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Dental cleaning specific means the professional
cleaning you can only receive from a dental clinic. In most
cases this procedure is recommended on a six-month basis, however
we will discuss with you the frequency most appropriate in your
case.
Scaling
Traditional Scaling is done by hand alone from your
dental hygienists. With the advance of technology, electric scalers
became available therefore dental cleaning can be done in much
shorter period of time. However, to achieve best results, electric
and manual scaling should be combined in dental cleaning.
Polishing
There basically are two kinds of polisher: (1)
prophy jet polishing and (2) rubber tip polishing with prophy
paste. Prophy jet polishing works by spraying high pressured water
mixed with baking soda paste onto the surface of your teeth.
Powered water can wash away the residue and plaque, while the
baking soda can remove brown and yellow stains and neutralize the
acidic conditions of your mouth. Rubber cup polishing employs
a low-speed hand piece with a rubber cup tip mounted on the top.
Inside the rubber cup is polishing paste, which contains
abrasive ingredients for removing stains and fluoride for
strengthening tooth enamel. The rubber cup is spinning slowly
on the surface of the teeth. The paste even comes with many
pleasant flavors, such as mint grape, and orange.
Both polishing procedures above can polish stains away efficiently,
and can be used to remove heavy stains if any.
Fluoride
Treatment
Fluoride is found in products containing strong concentrations
of fluoride to fight tooth decay. These products, including
toothpastes and mouth rinses, are applied directly to the teeth and
are then expectorated or rinsed from the mouth without swallowing.
Dentists recommend brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at
least twice a day or after every meal, combined with a regimen of
flossing and regular dental checkups.
Professionally-administered topical fluorides such as gels or
varnishes are applied by the dentist and left on for up to four
minutes during a cleaning treatment. For patients with a high
risk of dental caries, the dentist may prescribe a special gel for
daily home use, to be applied with or without a mouth tray for up
to six weeks.
X-ray
Examination
A visual examination is insufficient to accurately predict
problems which may arise. As part of prevention our office
will include a radiographic (x-ray) examination of the hard
structures of the teeth and jaws. Dental x-rays may reveal
tooth decay, bone loss due to gum disease, infections, the
congenital absence of certain teeth, problems with the way new
teeth will erupt, as well as other problems affecting the teeth and
gums. Wisdom teeth are also easily checked with dental x-rays
to see if the teeth will come in normally or are blocked.
A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing
surfaces of back teeth. It creates a barrier to against decay
and is highly effective. Sealants are only applied on
decay-free teeth. Children always receive significant
benefits from sealant. Adults whose teeth with deep groves
are pit and fissure decay suspicious can also be candidates for
sealants. Sealants are recommended for those who receive
topical fluoride application and who live in water fluoridated
communities. Fluoride helps fight decay on the smooth
surfaces of the teeth, but it is least effective in pit and
fissures.
Mouthguards should be worn during all recreational and athletic
activities to protect the mouth and teeth from serious injury --
especially activities where there is contact or potential contact
with another person, piece of equipment, or the ground. In
fact, the Ontario Amateur Hockey Association requires all players
to wear a protective mouth guard. Our office can prepare a
comfortably fitting protective mouth guard at your request.
What Is Bruxism?
"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the
advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress.
If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your
teeth or clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism, and often it
happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by
sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or
crooked.
Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw.
You could have teeth that are painful or loose from severe
grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth.
Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your
teeth during sleep.
If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax! Physical
therapy, muscle relaxants, counseling and even exercise may help
reduce tension.
Don't make your teeth the brunt of your stress.
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