New Patients (972) 382-6855

Current Patients (972) 931-0090

1200 Village Creek Drive #102 Plano, TX 75093

Dental Hygiene Plano, TX

An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is to regularly remove plaque and tartar. Daily brushing and flossing are important steps that will help accomplish this. However, some areas have plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t remove at home with simple oral hygiene practices.

Dental Cleanings in Plano, TX

Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen provide oral health exams and routine dental cleanings. Regular dental cleanings are the only way to remove plaque and tartar from places where your toothbrush cannot reach. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen will initially diagnose your condition, then our dental hygienist will monitor your condition over time. We will make recommendations for follow-up treatments for your individual needs and oral health.

Preventive Dental Care with Plano TX Dentist Dr. Sowell

During dental care visits, we will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening, and check for cavities. We will also review oral hygiene instructions and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. We can provide fluoride treatments for adults where appropriate.

Monitoring your gum health includes monitoring your biofilm and bacteria levels. We also evaluate any medications you are taking, as many have effects on the oral environment of your mouth. Several medications can alter the pH of your saliva, contributing to acid erosion and/or dry mouth.

A reduction in saliva can impact the bacterial population in your mouth and contribute to gum disease. Our hygienist uses special polishing agents to maintain the luster of your tooth enamel. Unlike the typical abrasive polishing agents you find at most general dental offices.

Dental Sealants

Tooth sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay on the biting surfaces of chewing teeth. The dental sealant procedure is simple, in which Dr. Sowell paints a tooth-colored acrylic coating in the grooves of the tooth. This effectively seals the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start. Our Plano dental hygienist will discuss sealants with you if she feels that it would benefit your oral health.

PerioScience Antioxidant Oral Care

PerioSciences Dental Products for Plano TX patients

Keep your mouth healthy with the PerioSciences Oral Care System, now available at our Plano dental office. PerioSciences is a suite of antioxidant products that hydrate dry mouths, freshen breath, reduce tooth sensitivity, and whiten teeth.

The PerioSciences products complement the body’s natural defense system. Saliva has natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents. PerioSciences antioxidant and antimicrobial formula works with saliva for a natural, gentle preventive treatment.

There are four PerioSciences oral care systems to choose from. Each includes an antioxidant-infused dental gel, a mouth rinse, and toothpaste. The AO ProVantage gel is a great addition to your oral care routine, especially after dental work. This gel will reduce inflammation, enhance healing and fight bacteria.

The PerioSciences mouthwash and toothpaste are a bonus for your daily oral care routine. Both will promote fresh breath and stronger teeth. The four product suite areas of focus are White Care Formula, Sensitive Formula, Hydrating Formula, and Natural Formula.

We’ll help you select the PerioSciences product that’s right for you:

  • Reduce inflammation to prevent gum disease
  • Promote saliva production and hydrate dry mouth
  • Neutralize bad bacteria for fresher breath
  • Minimize tooth sensitivity
  • Prevent cavities
  • Whiten teeth

Dental Hygiene FAQs

How can I prevent cavities?

Preventing tooth cavities is actually pretty simple. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and use fluoride toothpaste. Eat sugary foods in moderation. Also, rinsing your mouth after drinking coffee will drastically help prevent cavities.

Why does the dentist need to take X-rays every visit?

Contrary to popular belief, taking X-rays of your mouth every visit is not a scam to get you to pay more. Your dentist needs to know the changes your teeth and gums have undergone so they can provide the most relevant treatment options. It’s even more important if you have missed an exam or two.

Can I skip a dental visit once a year?

Most patients see the dentist at least twice a year to prevent gum disease, tooth cavities, infections, and more. On rare occasions, a patient may elect only to visit once a year. This patient is confident in their oral health routine, brushes more than twice a day, flosses their teeth regularly, and takes excellent care of their dental health. We recommend that you do not skip dental visits to prevent severe dental issues down the road.

Can teeth grow back after a tooth extraction?

The short answer is no, adult teeth do not grow back. Once your baby teeth have fallen out, and your permanent teeth have grown in, that’s it. Take care of your natural teeth as best as possible. We can however replace missing teeth with dental implants and other restorative dental procedures.

Should I brush my teeth before visiting the dentist?

Yes. This helps your dentist get a better picture of your teeth and gum health. Your dentist will appreciate you greatly if you do not visit with lunch breath.

How does my dentist know if I floss?

Your experienced and highly-trained dentist can easily see if you regularly skip flossing. Plaque buildup, dirty gums, and bad breath are all signs of a lack of flossing. Although a caring dentist will never judge you for not flossing, just kindly remind you.

How long does a new patient’s dental exam take?

A new patient dental exam usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen like to spend time getting to know your dental health history, your dental issues, and your goals for your smile. We create a personalized treatment plan to address all of your dental needs with relevant procedures.