Regular cleaning and prevention is the key to a happy mouth

Regular dental hygiene is important to our overall health. Here, we provide excellent care for your teeth and gums through regular dental cleaning visit and X-rays, which can reveal tooth decay below the surface. No matter how careful you are, some plaque and tartar need to be removed with dental instruments or an ultrasonic device.  

  • A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

    Reasons for sealants:

    • Children and teenagers – As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent back teeth) appear or any time throughout the cavity prone years of 6-16.
    • Adults – Tooth surfaces without decay that have deep grooves or depressions.
    • Baby teeth – Occasionally done if teeth have deep grooves or depressions and child is cavity prone.

    What do sealants involve?

    Sealants are easily applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and the process takes only a couple of minutes per tooth.
    The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry. A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried. Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions. Depending on the type of sealant used, the material will either harden automatically or with a special curing light.
    Proper home care, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new sealants.

  • A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

    • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
    • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
    • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
    • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
    • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
    Professional Dental Cleaning
  • Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
    • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
    • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
    • Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

  • Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

  • Dental x-rays may reveal:

    • Abscesses or cysts.
    • Bone loss.
    • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
    • Decay between the teeth.
    • Developmental abnormalities.
    • Poor tooth and root positions.
    • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
    • Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

    Are dental x-rays safe?

    We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources. Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient's exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

  • How often should dental x-rays be taken?

  • The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient's individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

  • A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

  • A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

    • Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

    • Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
    • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
    • Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
    • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
    • Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

    Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

    • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
    • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
    • Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
    • Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

    Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it's a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.