Oral hygiene is composed of home care and in office cleaning . Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day will prevent dental plaque to build up.
Plaque will harden in 2 days, turning into hard tartar which may only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Plaque and tartar left untreated will develop into gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Plaque is a colorless biofilm that collects on the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line.
Inadequate plaque control is the primary cause of gingivitis (inflamed gums), periodontitis (bacterial gum disease) and oral malodor (bad breath). Patients can minimize bacterial accumulation through regular brushing, flossing, tongue scraping and periodic dental hygiene appointments (dental prophylaxis).
Regular dental examinations are required to effectively prevent the development of serious gum disease.
During the hygiene appointment ,the hygienist and dentist may:
• Screen for cancer and other diseases
• Evaluate supporting bone structure
• Check for cavities
• Assess the integrity of existing dental restorations
• Take x-rays
• Apply Fluoride
• Evaluate aesthetic options.
Your oral health is directly linked to your overall health.