April 2022 Dental Newsletter

The Importance of Preventive Care: Maintaining Good Oral Health

Preventative dental care is a significant part of overall dental health, but it's often an afterthought. Our dedicated dentist sees many patients who don’t keep up with consistent preventative oral care and then must fix the problems it creates. Preventive dental care is the first step in reducing the number of visits to the dentist.

What is Preventative Care in the Dental World?

The importance of dental care can't be overstated because oral health is closely linked to overall wellness and disease prevention. Each human mouth can have billions of bacteria at one time. Some are good bacteria, and others are harmful bacteria. When cracks in the teeth, cavities, or pockets between the gum and teeth exist, it allows harmful bacteria to get further into the body, into areas the bacteria are not meant to be. Left untreated, this causes oral diseases and leads to other conditions in various places of the body.

General dentistry provides that preventative dental care, which involves the screening and examination of the mouth and the care you perform at home. During routine screening, your dentist or dental hygienist will check to see if you have any cavities, gum disease, or other problems that could put you at risk for further dental issues. Visits can include X-rays, so our experienced dentist can look for signs of infection in the bone surrounding your teeth.

Preventative dental care is critical if you are in one of the following populations or have the following conditions:

-Pregnant or nursing women

-Smokers

-Diabetics

-People with heart and lung disease

Tools You'll Need for Successful Dental Preventative Care

Most preventative dental care can be done in the comfort of your own home. You and each member of your family will generally need a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Since each mouth has its own unique needs, the type of dental cleaning tools that you choose should be based on your specific oral health status.

For example, if you have significant gaps between your teeth, also consider purchasing brush picks, which are like plastic toothpicks with tiny bristles at the ends. If you find reaching into other areas of your mouth awkward or uncomfortable, consider using an electric toothbrush that does most of the work for you. If you find wide floss uncomfortable, switch to some skinnier versions instead.

How to Perform Dental Preventative Care

As always, brush twice every day for at least two minutes. Floss daily, being careful not to yank the thread around the base of your tooth. Follow with a mouthwash of your choice. Young children should be supervised so they don't swallow toothpaste or mouthwash. Some families find it helpful to get into group routines to make sure this gets done. Finally, visit a dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year for an oral examination and deep cleaning. A combination of these things helps prevent plaque from becoming tartar and the tartar from eating away at your teeth.

For help with your preventative dental maintenance and next cleaning visit, be sure to contact our office today!

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I went to Cohasset Dental because my tooth was infected, they saw me right away! Since then they are now my primary dentist. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and they make the whole dental environment less intimidating. I think finding the right dentist is like finding the right mechanic -- I'm happy to say that I have found my dentist. I highly recommend them."
    Heather Rose Marshall
  • "It's really nice to be able to say "I love my dentist!" -- the entire experience at Cohasset Dental is always friendly, professional & accommodating. The front office staff, the hygienists, Dr. Chenette himself -- a truly exceptional team!"
    Jenni Denegri
  • "I am a very timid dental patient. Before going to Cohasset Dental this year, it had been almost 10 years since I had stepped foot in a dentist office. Needless to say, I was very nervous at my appointment.
    Each staff member at the office was so welcoming and kind, I could not help but smile. The woman who cleaned my teeth was very understanding of my fear and worked with me to have a positive experience.
    Unfortunately for me, my cleaning revealed that I needed my old silver fillings replaced. I was excited. But the filling replacements were nothing like what remember. It was quick, painless, and semi-enjoyable (tvs are available for your watching pleasure).
    I would definitely recommend going to Cohasset Dental. And if you are a scared like me, definitely go. They will put your fears at bay and give you an enjoyable memory."
    Karina Tuting
  • "Cohasset Dental is outstanding in many ways; one, its people who are kind, accommodating, and highly professional; two, its cleanliness and caution, especially during covid times; three, Dr. Chenette is a master dentist, but kind and gentle, as well. Highly professional team that respects individual needs. Thank you all for your compassionate service!"
    kathie lee
  • "This was my first visit to Cohasset Dental and it was one of the best dentist visits I've ever had. The reception staff is welcoming and helpful. Brynn did a great job taking my x-rays. Dr. Chenette has a wonderful chair side manner. He even cleaned my teeth instead of the hygienist. He did a good job explaining how my teeth grinding effects my jaw and muscles and how he can help me with the problem. A few minor negatives not worth mentioning. I highly recommend this practice."
    Charlotte Keefer
  • "Having recently moved to the area, I was in search of a new dental practice. Looking no further. This office is great! The entire staff is very professional, helpful and courteous from the moment you walk in."
    Bruce Gehrlein
  • "I became a patient on Wednesday,had some pain overnight and was sitting in the chair Thursday morning at 9am,! Thank you all. Greeted at the door by staff and brought right in to see Dr. Chenette. Great sense of humor which helped me relax on the spot. Took his time to explain in detail what was going on and how to treat the problem. Professional staff,good looking office and felt much better leaving than when I came in. Again, many thanks."
    Francis DiStasi
  • "Everyone at Cohasset Dental makes your visit a pleasant one! They are all so kind and professional. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!"
    Jennifer Burke
  • "Dr. Chenette and the staff at Cohasset Dental is amazing! During any procedure they are always checking in to make sure you are doing ok. I've had a cleaning, crown and filling and everything is great! Can't recommend them enough."
    Kendall Salluce
  • "I am a physician myself and this is my first visit to the clinic after being referred by my sister who has used them for many years with her family.

    I cannot say enough good things about the quality of the care provided by Dr. Chenette, Chelsie the dental hygienist, as well as the remainder of the staff, including the office manager, Leslie.

    Everyone was very warm and welcoming and very knowledgeable, with outstanding communication skills. One probably does not see this adjective describing an appointment with the dentist very often, but I would truly say it was a very pleasant experience and I felt I had received great care."
    Francis Duggan
  • "Dr. Chenette and his entire team always go above and beyond with their comfort and care. From the front desk to the hygienists, the entire staff are friendly and efficient. I have honestly never seen a better run practice and my teeth have never been as healthy as they are now. Competency from start to finish every visit."
    Kati Barclay
  • "As someone who is very anxious about the dentist, this place could not be more accommodating/welcoming. Staff go above and beyond, appointments are extremely easy to get, and payments are very transparent as well. Highly recommend!!"
    Hannah O'Gara