At Chinook Smiles, our team does more than just cleaning teeth; we educate our patients about oral hygiene and the benefits of a preventative hygiene treatment plan.

Why are regular dental hygiene appointments important?

Chinook Smiles is committed to helping you understand the importance of regular and proper hygiene/teeth cleanings, as well as good oral hygiene habits. In order to avoid major dental issues and maintain optimum oral health, It is recommended that you see your dentist and dental hygienist at least twice a year for routine checkup and teeth cleaning. However, how often you visit Chinook Smiles for a hygiene visit depends on several factors; are your teeth susceptible to excess accumulation of plaque and calculus? Do you have crowded teeth, fillings or missing teeth? How diligent are you with your home care regimen? These are factors that impact the amount of buildup on your teeth, meaning some people will require more frequent hygiene visits, while others may need less. The dental team at Chinook Smiles will decide what hygiene treatment plan makes the most sense for you and your specific situation.

The dental care that you provide on your own, “in-house,” is an integral part of maintaining good oral health. A good in-house regimen supplemented by regular dentist check-ups and cleanings is the best way to prevent dental emergencies. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is recommended at least twice a day to remove plaque and the remnants of food and drink from our teeth and gums. Flossing once a day is an essential practice to avoid gum disease and prevent tooth decay. An oral rinse also helps promote good oral hygiene, as it will reduce oral discomfort, provide moisture to oral tissues, and help with bad breath. More therapeutic oral rinses can be anti-plaque, anti-cavity, anti-tarter, and anti-bacterial and are all good at preventing oral health problems. Ask your Chinook Smiles dentist what they recommend for you at your next visit.

What happens at a dental hygiene appointment?

Practicing good oral hygiene habits are great ways to maintain proper oral health. However, good home habits alone will not remove all the plaque and hard tartar that build up over time. A cleaning performed by dental professional with specialized instruments will be able to effectively clean your teeth above and slightly below the gum line; this procedure is known as “scaling”. For patients suffering from gum dieases, root planing, or a more intense form of cleaning targetting deeper depth below the gumline may be necessary. It is only through routine hygiene visits that we can keep your teeth and gums healthy from top to bottom! The Chinook Smiles team will ensure that you receive the necessary and optimal treatment to maintain good health of your teeth, gums and whole mouth.

In addition to thoroughly cleaning your teeth, your Chinook Smiles dental team will perform a number of important oral health checks at your hygiene appointment, including:

  • A periodontal assessment (for the gums and bone surrounding your teeth)
  • Checking for gum recession
  • Checking for presence of gum disease
  • Polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and buildup
  • Fluoride treatment (if chosen) to help decrease cavity risks, harden weakened enamel and improve teeth sensitivity
  • An oral cancer screening to check the head, neck, jaw, and inside the mouth for confirmation of health
  • Digital x-rays to check for cavities and bony abnormalities