PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

DENTAL EXAMS

• On your first dental visit, a complete dental exam will be done by your dentist followed by regular check-ups. These visits may include diagnostic x-rays (to identify decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss, or abnormal tooth positions, among other potential defects), oral cancer screening (checks on the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for signs of oral cancer), gum disease evaluations (checks on gums and bones around the teeth with signs of gum disease), tooth surface examinations (checks for tooth decay), or examinations of existing restorations (checks on the fillings, crowns, veneers, etc.). 

PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING 

• All professional dental cleanings (scaling, root planing, and polishing) are done by Registered Dental Hygienists. A cleaning appointment includes a dental exam and removal of calculus, plaque, and teeth polishing . Calculus (tartar) is the hardened plaque formed and firmly stuck to teeth. These are formed above and below the gum line and can be easily removed with appropriate dental instruments. Plaque is a sticky and almost invisible film that forms on teeth. It comprises bacteria, food debris, and salive. The toxins produced by the bacteria inflame the gums, which may cause periodontal disease and is detrimental to your general health. Finally, the teeth polishing removes stains and plaque that cannot be removed by brushing or scaling. 

• A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal for you. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts at home by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.  

    Tooth brushing 

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially the one before going to bed at night) with a CDA-approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. A guideline in effectively brushing teeth is recommended below: 1. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums. 2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. 3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of your front teeth. 4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.  Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. It is easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth, and allow the brush to do its job by brushing over several teeth at a time. 

Flossing 

• Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Not only does it clean, flossing also prevents plaque colonies from building up. A guideline in effectively flossing teeth is recommended below: 1. Take 12-16” (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle finger, leaving about 2” (5cm) of floss in between your hands. 2. Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss and slide it between each tooth with a gentle sawing motion. 3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Then gently move the floss up and down to clean the sides of each tooth.  Floss holders are a good alternative if conventional floss is difficult for one to hold with their fingers. 

Rinsing 

• Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing and also after meals is the key to maintaining a healthy oral hygiene. If an over-the-counter product is used for rinsing, it is recommended to ask your dentist whether it's right for you or not. Other dental aids may be recommended by your dentist, such as interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, or fluoride medicated rinses. Consult your dentist to learn more about them.