Hygiene in Darien

General & Preventive

Regular cleanings and check-ups that remove the plaque and tartar a toothbrush cannot, and catch gum problems while they are still reversible.

A cleaning is the appointment that prevents the other appointments. It removes what brushing leaves behind, and it is when gum disease gets caught, at the stage where it is still completely reversible.

Request an AppointmentCall (630) 427-1800
Dental hygiene and cleaning appointment at B&R Dentists in Darien, IL

What’s included

  • Cleanings for the entire family, all ages welcome
  • Removal of plaque, tartar, buildup and surface stains
  • Gum health evaluated at every single check-up
  • Straight answers about bleeding or irritated gums
  • Treatment planned to protect the bone under your gums

About Dental Hygiene

Here at B & R Dentists we are committed to helping you maintain great oral health and hygiene. We encourage you to have regular check ups and dental cleanings. We know that overtime teeth accumulate plaque, tartar, buildup and stains which is why at each check up your dentist will evaluate the current health of your gums. If not professionally removed on a regular basis, bacterial deposits can progress into gingivitis and/or periodontal disease. If periodontal disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss and other oral and overall health issues. At B & R Dentists, we offer dental cleanings for the entire family. We welcome all families whether they are seeking general dentistry, regular checkups or are experiencing bad breath, swollen, irritated, or bleeding gums. Your dentist will discuss the treatment necessary to promote healthy gums, underlying bone support and overall oral health.

Reasons to Book a Cleaning

Book if it has simply been six months. That is the whole reason most people come. Book sooner if your gums bleed when you brush or floss, if they look puffy or red, if your breath has changed and does not improve with brushing, if a tooth has become sensitive to hot or cold, or if you can see or feel hard deposits along the gumline. Book too if you have avoided the dentist for years and are not sure where to start. None of those things get better on their own, and every one of them is easier to treat the earlier it is found.

Benefits of Regular Hygiene Visits

Almost all of the value is in what does not happen. Tartar that is removed twice a year never becomes the gum infection that loosens teeth. A cavity found at three millimetres is a filling; the same cavity found two years later can be a root canal and a crown. Gingivitis caught early reverses completely with a cleaning and better home care. Periodontitis, its next stage, does not, because by then the bone holding your teeth has already been lost. Cleanings also remove the surface staining from coffee, tea and tobacco, which is why teeth look noticeably brighter afterward without any whitening at all. And because we look at the same mouth on a regular schedule, we can spot the thing that is different this time.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from every tooth, above and below the gumline, then polishes the surfaces. Gum health is measured and recorded so it can be compared with previous visits. X-rays are taken when they are due, and your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissue. At the end you get a clear picture of where things stand, and if something needs treatment, you get the reason, the options and the cost before anything is scheduled. Most cleanings take about an hour. Tell us if any part of it is uncomfortable; we would much rather slow down than have you dread coming back.

Common Questions

How often should I have a cleaning?
Every six months suits most people. If you have a history of gum disease, smoke, or have had periodontal treatment, we may recommend every three or four months, not to sell you visits, but because tartar rebuilds faster in those mouths and the gap between visits is when damage happens.
It has been years since I saw a dentist. Is it going to be a lecture?
No. We hear it constantly and it is one of the most ordinary things about our day. You will get a straightforward assessment of where things are and a plan to work through it, in whatever order and pace makes sense for you. Nobody here is interested in making you feel bad about the past.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding is almost always inflammation from bacteria along the gumline, not a sign you are flossing too hard. Healthy gums do not bleed. It usually means gingivitis, which is reversible with a professional cleaning and consistent home care. If it persists after that, we look at whether it has progressed further.
Will the cleaning hurt?
For most people it is pressure and scraping sounds rather than pain. Sensitivity is more likely if there is a lot of buildup or if your gums are already inflamed, which is itself a reason to come more often, since it gets easier every time. Tell your hygienist and we can numb the area or adjust our approach.
Does insurance cover cleanings?
Most dental plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at or near 100%, because insurers know prevention is cheaper than treatment. We are in network with most major plans. Once your appointment is scheduled our team provides a complimentary verification of benefits so you know your coverage before you arrive.

Terms You May Hear

Plaque
The soft, sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth constantly. It can be brushed and flossed off. This is the part you control at home.
Tartar (calculus)
Plaque that has hardened onto the tooth. It can no longer be brushed away and has to be removed with instruments, which is the main thing a cleaning does.
Gingivitis
Early gum inflammation: red, puffy, bleeding gums. It is fully reversible at this stage, which is why catching it matters.

Related Services

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Due for a cleaning? Call (630) 427-1800. If it has been a long time since your last visit, that is genuinely fine. It is one of the most common things we hear.

Request an Appointment(630) 427-1800