Hygiene /Periodontal Health

Oral hygiene plays a significant role in our everyday lives. How well we take care of our oral health directly influences our overall health. Although visiting the dentist twice every year is recommended, it is also crucial you maintain optimum dental hygiene at home by brushing and flossing every day.

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing

Thousands of microbes reside on the teeth, tongue, and soft tissues of the mouth. They multiply throughout the day and build up on the teeth in the form of a thin layer of plaque. When plaque isn’t removed regularly by brushing the teeth, it can turn into dark accumulations called tartar. And tartar is the major cause of cavities and gum disease.

Brushing removes most of the bacteria from the mouth. It is recommended you use fluoride-rich toothpaste and a soft-medium-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. Fluoride increases the teeth’ resistance to decay, and a soft-bristled toothbrush prevents any abrasive damage to the teeth or soft tissues of the mouth. Flossing helps to remove the food residues and tartar deposits accumulated between the teeth. Brushing the teeth should always be followed up with flossing for better oral health.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a gum disease that has drastic symptoms. It initially starts as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gum tissues. If gingivitis is left untreated for too long, the symptoms can intensify and lead to severe pain, discomfort, bleeding, discharge of pus, receding gum line, etc. Periodontitis is also characterized by decay of the soft gum tissues, jawbone deterioration, and even tooth loss.

What Is Oral Cleaning at Troy Ha, DDS?

Oral cleaning is a dental procedure carried out by a professional dentist. It includes two major procedures, namely scaling and root planing. Scaling is the removal of the tartar deposits using an ultrasonic scaling appliance that has a stainless-steel tip vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies. When the tip is brought in contact with the tartar deposits, they will be dislodged and a jet of water will be used to wash them away.

Root planing or deep cleaning is a process of removing the microbial deposits and food residues from the tooth roots. The scaling tip would be inserted between the tooth roots and gum tissues, which is why we administer local anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort. We will remove the tartar deposits from the root surfaces and get rid of the imperfections by smoothening the tooth roots. Also, the deep gum pockets will be cleaned and medication will be prescribed if required.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts at our Long Beach, CA office to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (562) 432-9883 or schedule an online consultation and we’ll be happy to help.