Tag Archive for: dental hygiene

Just a Regular Dental Cleaning

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By Jane Roots, RDH

As dental professionals, we hear the request for “just a regular dental cleaning” so often that it’s time to fill everyone in on the truth. There are many different types of cleanings. As with most things in healthcare, wellness, and prevention, how your providers work with you will depend on many different things because it’s all about you.

We figure out the best dental cleaning after examining the condition of your gums and teeth. There are a lot of things that go into a dental cleaning, but a few easy steps can help you take control of your dental health before your next appointment.

What’s in my mouth?

  • Plaque – Plaque is the soft, fuzzy film on our teeth that easily goes away with regular brushing and flossing.
  • Tartar – When plaque is left behind – which happens to all of us – it becomes tartar, a hard material that has to be removed at your dental cleaning.
  • Gums – Gums tell a lot about your dental health. Things like the color of your gums and their firmness can indicate gingivitis.

Types of dental cleanings

  • Prophylaxis – This is frequently described as a basic cleaning when you have minimal tartar and your gums are healthy.
  • Full-mouth debridement – This is the type of cleaning you’ll have if your teeth have tartar and your gums are somewhat inflamed.
  • Scaling and root planning – This cleaning is for heavy tartar buildup and bone loss around your teeth. Typically, this cleaning will use some local anesthetic.

Dentists and hygienists will do a full mouth exam to look at teeth and gums, and check for cavities before a cleaning. But they will also want to have x-rays of your mouth to review and decide which type of dental cleaning is right for you.

Keeping your mouth healthy

Gums are key to dental health and they tell your dentist and hygienist a lot. Gingivitis can let us know that we need to take action to help reverse and improve your oral health. Things that increase the risk of gingivitis include smoking or chewing tobacco, crowded or overlapping teeth, and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and diabetes. Thankfully, gingivitis is reversible. It starts with removing tartar and plaque with the help of your hygienist or dentist, as well as learning proper techniques of daily brushing and flossing to maintain your oral health. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious dental problems, pain, and other health conditions.

Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and use fluoride toothpaste if available. Flossing daily is one of the easiest and best things you can do for your overall health. It doesn’t take long and can have big benefits. Lastly, schedule regular dental checkups every six months with one of our NOAH dental providers.

Healthy Smile Tips by Dr. Lou Sarrosa, Dental Director

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During the month of February, thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators come together to support National Children’s Dental Health Month. The goal is to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers and members of the community. At NOAH we believe in educating our little community members on the importance of having a healthy smile. We do this by partnering with local school districts, hosting free dental health screenings and providing oral health education to all attendees. We also attend various events in the community where we offer the same services while encouraging families in need of a dentist to come see us at one of our dental offices. At NOAH, we take oral health education a step further by providing these free community screening events all year long. With your help, and just a few simple tips from our dental pro’s, you and your child can have a healthy smile that is bright and cheerful.

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth daily.
  • Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
  • See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

October is Dental Hygiene Month!

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“Don’t be tricked on Halloween, choose the right treats that may help your children steer clear of the Mouth Monsters (also known as tooth decay) like Ginger Bite-Us and Tartar the Terrible. Instead, choose Tooth D.K. Dark chocolates and sugar-free gum which are better for the teeth compared to gummies, caramel, sour candy or bubble gum,” says our friends at The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists. They’re less likely to get stuck in the tiny grooves and crevices of your teeth. If you prefer chocolate, try to encourage your kids to eat dark chocolate. This tasty treat is packed with antioxidants that can stop bacteria from sticking to teeth, which may help fight gum infections and has less sugar in most cases than milk chocolate with may help reduce tooth decay! Don’t forget to rinse your mouth with water anytime you consume sweet treats and make sure to brush before bed! Have a safe and Happy Halloween from our NOAH family to yours!

For more information, go to: https://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/aapds-guide-to-a-tooth-friendly-halloween/

Halloween-Make Healthy Tooth Friendly Choices

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Follow these tooth friendly tips this Halloween!

1 – Consume treats in moderation.

2 – Screen treats your child collects and help them make tooth healthy choices.

3 – Allow you child to eat a few healthy choices after trick-or-treating and donate the rest.

4 – Brush your child’s teeth after eating their treats and before going to bed.

5 – Non-candy options like stickers, pencils and straws are great alternatives!

To schedule an appt., please call 480-882-4545.