Hygiene and Prevention

Preventative dental care is always the best policy. Treatment before any pain or infection occurs is almost always easier to manage, less painful, less time-consuming, and less expensive.

The preventative care team has three primary branches. Your dentist, your dental hygienist, and of course you! It is imperative that this team works together as a cohesive unit.

We recommend regularly scheduled visits to see your dentist one time per year and your dental hygienist twice per year. Once a baseline is established, this frequency can be increased or reduced based on your specific needs.

It is possible to organize appointments so that you see your hygienist and dentist during the same appointment so that you can reduce the number of office visits you need to make.

You make up the final branch of your dental care team. We will always do our best to take care of all your oral hygiene needs when you come in to see us, but it is imperative that you maintain your regular oral care routine at home.

Don’t hesitate to ask us for information and feedback about what you could do differently, that’s what were here for!

In the meantime, here are ten things you can do at home to improve your oral hygiene:

Ten Ways to Improve Your Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can damage your teeth and cause tooth decay.
Drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
Chew sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acid in your mouth.
Avoid tobacco products, which can stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to maintain good oral health.

What should I expect during my dental Hygeine appointment

During your dental hygiene appointment, you can expect your dental hygienist to perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums, and to assess your oral health. The appointment usually lasts about an hour.

Medical History Review: Your dental hygienist will review your medical history, including any changes in your health or medications since your last appointment.
Oral Examination: The dental hygienist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to identify any potential oral health issues, such as cavities or signs of gum disease.
Ultrasonic Cleaning: Using an ultrasonic scaler, the hygienist will remove any plaque, tartar, or stains from your teeth. The scaler uses high-frequency vibrations to loosen and remove buildup from the teeth and gums.
Manual Cleaning: After the ultrasonic cleaning, the hygienist will perform a manual cleaning with special tools to remove any remaining plaque and debris.
Polishing: The hygienist will use a polishing tool and paste to smooth and shine your teeth.
Oral Health Education: The dental hygienist will educate you on proper oral hygiene techniques, including brushing and flossing, and may recommend specific products to use at home based on your needs.
Answering Questions: You can ask any questions you have about your oral health or hygiene routine.
Fluoride Treatment: The hygienist may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
Hygiene Products Recommendations: The hygienist may recommend specific dental hygiene products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash, to use at home to help improve your oral health.

Overall, your dental hygiene appointment is an opportunity to maintain your oral health and to catch any potential problems early on. It’s important to keep up with regular dental visits to help prevent cavities and gum disease, and to maintain good overall health. For Most patients, we recommend a hygiene appointment every six months. However, this depends on your specific needs, some patients need to come in every four months, while others can come in less frequently. At your first appointment, we will discuss which is right for you, and then we can adapt that as things change.

Hygeine and Orthodontics

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment, as the braces or other orthodontic appliances can make it more difficult to clean your teeth properly.

Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment:

Brush regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled brush. Angle the brush toward the gum line, and brush in circular motions to help remove plaque and food particles from around your brackets and wires.
Floss daily: Flossing is essential to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around your brackets and wires. A floss threader or orthodontic floss can make flossing with braces easier.
Use an interdental brush: An interdental brush can help clean between your brackets and wires.
Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods: Hard, sticky, or sugary foods can damage your braces and increase your risk of tooth decay.
Visit your orthodontist regularly: Regular appointments with your orthodontist can ensure that your braces are properly adjusted and that your teeth and gums remain healthy.

Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. By following these tips and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help ensure a successful orthodontic treatment outcome and a healthy, beautiful smile.

Do I really need to floss?

YESSSSSS !!! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but yes, you really do need to floss.

Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene and offers several benefits for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Here are some of the benefits of flossing:

Removes food particles: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth that brushing alone cannot reach.
Prevents gum disease: Flossing helps prevent gum disease by removing plaque buildup that can irritate your gums and lead to inflammation and bleeding.
Reduces bad breath: Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth, which can help reduce bad breath.
Improves overall health: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Flossing helps remove bacteria and plaque from your mouth, which can improve your overall health.

While some people may think that brushing alone is enough to maintain good oral hygiene, flossing is a necessary step in preventing dental problems. At Summit Dental, we recommend flossing at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along your gum line. Talk to us about the best flossing technique for you and the appropriate type of floss to use.

What sort of toothpaste should I buy?

When it comes to buying toothpaste, you should look for a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and protects your teeth from decay.

There are also different types of toothpaste available that target specific dental needs.

For example:

Whitening toothpaste: can help remove surface stains and make your teeth appear brighter, but these should NOT be used for extended periods of time.
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth: can help relieve tooth sensitivity by desensitizing your teeth.
Toothpaste for gum health: can help prevent or treat gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup.
Children’s toothpaste: contains lower levels of fluoride and has fun flavors to encourage children to brush.

Ultimately, the type of toothpaste you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about which type of toothpaste is best for you.