Good oral hygiene is important, not only for looks, but for general health as well. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

1. To Prevent Oral Cancer

According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, we also screen you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.

2. To Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.

3. To Help Maintain Good Physical Health

Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.

4. To Keep Your Teeth

Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.

5. To Detect Dental Problems Early

We will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.

6. To Maintain Good Oral Health

We will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene we will help put you back on the right path.

7. To Use Your Dental Insurance Plan

Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene.

8. To Create a Treatment Plan

If  we diagnoses any problems in your mouth, we will most likely give you a treatment plan. This treatment plan should have the cost of each procedure that you will need, so that you can discuss financial arrangements with the front office.

9. To Have a Bright and White Smile

We can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, we will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile!

10. To Prevent Bad Breath

Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.

Toothpaste has many functions; it eliminates and/or masks bad breath, removes dental plaque and food from your teeth, polishes your teeth and removes stain over time. Overall, toothpaste promotes good oral health.

What’s in toothpaste?

Toothpaste, also known as dentifrice, is available in paste, gel, or powder form. Despite the many types of toothpaste that exist, some ingredients are common to most varieties. These include:

·       Abrasives to grind away the leftover food and plaque on your teeth with the help of your toothbrush. In addition, abrasives polish your teeth and remove stain over time.

·       Fluoride to make the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promote remineralization, which makes your teeth stronger.

·       Antimicrobial agents, such as xylitol or triclosan, to fight the bacteria of dental plaque and gum disease.

·       Surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents to carry away debris from the mouth and between teeth.

·       Anti-tartar agents to help prevent the formation of tartar, also referred to as calcified plaque.

·       Desensitizing agents to relieve tooth sensitivity.

·       Binding agents, which bind all of the components of the toothpaste together.

·       Humectants to prevent your toothpaste from drying up.

·       Flavour to make the brushing experience more enjoyable.

·       Sweetening agents to make the formulation more suitable for oral use.

How do I know which toothpaste is right for me?

When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it’s important to think about your unique oral health needs. Some toothpastes aim to alleviate pain associated with sensitive teeth. Some help to control plaque and tartar. Some are designed to remove stains and to whiten teeth. Because each brand of toothpaste is uniquely formulated to perform a specific function, ask us which would be the the right one for you and your family.

Children’s toothpaste is something else. The next time you come in ask us.