to clean plaque from teeth, these cleanings help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Professional cleanings are also a great teeth stain remover, leaving your pearly whites sparkling.
For individuals who show early signs of gum disease, we offer periodontal cleanings or deep teeth cleanings. These types of cleanings also remove bacteria buildup below the gum line to help restore oral health.
At-home oral hygiene and prevention
Keeping your mouth healthy involves more than visiting the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. It’s important for you to develop and maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine in order to prevent plaque buildup and disease. We are happy to provide you with resources and recommend custom protocols to help you maintain optimal oral health. As a rule, you should be brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
Proper nutrition and oral health
Your diet can have a major impact on your teeth and gums. Sugary or acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel and increase the risk for decay. On the other hand, there are also foods that will enhance your oral health. We’re happy to work with you on a proper nutrition plan as it pertains to your oral health and overall wellness.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Hi guys, this is Cybill from Dr. Patton’s office. We’re missing you guys at the office and we’re hoping and praying that we can get back there soon. But in the meantime, we wanted to send you a video about proper oral hygiene at home.
Cybill’s Product Recommendations
I like to use glide floss. And I use Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste. One of the other toothpastes that we recommend a lot at the office is Sensodyne Pronamel, and we recommend electric toothbrushes for a lot of reasons, but the main reason is that it does way more reps per second than we could ever do with a manual brush, and it makes us be gentler and generally makes us brush longer.
Cybill’s At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
My electric toothbrush has a two minute timer, and that’s how long we’re going to brush. I like to floss first, but you can really do it however you like. And so I wrap my floss around my middle fingers and use my pointer fingers to direct, and I’m just going to floss and not talk. You want to do a C-shape flossing, which means wrapping it around the side of each tooth.
And I really kind of see-saw to go up in between rather than forcefully popping. You also want to get the very back of your very back molars.
I call it lassoing it back there, wrapping it around the side and going up and down.
And again, I’m going to get the very back of my back molars. Okay.
The next thing I’m going to do is wet my toothbrush. I like to wet it before I put toothpaste on there so I don’t dilute my toothpaste. I’m going to put a little dollop, about a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on there. And I’m just going to start brushing. I’m going to brush for two minutes. You should brush about 30 seconds per quadrant or per fourth of your mouth. And You want to get the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces.
So that is two minutes of brushing. Oftentimes I actually go longer than two minutes, but for the video, I don’t want to make it forever long. Um, when I’m done brushing with my toothbrush off, I brush my tongue and then I don’t rinse afterwards. You want to leave that fluoride toothpaste on your teeth. You spit it all out, but what little residual is left in there is going to protect you from decay.
So if you guys have any questions, please feel free to call or email the office. And any of the hygienists, including myself or Dr. Patton also, we would be happy to answer any questions you have. And we just hope you’re staying safe and healthy. And we’re looking forward to seeing you guys back at the office as soon as we can. See you later. Bye.
Teeth Cleaning and Prevention FAQs
How can professional teeth cleanings help beyond what I do at home?
Despite thorough brushing and flossing, completely eliminating plaque and tartar from specific areas of the mouth can be challenging. Professional cleanings target buildup in hard-to-reach places that can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Regular cleanings also allow dental professionals to monitor changes in your oral health and identify potential concerns before they become more serious.
What happens if I skip routine dental cleanings for several years?
When professional cleanings are postponed for extended periods, plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed with brushing alone. Over time, this buildup may increase the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Many patients are surprised to learn that oral health problems can develop without causing immediate pain, making preventive visits especially important.
Are dental cleanings different for patients with gum disease?
Yes. Patients with signs of gum disease may require a more extensive cleaning than is provided during a standard preventive appointment. Deep cleaning procedures, often called scaling and root planing, focus on removing bacteria and buildup from below the gumline. These treatments help reduce inflammation, support gum health, and create an environment where the gums can heal more effectively.
Can professional cleanings help improve bad breath?
Persistent bad breath is often linked to bacteria, plaque accumulation, food particles, or gum problems. A professional cleaning can remove many of the sources contributing to unpleasant odors while also identifying any underlying dental conditions that may require treatment. Combined with good home care habits, routine cleanings can play an important role in maintaining fresher breath.
How does nutrition affect my oral health?
The foods and beverages you consume can significantly impact the health of your teeth and gums. Frequent consumption of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and acidic beverages may contribute to enamel erosion and tooth decay. In contrast, foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and calcium can support stronger teeth and healthier gums. Drinking plenty of water also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria throughout the day.
What are some signs that my oral hygiene routine may need improvement?
Common indicators include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, frequent plaque buildup, tooth sensitivity, or recurring cavities. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to review your oral hygiene habits with your dentist. Small adjustments to your brushing technique, flossing routine, or product selection can often make a significant difference.
Why are preventive dental visits important if my teeth feel fine?
Numerous dental issues arise slowly and often do not produce evident symptoms during their initial phases. Cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and even certain oral health abnormalities can progress silently. Preventive appointments allow these issues to be identified and addressed before they require more extensive treatment. Regular visits are one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term oral health.
How can Dr. Chase Patton help me maintain a healthier smile?
Dr. Chase Patton and his team believe that prevention is the foundation of excellent dental health. Through routine examinations, professional cleanings, personalized oral hygiene guidance, and patient education, they help individuals and families maintain healthy smiles for years to come. Whether you need preventive care, periodontal maintenance, or recommendations for improving your at-home routine, the practice is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. To learn more about teeth cleaning and prevention services in Columbia, Missouri, or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Chase Patton’s office today at (573) 875-7040.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
At the office of Chase Patton, D.D.S., we will work with you to develop a proactive approach to oral health. By combining regular dental exams and teeth cleanings with consistent healthy habits, we can prevent minor dental issues from becoming major problems. Give us a call at (573) 875-7040 to learn more.
The maintenance of clean teeth and gums revolves around brushing and flossing. Place the toothbrush bristles next to the gum line, on the outer surfaces of the teeth. Brush gently using back and forth technique with the toothbrush. For the inner surface of the teeth place the bristles next to the gum line and brush in a circular motion. The inside of the mouth is where the most plaque accumulates. Brush the surface of the teeth where the chewing of food takes place, in the same circular motion. To clean those places between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. floss once a day to remove food and plaque before it can cause gum disease. So, eat a well-balanced diet, brush twice daily, and schedule regular checkups with the dentist.
Dr. Chase Patton is a highly skilled dentist passionate about improving patients' physical and mental health through comprehensive dental care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Dr. Patton has advanced training in oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry, receiving accolades such as the American Academy of Orofacial Pain Award. His commitment to continued education at the prestigious Pankey Institute reflects his dedication to providing exceptional care with skill, expertise, and trustworthiness.
