Dental Care
Your smile says a lot about you. Your smile is important and we understand that. That’s why we work our hardest to improve your smile and help keep you healthy. Consistent periodic care is a key essential of great teeth.
Clean and Prevent!
The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- 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.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- 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 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 your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. 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.
See animations that show brushing and flossing .
Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include:
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria proliferate
Teeth Polishing: Removes plaque and stain that is not removed during brushing and scaling
Removal of calculus (tartar): Tartar is a hardened calcified deposit that forms on the teeth and contributes to their decay.
Digital X-Rays:
Digital X-Rays are the latest technology. They use an electronic sensor that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged to help the dental hygienist detect problems easier and more accurately. These are essential to help prevent and diagnose. They reveal hidden dental abnormalities like cysts, bone loss, decaying between teeth, tumors, developmental abnormalities, and more. Detecting and treating theses dental problems at an early stage can save money, time, and unnecessary discomfort!