Preventative Dentistry
Keep your teeth healthy for life! By taking small preventative measures regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy today and every day. Select a preventative service from the list below to learn more about how Tamarac Dental Care can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime!
Cleanings and Exams
While home maintenance is essential, regular cleanings and examinations are necessary to maintain a healthy mouth. A professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar. Tartar is plaque that has hardened and can be above or below the gum line. Your teeth will also be polished which removes plaque and stain.
A comprehensive dental examination will be performed by your dentist at your regular check up which will include:
- Gum disease evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- Evaluation of restorations
- Tooth decay evaluation, which may include the use of Diagnodent
- Evaluation of x-rays for decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss
Digital X-rays
Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.
Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less radiation than traditional X-ray technology.
A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
Home Care
Brushing and Flossing regularly are the most important things you can do to help maintain a healthy smile.
- Brush 2 – 3 times a day
- Use a soft toothbrush - harder bristles can harm tissues
- Brush for at least 2 minutes
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria
- Change toothbrush regularly
- Floss once a day to remove plaque your toothbrush cannot reach
Breath
Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, can be a concern for many adults and children. The main causes of halitosis are:
- Poor dental hygiene - where food or bacteria are trapped in the mouth
- Infections in the mouth – from periodontal disease to a tooth abscess
- Dry mouth
- Diet and habits – garlic, onions, coffee, smoking, alcohol
- Illness – it can be a symptom of diabetes, kidney or liver disease
What you can do:
- Brush your teeth 2 -3 times a day
- Scrape your tongue
- Drink plenty of water
- Change your mouthwash – use alcohol free
If simple self-care techniques don't solve the problem, you may want to see your dentist or doctor to rule out a more serious condition that may be causing your bad breath.
