Preventive Dental Hygiene
Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, give your dentist the chance to identify any oral health issues and make a plan to treat them.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. Exams may also include dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer that are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
Oral health plays a major role in remaining healthy overall. Of course, good oral health begins with dental hygiene. Regular and thorough brushing, in addition to daily flossing, go a long way in preventing cavities and gum disease.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
They will first use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Then, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you are at high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent decay.