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This month, Dr. Mary Rose discusses the importance of dental hygiene.

Nobody wants to experience a toothache or have gum disease.  Following these important oral hygiene routines will help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth.  Developing and adhering to good oral hygiene habits will reduce your risks.

Brush Twice a Day

Dr. Mary Rose recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day (every morning and every night).   Brush your teeth for two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride.   You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or if you notice the head is worn out or loose.

Floss Daily

Dr. Mary Rose recommends you floss at least once a day.  Flossing removes any food particles and cleans the hard-to-reach places between your teeth.  This will help prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.

Mouthwash

Dr. Mary Rose recommends alcohol free mouthwash for her patients.  Alcohol free mouthwash does not cause dry mouth or discomfort with a burning sensation.

Creating and sticking to good oral hygiene habits and regular hygiene appointments will help you achieve a clean, healthy smile.

Digital radiographs are an important tool dentists use to diagnose cavities, bone loss, tooth positioning, abscess, and tumors.  The radiographs allow dentists to see deep beneath the gums, where a dentist simply cannot see when they look in your mouth.   Dr. Mary Rose is dedicated to providing the safest, most comfortable experience possible.  Good quality diagnostic radiographs are crucial to maintaining your overall health.

In the past, dental radiographs were performed using film.  The technology of digital radiographs brought many benefits for the patient and dentist.  Digital radiographs are viewable within seconds and environmentally friendly.  Dental offices no longer need to use chemicals to develop the film which eliminates waste.  Dr. Mary Rose is able to zoom in and adjust the digital radiograph to help identify any issues. 

Digital radiographs use an extremely low dose of radiation making it safe for adults and children.   We are exposed to radiation on a daily basis in small doses from many sources ranging from nature, food, our homes and even during a flight.

Dr. Mary Rose does everything possible to keep you healthy by following the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).  ALARA is a radiation safety principle for minimizing doses and releases of radioactive material by using all reasonable methods.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of digital radiographs, please feel free to discuss them with Dr. Mary Rose during your visit.

Caring for Your Toothbrush:

Each time you clean your teeth, gums and mouth, rinse with your toothbrush’s bristles and handle with warm water to remove debris, saliva, bacteria and toothpaste.  Store your toothbrush upright and away from other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination.  Dr. Mary Rose recommends allowing your toothbrush to air dry without any cover.  Storing your toothbrush in any container or cabinet increases the risk of bacteria growth.

Replacing Your Toothbrush:

The American Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months.  An easy way to remember to change your toothbrush is to change them when the seasons change.   If the bristles on your toothbrush become worn or frayed, Dr. Mary Rose recommends getting a new one.  If you become ill, you should also replace your toothbrush.  Germs from an illness can linger up to 10 days.

Knowing these helpful tips will ensure your toothbrush and smile are as healthy as they can be!

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.