Regular Dental Hygiene Visits

If you hear gentle reminders from us about the importance of your regular hygiene exams, there’s good reason.

These exams – what many people know as professional tooth cleanings – are the key to keeping your smile healthy! Did you know that dental problems often develop without pain? Because we genuinely care about your dental health, we emphasize prevention and education in our practice.

Our goal is to diagnose any problems early, when treatment is easier and less expensive.

Your regular hygiene exam is the best safeguard against major dental problems.

What Happens During a Typical Hygiene Visit

Working under the supervision of our dentists, our professional dental hygienists perform several essential functions of your dental care. During a typical appointment, your hygienist will

• Remove soft deposits (plaque) and hard deposits (tartar) from your teeth
• Examine your gums and teeth to note the presence of disease or decay for diagnosis by our dentists
• Polish and smooth your tooth surfaces to make it more difficult for disease-causing plaque and debris to accumulate on your teeth

Depending on your dental needs, your hygienist may also

• Take dental x-rays, important for helping us find and treat problems that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam
• Perform scaling and root planning, a periodontal gum therapy
• Apply fluoride or sealants to your teeth

Our professional dental hygienists are here to share their extensive knowledge and experience with you, including proper brushing and flossing techniques as well as the relationship between your diet and your oral health. Good dental home care combined with regular professional tooth cleanings are the best bet for preventing cavities and other problems.

Please don’t hesitate to ask our friendly hygienists any questions you may have!

No dental treatment we offer is more important than how well you care for your teeth at home. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as a balanced diet, have the biggest impact on your oral health.

Brushing with Fluoride Toothpaste

When it comes to dental home care (and preventing cavities), daily brushing reigns supreme. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, once in the morning and once at night. This removes plaque – a sticky, harmful film of bacteria – and helps prevent decay. Are you using toothpaste for sensitive teeth? If so, it’s a good idea to talk to us about your symptoms. We can rule out larger problems and recommend appropriate treatments to help with your sensitive teeth.

Electric Toothbrushes: Your Best Option for Dental Hygiene

At Alpine Dental Health, we join the American Dental Association in recommending electric toothbrushes, which make it easier to use the correct technique for preventing cavities and maintaining good oral health. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones at removing plaque and reducing early gum disease (gingivitis). Electric toothbrushes move bristles at a much faster speed than you could possibly achieve manually, and they also are better at removing plaque in hard-to-reach places.

Daily Flossing

Why bother to floss? When it comes to the health of your mouth and preventing gum disease, daily flossing is as important as brushing. That’s because floss removes plaque and food stuck between your teeth and under your gum line – places even an electric toothbrush can’t reach.

Eating a Balanced Diet Helps Keep Your Mouth and Body Healthy

Good nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy gums and avoiding tooth decay. The USDA’s Food Pyramid is a tool that can help you make healthy choices.

We are always here to help you improve the care you give your teeth and gums at home. Please ask our friendly and knowledgeable team any questions you may have. We’d love to help!