OUR HYGIENE DEPARTMENT

PREVENTIVE CARE :

Here at Holly Dental Associates we know the importance of Patient education during your hygiene visits. The Hygiene department is where we get the opportunity to go over home care which is so important in maintaining good oral health.  During your examination, we use the latest technology to help diagnose any problems that might exist.

Brushing and flossing are the mainstays of good dental care and oral health.

HYGIENE CENTER frequently ask questions 

Q.   Does bleaching hurt my teeth?          

A.   No, although it can cause temporary sensitivity.

Q.   Does sensitive toothpaste work?

A.   Yes, due to the ingredient potassium nitrate.

Q.   What is the best time of day to floss?

A.  Anytime! Once a day helps keep decay away.

Q.   What is the best toothbrush?

A.   Any soft bristle brush

Q.   What is done at every hygiene appointment?

A. X-rays once a year

Exams by doctor every 6 months

Oral cancer screening

Periodontal screening

Cleaning and polishing

Q.   Why are x-rays necessary?

A.   We take x-rays because they are important in the detection of decay between the teeth where we can’t see. They also show us any changes in bone levels, infections in roots and show possible lesions in bone.

Don't take your smile for granted! Maintain good oral health by practicing regular dental care habits and reporting problems to your dentist promptly. Clean your teeth daily and see your dentist two times a year to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.

Oral health problems to report to your dentist

Call your dentist promptly if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms that may suggest oral health problems:

    Red, tender or swollen gums

    Gums that bleed when you brush and flossing

    Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, which may make your teeth seem longer

    A bad taste in your mouth

    Loose teeth

    Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch

    Changes in the feel of your dentures

    Sensitivity to hot and cold

    Puss around your teeth and gums when you press on the gums

 How do I care for a bridge?

With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly.

If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque, your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge.

Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums.

If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed “bridge” to last as long as 8 to 10 years, or even longer.

The Dangers of Oral Cancer

• Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, accounting for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed
• Roughly 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported annually in the United States
• The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45
• Men are twice as likely as women to develop the disease
• Oral cancer can lead to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement, and death
• Oral cancer accounts for roughly 9,000 deaths annually
• Oral cancer has one of the worst five-year survival rates - about 54%
• Because oral cancer is usually not diagnosed early, fewer than half of all oral cancer patients are cured

What causes oral cancer?

• Carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol
• Excessive exposure to the sun
• Human papillomavirus infection.
• Risk factors for oral cancer may also be genetically inherited

What are the warning signs to watch out for?

• Red, white or discolored lesions, patches or lumps in or around the mouth
• Painless in its early stages
• As the cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps become more painful
• Typically a swelling, growth or lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck
• Repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing