Proper dental hygiene begins at home with daily flossing and brushing and a balanced diet. It is also important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Upon your first visit our team will perform a comprehensive dental exam. At regular checkups, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
- An examination of tooth decay
- An examination of tissue health of the lips, cheeks, tongue and throat
- An examination for gum disease
- An examination of existing restorations: pre-existing crowns and fillings will be inspected for efficiency
- An oral cancer screening
- Diagnostic x-rays will be taken in order to determine tooth and root positions and check for tumors, cysts, bone loss, and decay
Professional Dental Cleaning
A registered dental hygienist will perform your personal dental cleanings. Your cleaning will include a dental exam and the removal of plaque; the removal of calculus (tartar); and your teeth will be polished, removing the stain and plaque.
Health at Home
Proper oral health begins at home. Daily flossing and brushing, balanced meals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help control the plaque and bacteria that cause oral diseases.
Flossing
You should always floss before going to bed and always before brushing. Flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line.
To properly floss, take 30-40 cm, or 12-16 inches, of dental floss and wrap it around your index fingers, leaving about 5 cm or 2 inches of class between the fingers. Use your thumb and index fingers to guide the floss gently into the space between the teeth using a smooth motion. Curve the floss around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up-and-down, cleaning the side of the tooth.
Brushing
You should brush your teeth after waking up, after each meal, and before going to bed, but you most definitely should brush at least twice a day. An American Dental Association-approved soft bristle brush and similarly approved toothpaste should be used.
You should brush your teeth with the bristles at a 45° angle to the gums, always brushing away from the gums. You should brush the biting surfaces of the teeth as well as the inner and outer sides. To remove bacteria that cause bad breath you can also brush your tongue. Electric toothbrushes are recommended.
Rinsing
You should always rinse your mouth before and after flossing and brushing, and it is also beneficial to do so after meals. You can consult your dentist or dental hygienist for a recommended rinse.
