Periodontal Care at Brookside Family Dental in Tampa

At Brookside Family Dental of Tampa, our dentist, registered dental hygienist and dental assistants will work as a team to ensure you have the highest level of preventative oral health care. We are known for our compassion, gentle thoroughness, and painless dentistry.

Detecting problems and treating them promptly before they advance is the goal of preventive care. If it has been six months or more since you had a professional dental cleaning and checkup, or if you have concerns about puffy gums, bleeding gums, teeth discoloration, and/or gum or tooth sensitivity, do not delay in calling us to make a dental hygiene appointment.

If you are new to the practice, our entire dental team welcomes you. We look forward to serving you in the best way possible.

Dental Cleanings to Halt Periodontal Disease

A “dental prophylaxis” is a cleaning procedure performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and halt the progression of periodontal disease. Most people call this a “regular cleaning.” Children, teens and adults should have a professional prophylaxis (also called a “prophy”) at least twice a year, and in some circumstances, more frequently. Dr. Lampert will advise you about the frequency that is best for your oral health circumstances.

If you have periodontal disease below the gum line and need a deeper cleaning, we can perform “periodontal scaling and root planning,” (sometimes referred to as a “deep cleaning”). This therapy is required when bacteria sets up colonies far below the gumline where patients cannot reach to clean with floss or when brushing their teeth. For this treatment, we ensure your comfort by using numbing agents (usually types that require no “shots” or injections) and use special tools that clean the space between the gum tissue and the teeth down to the roots. In some cases, antibiotics are placed directly in the areas of severe infection to allow your body to heal more completely. Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing is an important procedure because it halts the progression of bone loss, which occurs when the bacterial colonies produce acid, which eats away the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. It is our goal here at Brookside Family Dental to keep your natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Fluoride Treatment and Dental Sealants

In addition to dental prophylaxis, we offer fluoride treatment and dental sealants.
Topical fluoride strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay. Both children and adults can benefit from a professional fluoride application once or twice a year during dental check-ups. Dr. Lampert may recommend a personalized fluoride treatment regimen for high-risk cavity patients.

A thin, plastic coating, called a “dental sealant,” can be applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves in the teeth of children and adults to protect them for many years. If you are cavity prone, Dr. Lampert may recommend them. Because sealants are smooth, you won’t feel them. If you have sealants, we will check them for wear and chipping at your regular dental visits.

Home Oral Hygiene

Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving a healthy smilethat lasts a lifetime. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with an electric or manual soft toothbrush. Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, thus preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. We may recommend other cleaning aids such as an interdental brush, rubber tip stimulator, and anti-bacterial mouth rinse.

Achieving and maintaining oral health is important for a lifetime of healthy smiles and overall systemic health. The American diet includes a lot of sugar and carbohydrates that bacteria feed on in the mouth. The acid released by the bacteria destroys tooth enamel and promotes tooth decay. Please eat healthy, balanced meals and reduce sugary food and drinks to not only control plaque and bacteria that cause dental and gum disease, but also inflammation throughout your body.

Is it time for you to make a dental appointment for yourself or a family member?

We enjoy serving all ages.Contact us today!