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During your hygiene appointment, Dr. Mary Rose will do an exam to check for any areas of concern with your teeth.  She will inspect your gums, teeth, jaw and tongue as well as a head and neck examination. Below is a description of what will happen during your head and neck exam.

Examination of your gums:  Dr. Mary Rose will check the health of your gums.  She will be looking for signs of swelling and bleeding pockets. This will help her diagnose the potential of gum disease.

Examination of your tongue: Dr. Mary Rose will look for any color or texture changes that is a possible sign of a serious issue. 

Examination of your salivary glands: Dr. Mary Rose will check to make sure they are functioning correctly.  You are at an increased risk to cavities, infection & bad breath if your mouth is drier than normal.

Examination of your tonsils: Dr. Mary Rose will check your tonsils for signs of infection, irritation or tonsil stones.  Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are pebble-like formations when debris, fungi or bacteria gets trapped.  It can be made up of food particles, mucus, or germs.

Screening for unusually bad breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by the foods you eat, poor dental habits or an underlying health issue.  Dr. Mary Rose will offer her advise on how to alleviate the issue.

Screening for oral cancer: Dr. Mary Rose will examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer.  Early detection will allow you to have more time for successful treatment.

Examination of your neck: Dr. Mary Rose will exam your neck for any abnormalities.

Evaluation of your bite/checking for TMJ issues:  Dr. Mary Rose will check your bite for any signs of teeth misalignment or malocclusion.  She will check for evidence of teeth grinding or clenching.

Evaluation of your teeth: Dr. Mary Rose will look to see how your teeth fit together, look for wear, fractures and decay.

As you can see, your examination is very important.  Dr. Mary Rose is dedicated to giving you the best exam for your overall health and peace of mind. 

Endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA), Oral Health Month is a reminder about the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene.  This month, Dr. Mary Rose discusses how important oral examinations are as well as steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums.

Your mouth is a reflection of your health.  Regular hygiene visits will keep your teeth and gums healthy.   During the examination, Dr. Mary Rose will be able to see signs of tooth decay, infection, gum disease and other oral health issues.  Dr. Mary Rose will also be able to see other potential health issues.

Anemia – Symptoms include pale tissues and a smooth tongue.  Dr. Mary Rose will check your medical history and medications to see if they are causing you to experience anemia.

Diabetes – Symptoms include white patches or thrush, dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth, swollen / bleeding gums, foamy saliva, difficulty tasting foods and loose teeth.  While some of these are signs of gum disease, if Dr. Mary Rose finds a suspicious symptom, she may refer you to your primary care physician for further examination.

Cancer – During your examination, Dr. Mary Rose will check for lumps or sores in your gums, cheek or tongue. 

Acid Reflux or GERD – Signs of GERD are often associated with frequent heartburns and chest pains, your dentist can also see symptoms of GERD on your throat and teeth.  As the stomach acid goes up your esophagus, it can leave damage to your throat.  Dr. Mary Rose will check for signs of tooth erosion and lesions on your throat during your examination.

Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is hard to detect without a bone density scan.  However, Dr. Mary Rose can notice conditions during the examination.  Bone loss around teeth and in the jaw, gum disease, tooth loss, poorly-fitting dentures may suggest you see your primary care physician.

Dr. Mary Rose wants everyone to have healthier, beautiful problem-free smiles.  Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice daily, eat a nutritious diet, avoid foods with high amounts of sugar, drink plenty of water during the day and schedule your hygiene visits.

Once you have made the decision to have a mouthguard, your next step is to decide what type of mouthguard.  Dr. Mary Rose suggests choosing a mouthguard that will fit you the best.  Your mouthguard needs to fit properly to keep it in place when in use.  A comfortable fit and proper thickness will ensure protection from your recreational activities.

Over The Counter Mouthguard: Boil and bite mouthguard, allows you to shape it to your bite and soft tissues after you have immersed it in hot water for a limited time and cooled.   These are best for growing patients or those in orthodontics.   Dr. Mary Rose recommends having her check to make sure the mouthguard you chose fits properly and will protect your smile.

Custom made Mouthguard: Custom made mouthguards allows you to have a mouthguard designed specifically for your mouth.  Dr. Mary Rose will take an impression of your mouth to create a mouthguard that can provide better protection.

Caring for your mouthguard is very important.  Dr. Mary Rose recommends following these instructions to keep your mouthguard clean and stay in great shape to protect your mouth.

Clean your mouthguard after each use: Dr. Mary Rose suggests using a toothbrush and toothpaste.  Rinse immediately and lay it on a clean surface to allow it to dry completely before storing it to prevent rapid bacterial grown. 

Always store your mouthguard in a case: Dr. Mary Rose recommends that you dry your mouthguard before placing it in the case.

Do not store your mouthguard in an extreme hot or cold environment: Extreme temperatures might cause the mouthguard to lose its shape.

Keep your mouthguard away from pets: Pets might take your mouthguard and chew on it causing you to have to purchase a new one.

Do not chew on your mouthguard: Chewing on your mouthguard will decrease the life of your mouthguard.

Bring your mouthguard with you to your dental appointments: Our office will be happy to clean your mouthguard for you and Dr. Mary Rose will check the appliance for any issues such as cracks or worn spots.

Enjoy the warmer weather and if you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Mary Rose would be happy to help you.

Brushing and Flossing: Dr. Mary Rose suggests brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day.  When selecting a toothbrush, use a soft bristled toothbrush.  The soft bristles are safer on your gums.  Flossing is very important.  It keeps your teeth and your gums healthy.  Flossing also helps remove food particles trapped between your teeth.  Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

Toothpaste: There is a wide variety of toothpaste on the market today.  Dr. Mary Rose suggests using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.  Fluoride helps prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria, slows down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel as well as reverses early signs of tooth decay.

Diet:  A healthy diet is important for your overall health including your oral health.  Eating a variety of healthy foods (fruits, grains, vegetables, fluoridated water, protein and dairy) provides essential nutrients needed to have healthy teeth and gums.  If your diet lacks certain nutrients, your risk for gum disease, infection and tooth loss increases.

Nighttime Teeth Grinding/Clinching:  To avoid damage to your teeth, Dr. Mary Rose suggests an occlusal guard worn at night.  The mouthguard will protect your teeth, prevent headaches associated with grinding and clinching and will improve your sleep quality.

Regular Dental Visits: Dr. Mary Rose recommends scheduling regular hygiene visits.  During your visit, Dr. Mary Rose will be able to check for tooth decay, gum diseases, or any other potential problems. 

If you have any questions about maintaining a proper level of oral hygiene, Dr. Mary Rose would be happy to answer any concerns you may have during your visit to our office.