Should I use fluoride toothpaste?

For most people, yes. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against cavities. When choosing toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. DiFranco Dental Specialists also recommends paying attention to the ingredients in the toothpaste you choose.

Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can clean your teeth effectively when used correctly. An electric toothbrush may make brushing easier for some people, particularly if they have difficulty using a manual brush or tend to brush too aggressively. The most important thing is to brush thoroughly twice a day and use a soft-bristled brush.

What is the best brushing technique?

Hold your toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and use gentle, short strokes. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Don't forget your back teeth and the area where your teeth meet your gums. Avoid scrubbing too hard, since aggressive brushing can contribute to gum recession.

Do I really need to floss daily?

Yes. Brushing cannot clean all the areas between your teeth. Flossing or using another interdental cleaner helps remove plaque and food particles from these spaces and along the gumline. Daily cleaning between your teeth is an important part of maintaining healthy gums and preventing gum disease.

Are bleeding gums normal?

Don't ignore bleeding gums. They can signal gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. However, gums may also bleed if you have recently changed your brushing or flossing routine. If bleeding continues or occurs regularly, schedule an examination so your gums can be evaluated.

Can a cavity reverse once it starts?

Very early tooth decay may sometimes be stopped or reversed before a cavity develops, particularly when the enamel is weakened but has not yet formed a true cavity. Fluoride, good oral hygiene, and regular dental care can help strengthen enamel and prevent further damage. Once a cavity has formed, however, it generally requires professional treatment.

Preventive Dental Care: Periodontal Exams and Cleanings in Park Ridge

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It is recommended by the ADA that most people visit the dentist at least twice per year to support lifelong oral health. At DiFranco Dental Specialists, those visits are tailored to what matters most for gum health: preventing and managing gum disease, protecting the bone that supports your teeth, and keeping inflammation under control.

Periodontal Cleanings and Preventive Exams

Professional cleanings do more than brighten your smile. They remove the plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) that can irritate the gums and contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis. Depending on your needs, your visit may include a routine preventive cleaning or a periodontal maintenance cleaning designed for patients with a history of gum disease.

During your cleaning, we will:

Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
Address stain and biofilm buildup to support healthier gums
Polish teeth as appropriate to smooth surfaces and help reduce plaque retention
Review your home-care routine and recommend tools that improve gumline cleaning

A More Complete Gum-Focused Exam

Because periodontal disease can progress quietly, our exams focus on early detection and long-term stability of the gums and supporting bone. During your appointment, we may also:

Evaluate your gum health, including gum inflammation and pocket depths
Assess for signs of gum recession, bone loss, or active periodontal infection
Check for tooth mobility and bite-related concerns that can affect periodontal stability
Evaluate existing restorations and how they interact with the gumline
Screen for oral cancer
Take dental X-rays as needed to evaluate bone levels and periodontal changes

Periodontal Cleanings & Preventive Exams FAQs

Regular dental visits play an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At DiFranco Dental Specialists, our periodontal exams and cleanings focus on more than removing plaque and tartar. We also look for early signs of gum disease, inflammation, recession, and changes affecting the bone that supports your teeth.

What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a periodontal cleaning?

A routine cleaning generally maintains healthy teeth and gums by removing plaque, tartar, stains, and biofilm. A periodontal cleaning, also called periodontal maintenance, is designed for patients with a history of gum disease. It focuses on removing buildup above and below the gumline to help control periodontal disease and maintain healthy gums.

Are periodontal cleanings painful?

Most patients tolerate periodontal cleanings well. If your gums are particularly sensitive or inflamed, we can discuss ways to make your appointment more comfortable. Regular periodontal maintenance can also help reduce inflammation and keep gum problems from progressing.

How long does a periodontal cleaning usually take?

The length of your appointment depends on your individual needs, including the condition of your gums and the amount of plaque or tartar present. Patients receiving periodontal maintenance may need more time than someone receiving a routine preventive cleaning. Our team will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your oral health.

Can a periodontal cleaning help with receding gums?

Periodontal cleanings cannot reverse gum recession, but they can help protect the gums from further inflammation and infection. During your exam, we will evaluate recession, gum health, and supporting bone, and can recommend additional treatment when needed.

What does a preventive dental exam include?

A preventive exam includes a thorough evaluation of your gums and supporting structures. Our team may check for gum inflammation, pocket depths, recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, bite concerns, and issues around existing restorations. We may also recommend X-rays to evaluate bone levels and periodontal changes. We may also include oral cancer screening.

Protect Your Gum Health

Regular exams and professional cleanings are an important part of preventing and managing periodontal disease. At DiFranco Dental Specialists in Park Ridge, our team provides gum-focused care based on your individual needs and long-term oral health goals. Call us at (847) 318-0066 to schedule your appointment!