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Preventative dental care plays an integral role in the continuing care of our patients. These measures are taken to maintain excellent oral health as well as to allow for early intervention, which would minimize the impact of any setbacks should they occur. We feel very strongly about the importance of preventative care and are always happy to discuss the benefits of a proactive regimen.
Proactive oral hygiene care serves as the foundation for our Kingston dental practice. We strongly believe that adherence to a solid oral hygiene care regimen will yield tremendous results for our patients with respect to their oral health as well as their overall health. We are firm subscribers to the prevention methodology – a solid, proactive oral hygiene regimen is the most effective preventative measure there is.
Proactive Oral Hygiene Care typically has two components: home care and in-office care.
Although you will be getting support and care from our team at the office, it is important that you also take matters into your own hands. We will encourage and teach you how to take care of your teeth and gums at home through regular brushing and flossing routines. Your efforts at home will make the work that we do together at our Kingston dental clinic that much more effective.
Complementing your efforts at home should be regular visits with a dental-health professional. The question then becomes, what does “regular visits” actually mean? The answer to that may vary. Our team will assess your overall oral health and assign you an oral hygiene regimen that addresses your unique needs. Typically, our patients will fall into one of the three categories below:
When you have an overall clean bill of oral health, it is generally recommended that you visit your dental hygienist in Kingston every six months. Even patients with exceptional oral hygiene will build tartar on their teeth, which can only be removed with a hygienist’s equipment. On top of seeing your hygienist, you will also see your dentist for an exam, which will allow us to personally oversee your proactive oral health care efforts.
Mild periodontal disease occurs when the bone supporting the teeth begins to break down due to bacterial exposure. As it progresses, patients may suffer from bleeding gums and loosening teeth. A good portion of the population falls into this category, but it is manageable! When someone is suffering from mild periodontal disease, we recommend seeing your hygienist every three months. It is extremely important that this three-month interval is observed since this is the gestational period for the anaerobic organisms (such as porphyromonas gingivalis) that contribute to periodontal disease. These organisms live below gum line and between the teeth – areas that are inaccessible to at-home care. Every six months, your dentist will conduct an examination (check-up) to make sure that your oral health is improving.
Much of the supporting bone and gum tissue is destroyed in extensive periodontal disease, creating loose teeth, sensitive exposed roots, and bleeding gums. If you are suffering from extensive periodontal disease, we will encourage you to follow a periodontal rehabilitative program. Typically, this involves a series of appointments with the dental hygienist in short order at the onset to get the periodontal disease under control. Once we have achieved this, we will ask you to attend regular visits on a three month interval to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. As always, your dentist will follow your progress closely with re-care visits every six months. In some cases where the periodontal disease continues to progress, an appointment with a periodontal specialist may be recommended organisms live below gum line and between the teeth – areas that are inaccessible to at-home care. Every six months, your dentist will conduct an examination (check-up) to make sure that your oral health is improving.