Proper Dental Hygiene

Adult Cleaning
After an exam, if a patient has no gum disease or infection, normally the dentist would recommend an Adult Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning). Either your dentist or the dental hygienist will clean your teeth, polish the teeth, flossing between the teeth and will offer instructions on oral hygiene to be followed at home. More info on cleaning, polishing, flossing, and oral hygiene instruction is given below:

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Application of topical fluoride or fluoride varnish is highly recommended for adults as well every six months hygiene visit. This is a highly effective way to prevent cavities or decay forming on your teeth. Normally adults do not receive topical fluoride or fluoride varnish on teeth after cleaning. Fluoride application also helps to reduce teeth sensitivity. If you need those applied, please check with the dentist or the dental hygienist.

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Child Cleaning
After an exam, children will need Child Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning). Either your dentist or the dental hygienist will clean your child’s teeth, polish the teeth, flossing between the teeth and will offer instructions on oral hygiene to be followed at home. If a child needs any sealants it is done on premolar and molar teeth, if recommended by the dentist. Next Topical fluoride foam or varnish is applied. More info on cleaning, polishing, flossing, and oral hygiene instruction is given below:

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It is highly recommended to have a topical fluoride application after each dental hygiene visit for children. Also one of the best-proven ways to reduce cavities in children is the application of Sealants. Sealants are normally recommended after an exam by the dentist.

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•  Cleaning — Although home-based tooth brushing and flossing help remove plaque, only a professional cleaning – provided by your dentist or dental hygienist – can thoroughly clean your teeth and remove the hardened plaque (called calculus or tartar) that builds up on teeth. Most hygienists use a series of metal hand instruments to clean your teeth. Some are using ultrasonic scalers, which provide deep cleaning above and below the gum line.

• Polishing — After your teeth have been cleaned, they are polished to remove plaque and stains on the tooth surface. The polish contains an abrasive substance with or without fluoride and is applied using a small rotating rubber cup or brush attached to the dental handpiece.

• Flossing — Your teeth will be flossed using proper flossing technique. You may also receive proper instructions on how to use a floss properly and instructions to use it daily. Flossing in between teeth is key to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bone loss.

• Oral Hygiene Instructions — Your hygienist might offer additional instructions for you to follow at home, based on the results of your exam. Don’t hesitate to ask your hygienist for instructions about brushing or flossing, or general care questions about your teeth and gums.

 

Click to learn more about Topical Fluoride /Fluoride Varnish Application 
Click to learn more about dental Sealants