Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exam
We all know that good oral hygiene and regular dental visits keep your teeth looking and feeling great, but did you know that oral hygiene is also essential to your overall health? It's true, poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as infection, gum disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even pregnancy problems; such as low birth weight.
That's why the American Dental Association recommends that teeth be cleaned professionally at least twice a year. A cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and tartar in order to prevent cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. The average dental cleaning is a routine procedure that takes 30 to 45 minutes.
At Ocean Breeze Dental, our Hygienists, Linnane and Brittany, specialize in and frequently perform a variety of dental cleaning procedures. Whether you are visiting us for a regular polish or a deep cleaning for advanced gum disease, you can rest assured that your procedure will be performed by a skilled and experienced licensed professional.
We believe it is very important for our patients to develop excellent oral hygiene habits at home. We will take the time to evaluate your hygiene techniques and make suggestions to adjust your routine when needed. Our doctors and hygienists will also make suggestions for preventative measures including: at home care products, chlorhexidine irrigation, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
If we feel that you are suffering from periodontal disease, which is a more severe form of gum disease involving destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, we may recommend a deep cleaning which involves root scaling or planing. These measures can be instrumental in achieving healthy gums, preventing further bone loss and helping you to keep your natural teeth.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During a dental exam, the doctor will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches or recurring sore areas. Early detection of changes in the oral tissues through regular comprehensive oral tissue exams at your cleaning appointments can help identify cancer at a stage where it can be more successfully treated.
Smoking and chewing tobacco, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption, are the primary risk factors for oral cancer. It has been reported that up to 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country are related to tobacco and alcohol use. Other lifestyle and environmental factors also may increase your risk of developing oral cancer. It is very important to fill out an accurate health history as this information aids the doctor in looking for potential risk factors.
