Dental Hygiene - General Dentistry | Smile Dental Implant Center

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Dental Hygiene

Look good, feel good, lasts a long time!

Learn more about our dental hygiene services and how they can benefit you.

Dental hygiene is about more than "cleaning teeth"!

The head and neck exam, including the oral cancer screening and periodontal measurements, are done in the dental hygiene clinic. We check for lumps and bumps and other unusual events you may or may not have noticed. Oral cancer is a serious issue - you might as well learn what to look for.

Your regular 6 month exam and hygiene visits allow the doctor and hygienist to note any changes in both your teeth and gums. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems, and is the key to having a healthy smile.

We compare it to having regular maintenance on your vehicle, sort of like a tune-up for your mouth. Sealants and fluoride can also be great preventive treatments that can help protect your teeth.

Our dental hygienists provide you and your families with routine cleanings to help maintain your oral health.

We recommend that you visit your hygienist once every six months, however, we usually tailor and schedule the appointments based on each person’s individual needs.

This may mean some people come more frequently and others can wait a little longer between visits, although never more than one year.

But you may be wondering, why not just practice good dental hygiene at home so you do not need a cleaning with us? While the oral hygiene you practice at home—brushing at least two times a day and flossing every day—is vital for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful between visits to your dentist, it does not replace the more in-depth thorough cleaning.

Think of it this way, the dental hygiene you practice at home helps maintain your teeth, but our hygienists will make sure your teeth are strong, shiny and more cavity resistant, and our dentists with their examinations will ensure your teeth are healthy.

How often should I come in for a dental cleaning?
We recommend that most patients come to a dental cleaning twice a year — about once every 6 months. For patients with gum disease, we recommend you come in more frequently to ensure proper oral health.
What does the fluoride rinse do after dental cleaning?
The fluoride rinse after a dental cleaning, after removing harmful bacterial dental plaque, increases teeth structure strength. Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. It helps to support healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm teeth and gums. The treatment received during a trip to the dentist contains more fluoride than in water or toothpaste. The treatment can come in a form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish.
Do kids need to take fluoride rinse?
Yes, kids do need to have the fluoride rinse except for kids under 3. They do not need to take fluoride. From birth to 3 years of age, 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams (mg) of fluoride is sufficient. This can come from food, water, and supplements. Fluoride toothpaste in the size of a pea is recommended for children 3-6 years old.
What should I do between dental cleaning visits?
We recommend that everyone practice proper dental hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. In addition, try to be aware of what is going on in your mouth. Contact our team if you are experiencing anything unusual in your mouth such as a loose tooth or painful toothache. We are your partners in oral health and are here to ensure you stay healthy — even in between appointments.
What can I expect at a tooth cleaning?
When first arriving at our facilities your dentist will go over several things with you including your oral health history, an oral cancer screening, & an evaluation of your current oral health. Your dentist or dental hygienist will then likely clean stains, plaque, and tartar off your teeth, apply fluoride, and polish all your teeth.
Who performs the service?
All dental hygiene services are performed by a licensed and insured Registered Dental Hygienist.
how do you manage sensitive teeth?
There are many different ways for us to help you with sensitivity. Our hygienists aim to provide the most gentle cleaning possible - while still providing proper care. We can provide desensitization of individual teeth or specific areas as well as topical anesthetic for sore gums. For ongoing sensitivity we can make recommendations for home care products/techniques.
How oral health affects my overall health?
Changes in your overall health can affect your teeth and gums. Pregnancy, dry mouth, cancer treatments, and even certain medications can make it hard to keep your teeth clean and your gums infection-free. Our hygienist can make this process much easier with the proper professional dental cleaning, hygiene instruction, and product recommendations to support you. If you have had gum disease in the past, that makes you more susceptible to it in the future, so even if you do not currently have an active infection, staying on top of your dental cleanings and exams is essential.
What type of toothpaste do you recommend?
There are many different brands, and it is an individual preference. It is recommended to use one recognized by the Canadian Dental Association. Our hygienist can recommend a toothpaste if you have specific needs.
Why do I have to brush and floss and how often?
The bacteria that causes both gum disease and cavities need to be manually disrupted on a daily basis. We advise our patients to brush minimally twice a day and floss at least once a day. Our hygienist can help review your techniques to make sure you are doing the best job at home.

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