Preventing the onset of dental problems starts with good oral hygiene. An effective preventive dental practice and oral hygiene protocol is a partnership between a patient and their dental team to create a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. While regular home maintenance is important, it only focuses on areas of the teeth that are above the gum line. A professional cleaning removes both plaque and tartar not only above the gum line, but below the gum line as well. It is only through regular scaling and root planing that plaque, tartar, and bacteria can effectively be removed from hard-to-reach places below the gum line that home care cannot reach. Good oral hygiene by the patient that is combined with regular dental visits can effectively promote and maintain your oral health and lead to early diagnosis of cavities. Team Smile Dentistry is pleased to offer professional cleanings and checkups to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Your Fonthill Choice for Dental Hygiene & Teeth Cleanings
Prevention is the Key!
It is far easier to take care of your oral health regularly, then it is to treat any complications once they have arisen. Team Smile Dentistry is here to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime!
What Happens at a Dental Hygiene Appointment?
In addition to cleaning your teeth above and below the gum line, your professional hygiene appointment will include:
- A complete periodontal assessment
- Polishing your teeth to remove any surface stains
- Fluoride treatment (if chosen) to help prevent cavities from forming, and to help strengthen the surface of your enamel in areas that may be weak
- Digital x-rays (when required)
- An oral cancer screening
Digital X-Rays and Oral Cancer Screenings:
Studies indicate that early detection increases oral cancer survival rates to 80-90%. Typically, oral cancer screenings are recommended for patients over 40 or those at risk due to factors like heavy sun exposure, tobacco use, or HPV infection. However, we include these screenings as part of our routine dental care for every patient. Utilizing screenings and X-rays, we can identify early signs of oral cancer before visible lesions appear. If you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, or areas of concern in your mouth, please contact us immediately to schedule an exam.
Signs You Need a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Ever wondered why your morning coffee doesn’t taste as good anymore? It could be a sign. At our Welland dental office, we believe that your smile deserves the best care, and recognizing the signs for routine dental cleanings is the first step.
Signs You Need a Professional Cleaning:
- Persistent bad breath despite regular brushing and flossing
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Teeth that feel fuzzy due to plaque buildup
- Tartar visibly forming along the gum line
- Stains on teeth that brushing can’t remove
- Sore gums or gums that are red and swollen
Each of these signs suggests it’s time to visit us for a thorough professional cleaning. Our experienced team will ensure your teeth cleaned to perfection, removing more tartar and ensuring optimal oral health.
Advanced Teeth Cleaning For Removing Plaque and Tartar
Regular teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and preventing gum disease. During a dental cleaning, our dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque buildup and tartar from your teeth. This helps in preventing tooth decay and addressing issues like bleeding gums and sore gums.
We ensure each patient receives a thorough physical exam of their oral cavity to identify any health issues. Regular visits can prevent bad breath and reduce harmful bacteria. Our dentists use advanced tools, like a small mirror, to inspect the gum line and remove any leftover plaque from the chewing surfaces.
Importance of Regular dental cleanings in Fonthill
A bright smile is more than just cosmetic; it’s a sign of good oral health. Regular dental cleanings play a crucial role in maintaining this health. Professional cleanings remove plaque buildup that brushing and flossing can miss. According to studies, regular professional cleanings can reduce the risk of gum disease by 20%. This is because the cleaning process targets the gum line and entire mouth, areas where plaque tends to accumulate.
For optimal results, we recommend combining these cleanings with fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect against decay. Ensuring regular appointments, especially for children, can prevent future dental issues and maintain a healthy smile for life.
How Often Should you Visit Us for Hygiene Services?
When it comes to your oral hygiene and exam schedule, it is important to remember that every patient is different and will require a different schedule. For most people, once every six months or so is sufficient. Others may benefit from coming in every 3 to 4 months, while others still might only need to come in every 9 months or even every 12 months.
Team Smile Dentistry knows that how often you visit the dentist depends on many factors, such as whether or not you have crowded teeth, fillings, or missing teeth, which can lead to an increase in plaque buildup requiring more frequent visits than someone who does not experience these problems regularly.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home Between Dental Visits
Keeping up with oral hygiene at home is crucial. Start by brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to angle your brush at 45 degrees to the gum line. Don’t forget to floss daily. It removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach.
Use a professional floss for optimal results. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate harmful bacteria .Consider using an ultrasonic scaler at home for deeper cleaning, especially if your dental hygienist has suggested it.
Remember, regular dental cleanings with a dental hygienist are vital to monitor your oral health and catch issues early. Schedule your next appointment to keep your smile in top shape.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Call Team Smile Dentistry at (905) 892-1111 to set up your Dental Hygiene Services appointment today.
