At Southwood Dental Centre in Winnipeg, we believe in prevention first when it comes to maintaining your oral health long term.
Preventative dental hygiene includes attending regular checkup appointments at your dental office and practicing good oral health care daily. These practices can help decrease the likelihood of dental problems and help you avoid serious and costly treatments in the future.
Regular checkup appointments are recommended every six months, and include the following:
Your dentist will complete a thorough oral exam of your teeth and gums. This may include digital x-rays and screening for signs of oral cancer. These exams allow your dentist to diagnose issues and make a plan to treat them.
Your hygienist will use a scaler to remove tartar and plaque build-up between your teeth and along your gums. Your hygienist will also use an electric polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove leftover stains and plaque that are not removed by scaling, followed by professional flossing of your teeth and gums.
In additional to the examination and cleaning, your appointment may include any of the following procedures.
Digital x-ray imaging produces extremely detailed computer images of the teeth, gums, and other structures of your mouth. Digital x-rays may reveal information not visible to the eye such as abscesses, tumors and other developmental abnormalities.
Panoramic digital x-rays create a single image of the entire mouth including the teeth, jaws, and even the nasal and sinus areas. The result is a flat representation of the jaw's curved structure, making it easier for your dentist to analyze each part of your mouth in relation to the whole.
Your dentist has the skill and training to detect early signs of oral cancer by closely examining your oral tissues (lips, gums, cheeks and tongue).
Fluoride is a natural mineral commonly used in dentistry. Found in soil, air, water and even some foods, fluoride can also help rebuild the minerals in the enamel of your teeth to prevent or reverse tooth decay. If you have a high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment.
To maintain your oral hygiene between appointments, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, ideally before going to bed.
Your Southwood Dental Centre dentist or dental hygienist can give you additional tips on how to take good care of your teeth at home.
If you're looking for a dentist in Winnipeg, we'd love to see your smile!