I Brush and Floss. Why Do I Keep Getting Cavities?
One of the main responsibilities of a dental hygienist, in addition to cleaning our patient’s teeth, is education. This part of our job may be even more important than the treatment that we provide during the office visits. This is because what a patient does at home on a day to day basis between those […]
Is periodontal disease (gum disease) dangerous during pregnancy?
During pregnancy it is common for gums to be swollen and bleed, but it is not normal. The signs to look for in periodontal disease (gum disease) are receding gums, tenderness during brushing/flossing, bleeding, and swelling. These are signs that should not be ignored during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, her progesterone hormones are […]
A Guide to Teeth Whitening
Are your pearly whites not so white anymore? There are many options available to you to get your smile looking bright again. First let’s discuss why your smile isn’t what it used to be. Food and Drink-red wine, coffee and tea are some of the major causes of stain Age-over time the outer layer of […]
Smoking and Your Dental Health
Are you ready to quit smoking? Have you tried quitting? Do you think about quitting? There are numerous health reasons why cessation of smoking is vital. When it comes to dentistry and smoking, periodontal disease is what lands at the top of the list. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is when bacterial infection […]
How Beneficial is Fluoride for My Teeth?
One of the most common questions that I hear as a hygienist is “what toothpaste should I be using?” My answer depends on a patient’s specific needs and can vary, but for the average person my answer is “a fluoride toothpaste.” The enamel on your teeth is made up mostly of minerals – these are […]
Does a Water Flosser (Waterpik) replace flossing?
A Waterpik Water Flosser is a wonderful gadget that is used to flush out food debris from around the teeth and gums. Water pulsates out of a specialized tip that you then trace around your gum line in a pattern. It dilutes nasty acids and toxins and over time it stimulates swollen, unhealthy gums, healing […]
