Dental Hygiene
Good oral health is the foundation of overall health and has positive effects on a person’s quality of life. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which consists of both personal and professional care. An effective daily oral hygiene routine has benefits that can last a lifetime. At St. Anthony Family Dental Clinic, we offer professional dental cleanings and work with you to keep your mouth healthy.
Our dental hygienists will examine you for signs of periodontal disease and other potential concerns during your cleaning. The periodontal tissues are the gums, ligaments and bone that surround and support teeth. The purpose of dental cleanings is to prevent or manage periodontal diseases that are caused by inflammation, such as gingivitis or the more severe form called periodontitis. Inflammation in the gums can cause bone loss around teeth, which may cause teeth to become loose and even fall out. Gums may become inflamed for many reasons, such as the build up of plaque and calculus (also known as “tartar”), hormonal changes, and from some types of diseases and medications. Periodontal disease has been linked to several conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our dental hygienists may refer to the dentists if they detect any issues.
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Fluoride makes teeth stronger when used in the appropriate amount. Most people would benefit from using toothpaste with fluoride and having topical fluoride applied by their dental hygienist at regular visits. The purpose of the topical fluoride is to strengthen the outer surface of teeth to make them more resistant to decay, acid erosion, and wear. Fluoride, in small amounts, is also very important for developing teeth. While topical fluoride strengthens teeth from the outside, drinking water with fluoride will help teeth develop stronger when they are forming in the jawbone. There are different types of topical fluoride, such as rinses and varnishes. Ask your dental hygienist which may be best for you.
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Oral hygiene education will be provided to you at every visit. Our team will educate you on brushing and flossing techniques, as well as inform you of the latest technologies that are proven to help you with your oral hygiene. Examples of such technologies are ultrasonic toothbrushes that are gentle on gums that are thin or may have some recession, as well as water irrigators that help to flush out gums with deep pockets around teeth that may be difficult to floss. We can help to answer all of your questions.
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