Service - Cleanings & Scaling/Root Planing
In order to maintain good oral hygiene and to prevent both periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay it is important to visit us for a professional cleaning every six months. Depending on your needs we may recommend you have your teeth cleaned professionally more frequently. If you have never been to the dentist or it has been many years since you have had an exam you may require more than the standard cleaning. Large amounts of tartar build-up both below and above the gums in combination with deeper periodontal pockets may warrant a procedure know as scaling and root planning, more commonly known as a deep cleaning, in order to properly clean your teeth and help treat gum disease. This will be determined at your initial comprehensive oral exam. Thereafter, if you maintain good oral hygiene at home and visit us regularly and follow our recommendations, we will be able to help you more easily maintain you oral health.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
1) Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
2) Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
3) Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates.
4) Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and inhibit bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal (gum) disease. ADA-Accepted antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes have substantiated these claims by demonstrating significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis. Fluoride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Clinical studies have demonstrated that use of a fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay over that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone. Fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children age six or younger because they may swallow too much of the rinse. Consumers should always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with their dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.
Talk to us about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you and your family. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact our office at any time.
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