Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene At your hygiene appointment our hygienist will clean, polish, and x-ray your teeth. They will also evaluate your gums and oral hygiene habits. They also take the time to help with any home care instructions, such as, brushing and flossing techniques. After an examination, Dr Haack and your hygienist may give you suggestions for preventive care at home. They may recommend fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinses, sealants, or a night guard if they suspect bruxism. Even if you do a thorough job brushing and cleaning between your teeth each day, your smile needs and deserves regular professional cleaning at the dental office. Brushing and flossing help remove a great deal of plaque, but it's nearly impossible to eliminate all of it. That's because plaque, a clear, sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on teeth. As plaque collects, it forms a hard layer of tartar especially in the hard-to-reach areas near the gum line and between teeth. And, once plaque hardens into tartar, the only way it can be removed is with professional cleaning at the dental office. The bacteria found in the plaque and tarter create toxic chemicals that irritate the gums, causing the gums to become inflamed or bleed easily. Over time, the gums may pull away from the teeth causing gum disease.

Periodontal (gum disease)

The common cause of recession is due to gum disease or periodontitis. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the result of plaque that sticks to our teeth. Plaque is a film that harbors millions of bacteria that produce toxins. These toxins are what cause the gum tissue to pull back, recede, swell, and bleed. If left untreated the gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. This can result in bone damage, infections, and the eventual loss of teeth. (Recently, numerous studies have related gingivitis and periodontitis to heart disease.) Gum disease is treatable and preventable. Brushing, flossing, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular professional cleanings are the basics of preventing gum disease. Your hygienist can create an oral hygiene program just for you that can help you avoid gum disease.