For a healthy smile having good dental hygiene is important.  Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth thereby preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats minimizes the build –up of sugary foods inside your mouth which can increase your chances of tooth decay.  If you are experiencing bleeding or swollen gums, tooth sensitivity or your breath just doesn’t smell right it’s time to come in for your dental check up.  We can provide you the necessary treatments to resolve your dental hygiene situation.

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Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Hygiene

What is dental hygiene and why is it important?  

Teeth are a good thing.  When healthy they make you look and feel better and are also good for eating, which more people find pleasurable and necessary to stay alive.  Dental hygiene is the process where your dental professional cleans and maintains the vitality of your teeth.  Dental hygiene procedures help to prevent decay from forming in your teeth and to maintain the health of your gums which support your teeth.  You play an active role in your dental hygiene by daily brushing and flossing to remove bacterial build up in your mouth thereby preventing dental decay and gum disease.

What is a dental cleaning? 

It is generally recommended that you visit your dental professional twice per year to have a professional dental cleaning.  This helps to support your home efforts in maintaining your teeth health.  Even with meticulous home care your teeth still will build up bacterial colonies which cement themselves on and need to be professionally removed.  We can also monitor your home efforts and encourage you to do more if necessary.  We will look for tooth decay and check for oral cancer.

Is it good to do teeth cleaning? 

Having your teeth professionally cleaned is good since a healthy mouth leads to a more healthy feeling within your body.  Studies have shown that gum disease can lead to health complications with your heart and circulatory system.

How long does a dental cleaning take? 

Most dental cleanings can be done within 30 minutes if you have maintained a healthy mouth.  In some situations dental cleanings can take up to an hour if more advanced treatments are necessary.  The cleaning is performed by a dentist or hygienist in a relaxed and comfortable setting and you and your mouth will feel better and cleaner after the procedure.  Dental cleanings are important for your overall health.

What are the different types of dental cleanings? 

The general cleaning that most individuals need every 6 months are called a prophylaxis.  In this procedure your teeth are cleaned and your dental health evaluated.  If you need more advanced care root planning and/or scaling maybe performed where we go under the gum line to remove increase areas of bacterial colonies.   These procedures are generally done under local anesthesia so that you remain comfortable.  Afterwards you will experience little or no soreness.

Does teeth cleanings hurt? 

Dental cleanings are not painful.  Topical anesthetic is placed onto your gums to numb them while the cleaning is being performed.  If any sensitivity occurs all you need to do is to let the dental processional know and the problem will be resolved.

What is good dental hygiene? 

Daily brushing and flossing supplemented by bi- yearly visits to your dentist is all most people need to maintain their dental health.  Good dental health contributes to a better quality of life and a more positive outlook.