Oral Hygiene - Complete Dental Exam

In order to maintain healthy teeth, it is vital to remove plaque and tarter on a regular basis.
During your visit, Dr. Elyassi and his team will perform an oral cancer screening exam, check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instructions, and monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are provided only in extremely necessary conditions or at the patient’s own request. Good oral hygiene and in-between cleanings by a dental hygienist are essential to prevent cavities, tartar build-up, and gum disease...

We offer Digital X-Rays with instant digital images of your teeth to help provide and consult an accurate diagnosis of your dental needs.

Regular teeth cleaning (Prophylaxis) by a dental hygienist is recommended to remove tartar that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing, and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.

Facts About Oral Hygiene

• Over 100 species of bacteria and hundreds of species of fungi, protozoa and viruses take up residence in our mouths.
• Saliva contains 40 essential proteins.
• 50% of Americans do not receive regular oral health care.
• The average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds per day. The recommended amount of time is 2 to 3 minutes per brushing.
• It is possible to have periodontal disease with no warning signs.

Most dental hygienist recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned at least once every 12 to 24 months. More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during the treatment of many of the dental/oral disorders. Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least every year. This may include yearly selective dental X-rays.

Oral Hygiene FAQ

1. How often should I visit Dr. Elyassi and his team to maintain good oral hygiene?

Everyone has different needs based on their habits, medical and dental histories, and overall health. Dr. Elyassi must examine your teeth to understand and recommend how often you will need to have check-ups and oral cleanings. Proper oral hygiene is an invaluable component to your oral health, it can be instrumentalin the early prevention, detection and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as other dental health concerns that may not be evident to you.

2. What is the importance of seeing a hygienist?

The hygienist’s role goes beyond just a professional cleaning. The hygienist, depending on state regulations, is trained and licensed to deliver a wide range of services to their patients. These may include periodontal therapy, laser therapy, periodontal screening and risk assessment, periodontal maintenance, home care guidance and instruction, oral cancer screenings, nutritional counseling, smoking cessation counseling, and screening for signs of eating disorders and diabetes. The hygienist can devote her time entirely to you, addressing your oral hygiene, prevention, and maintenance as well as your overall health.

3. Is tongue cleaning just a fad?

For centuries, Eastern cultures have added tongue cleaning to their daily oral hygiene regimen. It is now becoming more broadly-recognized and recommended by dental professionals as an essential step for proper oral hygiene. As bad breath concerns have become a focus, the tongue has been recognized as the source that harbors a large percentage of the bacteria in the mouth, even after brushing and flossing. Studies indicate that although brushing the tongue is an effective way to remove the bacteria, using a tongue cleaner/scraper with a specially designed shape that conforms to the surface of the tongue and that has a ripple edge is the most effective means for cleaning the tongue.