Hygiene Services

Oral hygiene is one of the most important things you need to maintain in order to have a healthy, lasting smile. While routine oral hygiene practices such as flossing and brushing help maintain good oral health, it is still recommended to have a professional dental cleaning done every six months and every 3–4 months for patients with periodontitis.

Dental hygiene services are an important part of maintaining overall oral health. These services help prevent underlying health conditions and can also help detect early signs of oral cancer. These services are also provided by dental experts, so you can be confident that the treatments are safe and on par with industry standards.

One of the key benefits of regular dental hygiene appointments is that they can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth can lead to the development of cavities, and can also cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gum disease. By removing this build-up during regular dental hygiene appointments, these conditions can be prevented or caught early, when they are more easily treated.

Typically, the treatments involved in dental hygiene services include:

• Regular teeth cleaning
• Periodontal gum therapy and gum disease
• Fluoride treatment
• Breath freshening treatment

While each treatment plan is unique to each patient, the dental hygienist or dentist will always conduct a series of initial examinations to learn about your medical history and determine the best treatment plan for you. They may also take x-rays to check for problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as tooth decay or infection.

Regular Teeth Cleaning

Regular teeth cleaning is a dental hygiene treatment that involves thorough cleaning of the teeth. This typically includes scraping and scaling, which involves:

• Removing plaque and tartar from the teeth.
• Polishing, which helps remove any remaining surface stains.
• Using fluoride treatments to help strengthen the teeth and protect them from decay.

In addition to cleaning the teeth, the treatment plan may also include things like putting sealants on the molars to help prevent cavities and giving fluoride treatments to help strengthen the teeth.

Your dentist may also provide education and instruction on proper oral hygiene techniques, such as how to brush and floss properly, as well as advice on a healthy diet that can help to maintain good oral health. The frequency of teeth cleanings will vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, overall oral health, and whether you have any underlying dental conditions.

Periodontal Gum Therapy

Periodontal treatment is a more intensive type of cleaning, particularly for patients with periodontitis. This procedure is designed to remove this plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, as well as reduce inflammation and infection. This type of therapy is typically performed by a dentist or periodontist, who will use a variety of techniques to clean the teeth and gums.

• One common method of periodontal therapy is scaling and root planing. This involves using special tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, as well as smooth out any rough spots on the tooth’s root surface. This helps to prevent bacteria from accumulating in these areas and can also help reduce inflammation and infection.
• Another technique used in periodontal gum therapy is called laser gum therapy. This involves using a special laser to target and remove infected tissue from the gums. This can be a less invasive and more comfortable option for some patients, and it can also be more effective at reducing inflammation and infection.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is a type of dental procedure that involves the application of fluoride to the teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its ability to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride treatment can be administered in a variety of ways, depending on the individual’s needs and the recommendations of their dentist. In some cases, fluoride may be applied directly to the teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. These products are typically applied with a small brush or swab and are left on the teeth for a few minutes before being rinsed off.

In other cases, a fluoride treatment may be administered using fluoride supplements. These supplements can be taken orally in the form of pills or drops and are designed to help provide the teeth with additional fluoride.

Breath Freshening Treatment

A breath-freshening treatment is a simple and effective way to improve the quality of your breath. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain medical conditions, and even certain foods and drinks. Fortunately, dental professionals can help you freshen your breath and improve your oral health.

In some cases, bad breath may be caused by a medical condition, such as gum disease or dry mouth. Through proper examinations, your dentist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your bad breath and recommend the appropriate treatment. For instance, if you have gum disease, they may recommend scaling and root planing, a procedure that involves deep cleaning the roots of your teeth to remove bacteria and promote healing. If you have a dry mouth, they may recommend using saliva substitutes or drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.

Preventive dental hygiene is a set of practices and habits that help to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It involves taking steps to prevent the development of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, and maintaining good oral health. This involves regular brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque build-up can lead to the development of cavities and gum disease, so it’s important to remove it regularly. When brushing, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste, and make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth.
• Flossing is also an important part of preventive dental hygiene. Flossing helps to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. This can help prevent the development of cavities and gum disease.
• In addition to brushing and flossing, it’s also important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. During a check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease.

An oral health examination is a routine check-up of a person’s mouth, teeth, and gums. It is an important part of maintaining overall health and wellness, as the mouth can be a reflection of a person’s overall health.

• During an oral health examination, the dentist will first ask the patient about their medical history and any current issues or concerns they may have with their oral health. The dentist will then look at the mouth to see if there are any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other possible problems.
• Next, various dental apparatuses, such as a small mirror, will be used to examine the back of the mouth, and then a probe will be used to check for cavities and other issues. They may also take X-rays to get a better view of the teeth and surrounding structures.
• After the examination, the dental professional will discuss their findings with the patient and recommend any necessary treatments. This may include cleaning, filling cavities, or other procedures to maintain or improve oral health.

Regular oral health examinations are important for catching and treating potential problems early. They can also help prevent more serious dental issues from developing. It is recommended that adults have an oral health examination at least once per year, and more frequently if recommended by a dentist.

Why should you have cavities and fillings treated?

Cavities and fillings are common dental problems that should be treated as soon as possible to prevent more serious issues from developing. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids that eat away at the enamel of the teeth, creating small holes, or “cavities,” in the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can cause toothaches, infections, and even tooth loss.

Fillings are used to treat cavities and prevent further damage to the tooth. They are made of materials such as composite resin, porcelain, or silver amalgam, and are used to fill in the hole left by the cavity.

Without treatment, cavities and fillings can lead to more serious dental problems. The bacteria that cause cavities can spread to other teeth and cause additional decay, and untreated toothaches and infections can lead to more severe pain and potentially even life-threatening conditions.

In addition to the potential for more serious problems, untreated cavities and fillings can also cause aesthetic issues. Cavities can cause the teeth to look discolored or unsightly, and fillings that are not properly placed or matched to the tooth can also affect the appearance of the teeth.

Why should you attend regular teeth cleaning?

Attending regular teeth cleanings is important for maintaining good oral health and preventing the development of dental problems. During a teeth cleaning, your dentist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed.

Regular teeth cleanings can also be beneficial for individuals who have cosmetic concerns about the appearance of their teeth. A professional cleaning can remove surface stains and help to brighten the teeth, giving them a more attractive and healthy appearance.

Screening for oral diseases such as oral cancer

Another important aspect of dental hygiene services is the detection of early signs of oral cancer. During a dental hygiene appointment, the hygienist will perform an oral cancer screening, which involves examining the mouth for any suspicious lumps or lesions. If any abnormalities are detected, the hygienist will refer the patient to a dentist for further evaluation. Early detection of oral cancer can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment.

In addition to a visual examination, the dentist may also perform a physical examination of the mouth, neck, and head, feeling for any lumps or abnormalities. They may also ask the individual about their medical history and any symptoms they may be experiencing. If any abnormalities are detected during the screening, the patient may be referred for further testing, such as a biopsy, to confirm the presence of oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancer typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

It is recommended that adults have an oral cancer screening at least once per year, and more frequently if recommended by a dentist. This can help detect oral cancer in its early stages, when it is most likely to be treatable.

Effective dental hygiene therapies that restore gum health and prevent cavities and gum disease

There are treatments and procedures you can follow to help maintain your oral health. These therapies typically involve a combination of regular at-home care, such as brushing and flossing, and professional care from your dentist.

Other effective dental hygiene therapies for restoring gum health and preventing cavities and gum disease include the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay.