Preventive Dental Hygiene
Oral Examinations
Patients should come in for regular oral examinations ideally twice a year. These exams give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues early on and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental X-rays and other diagnostic procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer that are difficult to detect with the naked eye on your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
Oral Health Care at Home
To keep your smile in good health between appointments, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next, they will apply a polisher and toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay. Your dentist will recommend fluoride treatment at your hygiene visit.