As your dental health team, we are pleased to give you this brochure, which describes your oral hygiene appointment in detail. You see, during this visit you receive much more than just a cleaning.

• Examination of your teeth to detect decay
• Necessary cavity detecting X-rays
• Evaluation and assessment of your periodontal (gum) disease
• Checking your biting, chewing and swallowing patterns
• Reviewing and updating your medical history
• Recording any changes in your prescribed medications and physical condition
• Treatment planning
• Evaluating possible cosmetic enhancements of your smile

• Oral cancer examination and screening
• Blood pressure check
• Application of fluoride
• Application of pit and fissure sealants
• Cleaning and scaling of teeth to remove all plaque and calculus (tartar)
• Removing of surface stains from the teeth
• Referral to specialists for specific treatment
• Polishing your gold, silver or composite resin fillings or crowns

• Tooth brushing and flossing instruction
• Nutrition counseling
• Case presentation of prescribed dental treatment
• Recommendation of future treatment (orthodontics, periodontal therapy, etc.)

Once your dentist or hygienist has completed your oral hygiene appointment, there are a few simple things you can do to continue a regimen or good oral hygiene at home. They include proper flossing and brushing, as well as eating a balanced diet.

Plaque is the number one cause of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Here’s how you can remove plaque with dental floss:

1. Use a piece of dental floss approximately 18" long. Wind each end of the floss around your middle fingers.
2. Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leave about an inch of floss. Using a gentle, back and forth motion to guide the floss in between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss, as this may cause unnecessary irritation to the gums.
3. When the floss is at the gumline, curve it into an arc around each tooth until there is mild resistance.
4. Holding the floss in the arc design, gently slide it up the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum.
5. Repeat this procedure on both sides of each tooth.

Choose a toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles; the tips of the bristles should be smooth and rounded. We will be happy to recommend a specific brush that best meets your dental needs. Here’s what to do:

1. Place the head of the toothbrush next to your teeth, with the bristle tips at a 45-degree angle next to the gumline.
2. Move the brush back and forth in a small circular scrubbing motion.
3. Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth, upper and lower. Make sure you keep the bristles angled against your gumline.
4. Now brush the inside tooth surfaces, using the same brush strokes.
5. To reach the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt your brush vertically and use gentle, up-and-down strokes with the head of the brush.
6. Scrub the chewing surfaces of all back teeth.

Good oral hygiene is a great habit to get into! In addition to having routine oral hygiene appointments, you should brush and floss daily and eat a balanced diet. Keep your smile sparkling for a lifetime!

Copyright © 1988 Semantodontics, Inc.

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