HYGIENE & PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
These are the talented professionals that prepare our patients to be restored by making sure they have the knowledge, products and medications to be able to maintain optimal bacterial control to change their future dental health.
Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter what your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with Dr. Gist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
- Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
- Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
- If you play sports, be sure to ask Dr. Gist about special mouth guards designed to protect your smile.
LOOKING FOR AND TREATING GUM DISEASE EARLY
Our hygiene staff look for early signs of gum disease and other issues that might plague the mouth by using a system developed by the makers of Perio Protect®
Perio Protect® is a comprehensive method that is customized for individual patients to help manage biofilms, communities of bacteria, growing in the spaces or pockets between teeth and gum tissue. The overall goal of the Perio Protect Method™ is to manage oral biofilm with minimally invasive dentistry for lasting oral health. To find out more about Perio Protect®, please watch the video below and/or schedule an appointment today. We’d love to see you smile!