Preventive Dental Care Built Around Your Needs
Regular dental visits help you understand your oral health and address concerns before they become more involved. At Blissful Dental, Dr. Brenda E. Howard provides dental cleanings and exams in Lanham, Maryland, as part of personalized, comprehensive care for adults.
Call 301-552-2662 to schedule a visit, whether you are maintaining your routine or returning after time away.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
A professional cleaning removes plaque and hardened deposits, called tartar, from the areas appropriate to your cleaning plan. Tartar cannot be removed effectively with a toothbrush alone. Cleaning may also include polishing to address surface stain and guidance on caring for areas that need extra attention.
Our team will assess your gums before recommending the type of cleaning you need. A routine preventive cleaning, periodontal treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance serve different purposes.
What Does a Dental Exam Include?
Dr. Brenda E. Howard evaluates your teeth, existing restorations, gums, bite and oral tissues. Your visit is also an opportunity to discuss:
- Tooth sensitivity, pain or changes you have noticed
- Bleeding gums or concerns about your breath
- Medical conditions, medications or dry mouth
- Clenching, grinding or jaw discomfort
- Changes you would like to make to your smile
Digital X-rays may be recommended when additional information is needed. Imaging is selected according to your examination, history, disease risk and existing records. Oral tissue evaluation and oral cancer screening are also important parts of dental assessment.
When Your Gums Need Additional Care
If the examination identifies gum disease, a routine cleaning may not address the deposits and affected tissues below the gumline. Dr. Brenda E. Howard will explain whether periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing, is appropriate. Patients with a history of periodontitis may need ongoing maintenance at an individualized interval.
Your cleaning plan should reflect the health of your gums rather than a fixed service chosen before the examination.
How Often Should You Schedule Visits?
There is no single schedule for every patient. Dr. Brenda E. Howard considers your oral health, history of decay or gum disease, home care and other risk factors when recommending when to return. Some adults need more frequent monitoring and professional care than others.
If you have a new symptom between visits, contact us rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.
Experience and Personal Attention
Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985. Her continuing education includes studies at the Pankey Institute and Stanley Institute, along with additional orthodontic and implant coursework. She provides everyday dentistry and comprehensive adult care with a personal role in treatment planning.
Our office uses modern dental technology to support evaluation and patient education. Dr. Brenda E. Howard explains her findings, discusses appropriate options and makes referrals when another provider would better meet your needs.
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy Between Visits
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. Ask our team for help choosing a method you can use consistently, particularly around bridges, implants or areas that are difficult to reach. Tell us if pain, bleeding or limited hand movement makes cleaning challenging so we can discuss practical adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dental exam if nothing hurts?
Will I receive a cleaning at my first visit?
Can a cleaning whiten my teeth?
What if I feel nervous or have not visited in years?
Schedule Dental Cleanings and Exams in Lanham, Maryland
Take a practical step toward maintaining your oral health. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule your visit.