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Oral Examination
Oral Exams are crucial to your health. We examine your head, neck, jaws, mouth, teeth, and gums, and screen for oral cancer. So many problems like gum disease, oral cancer and tooth decay are easily prevented or detected with regular visits. Our office uses the latest technology for your oral examinations so that you are comfortable and your long term health is always our highest priority. After every exam we can discuss home treatments so that you stay healthy between visits.
Dental Hygiene 101
Brushing:
Step 1 Brush along your gum line at a 45 degree angle. Always brush using a circular motion, and remember to brush gently.
Step 2 Brush each tooth individually! Tilt your brush vertically behind your upper and lower front teeth. Remember to brush gently in circular motions!
Step 3 Brush against the biting surface of your teeth using a gentle back and forth motion.
Step 4 Use a tongue scraper to clean odor causing bacteria off the tongue
Flossing:
1. Wind 18” of floss around the middle fingers of each hand.
2. Hold the floss between thumbs and index fingers leaving 1" to 2" length in between.
3. Use thumbs and index fingers to direct floss between teeth.
4. Always use a “Up and Down” motion.
5. Never floss “Back and Forth”, it can damage your teeth and gums.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, infects the gums and bone supporting the teeth and is often the result of bacteria found in plaque. One of the more disturbing aspects of gum disease involves its lack of signs and symptoms. While seldom painful in the early stages, periodontal disease can be free of any obvious indicators, and therefore can progress undetected.
Periodontal, or gum, disease can lead to bad breath, bleeding and inflamed gums, the destruction of the supporting bone, tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss. Recent studies have also linked the bacteria that cause periodontal disease to chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, strokes, ulcers, arthritis, even Alzheimer’s disease.
Are you At Risk of Gum Disease?
1. Do you ever have pain in your mouth?
2. Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food?
3. Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?
4. Do your gums feel swollen or tender?
5. Have you noticed that your gums are receding or your teeth appear longer than before?
6. Do you have persistent bad breath?
7. Have you noticed any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
8. Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?
If you answered yes to any of these questions contact our office immediately!
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