Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is an integral part of maintaining a healthy smile, but it also can prevent more serious health issues. The bacteria present in gum diseases may trigger blood clots which can contribute to a heart attack or stroke.

Although you may take care of your teeth with a daily flossing and brushing regimen, nothing substitutes for routine oral hygiene visits. We can help keep your gums healthy and clean, which can keep your smile looking bright and possibly prevent more serious problems in the future.

What to expect during an oral hygiene visit

Patients’ needs vary according to their dental health, but routine visits typically include any combination of the following diagnostic, preventative or educational services:

Diagnostic Services

• X-rays
• Review and update your medical history
• Record any changes in prescribed medications and physical condition
• Blood pressure check
• Gum tissue assessment
• Examine and screen for oral cancer
• Evaluation of existing dental restorations for proper function, fit and appearance
• Identify any cause of bad breath (halitosis)
• Check your swallowing, bite and chewing pattern
• Develop a comprehensive treatment plan
• Evaluate possible cosmetic enhancements of your smile
• Refer you to specialists for specific treatment

Digital X-Rays, a diagnostic service

Preventative Services

• Clean and scale teeth to remove tartar and plaque build-up
• Apply pit and fissure sealants to help prevent decay
• Fluoride application
• Remove surface stains from the teeth
• Polish teeth and, if applicable, fillings and crowns

Educational Services

• Instruction in tooth brushing and flossing
• Counseling in proper nutrition
• Presentation of prescribed dental treatment
• Recommending future treatment (orthodontics, periodontal therapy, etc.)

Frequency of oral hygiene services

Patient needs differ according to their dental health. Oral hygiene visits typically are scheduled every six months. Patients with periodontal disease may need to schedule more frequent visits.

When to begin oral hygiene visits

Generally speaking, children should begin visiting the dentist by age three. Starting at an early age gives dental professionals an opportunity to create positive experiences for children and to lay the groundwork for routine dental care for life.

Maintaining dental health between visits

You hold the key to obtaining and keeping a healthy, glowing smile and it doesn’t end with regular trips to the dentist. Eating a balanced diet, combined with daily flossing and routine brushing goes a long way to promote dental health between oral hygiene visits.

At your appointment, we can show you the type of toothbrush that's best for you. Commonly, the best toothbrush contains soft, smooth and rounded nylon bristles. Replace your toothbrush when its bristles begin to lose their original shape.

Proper brushing technique

• Place bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Bristles should contact both the tooth surface and the gum line.
• Gently brush the outer surfaces of 2-3 teeth using a vibrating back and forth circular motion. Move the brush to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.

• Maintain a 45-degree angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gum line. Gently brush using a back and forth and circular motion along all of the inner tooth surfaces.
• Tilt the brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up and down strokes using the front half of the brush.
• Place the brush against the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back and forth scrubbing motion.
• Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria.

Flossing properly

Flossing is essential to the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gum line, where periodontal disease often begins. If you find using floss awkward or difficult, ask us about the variety of dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available. Here is how to floss:

• Use a piece of dental floss approximately 18 inches long. Wind each end of the floss around your middle fingers.

• Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leave about an inch of floss. Use a gentle, back and forth motion to guide the floss in between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss which may irritate the gums.
• When the floss is at the gum line, curve it into an arc around each tooth until there is mild resistance.
• Holding the floss in the arc position, gently slide it up the side of the tooth, making sure the floss goes under the gum. Move the floss up and down (not back and forth) several times to remove the plaque from under the gum.
• Repeat this procedure on both sides of each tooth.

Establishing healthy oral hygiene habits such as routine brushing, flossing and a nutritional diet early on sets the stage for preserving your smile and keeping it looking its best. Combine that with regularly scheduled oral hygiene visits and many problems that lead to tooth decay and loss can be prevented.