Cleaning and Prevention
Tooth brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (and also after meals whenever possible) with an American Dental Association (ADA)-approved soft bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended but should be used with caution. And don’t forget to brush the tongue, which is the primary cause of bad breath.
Flossing: Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Floss holders can help if you have trouble using conventional floss.
Rinsing: It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with Dr. Godder on its appropriateness for you.
Other dental aids may be recommended by the team
Dr. Godder may recommend that you consider using interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, and medicated rinses. We can provide more information about these tools during your visit.
At-home cleaning and prevention will help you avoid many oral diseases and conditions. Of course, in some cases cleaning and prevention are not enough, and you will need to seek dental treatment. Diseases and conditions that Dr. Godder and his team can treat include the following (please click each link for more good information about each condition at the Consumer Guide to Dentistry):
Gum Conditions
Mouth Conditions
Teeth Conditions
Other
Preventive Procedures
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by you and Dr. Godder’s team to preserve your teeth and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Prevention additionally includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed when you first visit our office. This exam and subsequent check-up exams will include the following:
Examination of diagnostic x-rays: The team will check for decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s dental health needs. The team will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.
Examination of tooth decay: The team will check all tooth surfaces for decay with special dental instruments, including a DIAGNOdent Laser Device.
Examination of existing restorations: The team will check current fillings, crowns, and other restorations for any deficiencies and faulty restorations.
Oral cancer screening: The team will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, lymph nodes, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. The disease can be effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
Periodontal/Gum disease evaluation: The team will check the gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that begins with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults living in the developed world, and should be taken very seriously, particularly since it is a slow-progressing disease with very mild and unnoticeable symptoms in the early stages. Prevention and early det
Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings are usually performed by a dental hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments. Calculus is the main cause of periodontal disease.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums and will lead to periodontal disease if unchecked.
Polishing: The team removes stains and plaque that have not otherwise been removed during the cleaning.