Oral Hygiene
Regular oral hygiene visits will not only protect one of your most valuable assets,
your smile, but will also help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Taking care of your teeth at home with daily brushing and flossing is unfortunately not enough. We recommend that you visit our friendly oral hygienist regularly as she will work with you to help keep your mouth healthy. Our oral hygienist will help you attain and maintain good oral health, making an important contribution to your overall health.
The link between oral infections and other diseases in the body is becoming well documented and accepted within the health care community. Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common human diseases. The signs of gum disease may include bleeding or swollen gums. This condition, if left untreated, can result in the destruction of the supporting gum tissue and bone, thus inevitable resulting in tooth loss. The bacteria that cause gum disease may travel to the bloodstream, increasing the chance of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases and pregnancy complications. This underscores the importance of good oral hygiene and the role oral hygienists play in preventing oral disease.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD ORAL HYGIENE VISITS BE SCHEDULED?
Because each patients needs are different, the hygienist will determine what is suitable or appropriate to your needs. Typically oral hygiene visits are scheduled for every six months.
WHAT AGE IS APPROPRIATE TO START ORAL HYGIENE VISITS?
We strongly recommend that children start visiting the hygienist from as young as two or three years old. By beginning at an early stage, we have time to create positive experiences for your child, which will set the platform for a lifetime of quality dental care.
MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HEALTH
In addition to regular oral hygiene visits, it is very important to eat a balanced diet and
be sure to floss and brush at least twice a day.
THE ACTUAL VISIT-WHAT TO EXPECT
Depending on individual patient’s needs and dental health, your visit may include the following diagnostic, preventative and educational services.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES
- Taking of necessary cavity detecting e-rays
- Assess your periodontal(GUM) tissue
3. Evaluate existing dental restorations for proper fit, function and aesthetics
4. Review and update your medical history
5. Record any changes in prescribed medication and physical conditions
6. Evaluate possible cosmetic enhancements of your smile
7. Identify any cause of bad breath
8. Refer you to specialists for specific treatment
9. Develop a comprehensive treatment plan
PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
1. Clean and scale to remove all plaque and calculus (tartar)
2. Remove surface stains from your teeth (nicotine or red wine staining)
3. Apply pit and fissure sealants to help prevent tooth decay
4. Polish teeth as well as existing restorations (silver and resin fillings)
5. Fluoride application
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE
- Instruction in brushing and flossing
- Counselling in proper nutrition
- Recommendation of future treatment (orthodontics, periodontal therapy, etc.)
Oral hygiene services form an integral part in preventative dentistry and maintaining excellent oral health is extremely beneficial to your general health. So go ahead and invest in a healthy future and arrange to see our hygienist.