Why Oral Hygiene Appointments are Important?

Proper oral hygiene is important not only for your appearance, but also for your overall health. Improper oral hygiene may lead to infection, gum disease, bone and tooth loss, circulation and cardiovascular disease, and even strokes.

Why is cleaning part of good oral hygiene?


Oral Cancer
As part of the cleaning process, you are also screened for oral cancer, which is curable if diagnosed and treated early.


Gum Disease
If gum disease is diagnosed early, it can be reversed through treatment. Gum disease is caused by infection in the gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings - and checkups - help to prevent gum disease.


Your Teeth
Regular dental cleanings, along with checkups, brushing, and flossing, are important to let you keep your own teeth for as long as possible, and helping you to maintain your normal chewing function and overall good health.


Good Physical Health
Heart attacks and strokes have recently been linked to gum disease, which in turn is often a result of poor oral hygiene. Periodic dental cleanings help to maintain healthy gums and teeth and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.


Good Oral Health
During dental cleanings, the hygienist can let you know if you're maintaining good oral health, and make appropriate suggestions if you're not.


Early Detection of Dental Problems
Any possible problems can be detected during dental cleanings, allowing for proper and timely treatment. Minor problems such as cavities or early gum disease can be treated and do not have to become major problems.


Appearance
Most tobacco, coffee, and tea stains can be removed during cleanings. Your teeth are also polished and shined. The end result is a whiter, brighter smile - and a brighter you!

As you can see, having your teeth examined and cleaned on a regular schedule is important for both your health and your appearance. If we haven't seen your smile in while, give us a call. We'd be happy to have you in our office to ensure that your smile is healthy and living up to its full potential!

Meagan's orthodontic before and after photos!

Meagan went through orthodontic therapy with Dr. Librach to create her new beautiful and functional smile!

1. Why was Meagan a good candidate for orhtodontics?

Meagan was keen to have her straight teeth. She is a great listener and followed instructions well.  Her Oral hygiene was also good.

2. How did you develop a plan for treating Meagan?

Starting with all the appropriate records, including photos, x-rays, and models, a thorough exam is done. We can then devise a treatment plan that would correct both tooth position issues and underling skeletal problems. We then consult with the patient and her parents, taking into account all of their concerns. 

Before

3. Was her treatment out of the ordinary?

There really isn't any "ordinary" cases.  They all are special and treatment plans are tailored to each patient.  Some are complex and others, like this one are less so.

4. How long did Meagan's transformation take?

Her treatment plan was completed in 18 months.

5. What steps do these procedures involve?

She had six months of appliance therapy and twelve months of braces.

6. Is there an ideal candidate for these procedures?

A patient who is a good listener and follows instructions can vastly reduce the length of treatment.  Children who accept the responsibility for part of their treatment can accelerate the process and finish early. Good listeners who take responsibility for their own treatment and don't rely on their parents for day-to-day maintenance make the idea patients.

After

7. Are there any at-home steps patients should follow after procedures like these? 

Retention and oral hygiene are key to the long term success of any orthodontic treatment.  Retention is a lifelong endeavour as teeth are subject to changing forces as we age, any of which can affect the position of a tooth or many teeth.  Depending on the treatment done, full time retention (usually for one year) is required followed by night time wear there after.  Oral Hygiene is also key for the oral health of the patient.

Dr. Mark Librach

Dentistry on Dundas

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