Oral Hygiene at Dandenong Dental Care

Closeup teeth healthy gums laughing woman You’ve likely heard the expression, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We agree. That’s why we are passionate about helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles with oral hygiene at our dental practice.

To maintain optimal oral health, we recommend that you come in every six months for a checkup and clean. For patients with periodontal or gum disease, they should visit us about every three months.

What Is a Dental Hygienist?

A dental hygienist is a professional who is specially trained to work with you to prevent oral disease and gum disease. Our highly skilled hygienists provide exceptional dental care to our patients.

The Cleaning Process

One of our hygienists will gently clean your teeth, removing plaque and calculus before any problems arise. During your cleaning, the following tools will be used: an ultrasonic electric cleaner to move plaque and calculus, various hand instruments, and a prophy cup electric toothbrush to remove stains like coffee, tobacco and red wine.

The hygienist also will perform an exam, checking your teeth and gums, and looking for any evidence of oral cancer. You will be given a fluoride treatment and X-rays will be taken.

The Benefits of Regular Care

Helps to keep gums healthy

One of the biggest reasons for keeping those regular six-month visits with our dental office is to help keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease. When detected early, we can stop gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, with a professional cleaning and proper home care.

Can detect issues when they’re small

If you or your child has a small hole, for example, we can treat it before it becomes a larger cavity that would require a filling.

FAQ

Isn’t home care good enough to keep my teeth clean?

A clean at the dentist is different from your brushing at home. While brushing and flossing go a long way towards keeping your mouth healthy, professional cleans can reach tartar buildup that brushing at home alone can’t. Our hygienists are extremely thorough, ensuring each tooth is scrupulously cleaned.

Do you check for oral cancer?

Yes, early detection is critical. Your hygienist will inspect your mouth at your 6-month appointments to look for any signs of oral cancer.

When should children come in for their first visit?

We recommend they come in at age 2 unless you can see an issue or have a particular concern. Our hygienists have extensive experience caring for kids’ smiles. During your little one’s visit, the hygienist will count their teeth, check tooth alignment and see how your child is cleaning and if they need extra guidance.

Rest assured we always make visits pleasant for children of all ages!

Is flossing really necessary?

Yes. Flossing removes debris between teeth and gums and can help to prevent tartar buildup. We understand that many people don’t like to floss. The good news is there are many flossing options available, not just the conventional string floss. Other methods include floss picks and water flossing.

How can you help address my dental anxiety?

We understand that many people had negative experiences at the dentist, perhaps when they were younger. At our friendly practice, our dentists and hygienists will put you at ease. We can offer numbing gels to keep you comfortable while you’re receiving treatment.

How do I get rid of bad breath?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a tongue scraper daily as bacteria that cause bad breath collect on the tongue. You also can use a mouth rinse. Drinking plenty of water is helpful as well. And of course, avoid bad-breath-causing foods such as garlic and onions.

Are there other services the dental hygienist can help with?

Yes, these include teeth whitening, the taking of scans and impressions for braces, and identifying if wisdom teeth may be extracted.

Get Started Today

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.