Consistent, appropriate oral care and hygiene is essential to helping you avoid or prevent gum disease and other oral conditions. Your general dentist and periodontist will provide the clinical care and home-care guidance you need to achieve and maintain dental health.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
You will receive a comprehensive oral exam during your first visit and during follow up visits as necessary. This exam includes:
- Examination of diagnostic X-rays
- Oral cancer screening
- Gum disease evaluation
- Examination of tooth decay
- Examination of existing restorations (previous dental work such as fillings and crowns)
Professional Dental Cleaning
Your cleaning and exam, which will be performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist, will include:
- Removal of calculus (tartar)
- Removal of plaque
- Teeth polishing
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay. It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies.
Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons:
- Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
- Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
- Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
- Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
- Inadequate exposure to fluorides
- Inadequate saliva flow due to medical conditions, medical treatments or medications
- Recent history of dental decay
Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves of teeth. More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these grooves are hard to clean and very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.
Sealants are applied by your dentist or dental hygienist and take only a couple of minutes per tooth.
Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.
Home Care
Properly caring for your teeth every day can play a key role in preventing oral problems and conditions. Your dentist or hygienist will provide all the information and tools you need to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. These include:
- Toothbrushes
- Dental floss
- Interdental cleaners
- Mouth rinses
- Oral irrigators
- Rubber tip stimulators
- Tongue cleaners
Every mouth is different, so your dentist or hygienist will determine which oral hygiene aids are right for you and will carefully explain the best methods for using these aids.