Cleanings & Prevention
A preventive program is a team effort between you, your dentist, and the dental staff to protect your natural teeth and gums. It starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet, and continues with regular checkups, cleanings, and preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride. Prevention is the key to avoiding costly dental issues and keeping your smile healthy and beautiful.
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Dental Exams & Cleanings
Your Path to a Healthy Smile
During your initial visit, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive dental exam. At each regular check-up, the following assessments will be performed by your dentist and hygienist:
X-ray Examination: Essential for detecting decay, tumors, cysts, bone loss, and determining tooth and root positions.
Oral Cancer Screening: A thorough check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for signs of oral cancer.
Gum Disease Evaluation: Examination of gums and bone around the teeth for signs of periodontal disease.
Tooth Decay Check: All tooth surfaces will be examined for decay using specialized instruments.
Review of Existing Restorations: Assessment of current fillings, crowns, and other restorations.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional cleanings, typically performed by Registered Dental Hygienists, include the following steps:
Calculus (Tartar) Removal: Hardened plaque that has attached to the teeth, both above and below the gum line, is removed using specialized instruments.
Plaque Removal: Elimination of the sticky film that forms on teeth, which harbors bacteria that can inflame gums and start periodontal disease.
Teeth Polishing: Removal of stains and residual plaque not cleared by brushing and scaling, leaving teeth smooth and clean.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your Dental Exam and Cleaning today.
Dental X-Rays
Safe and Effective Diagnostic Imaging
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential diagnostic tools that provide critical information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and hygienists use X-rays to detect hidden dental issues and develop accurate treatment plans. Without X-rays, many problems could go unnoticed.
What Can Dental X-Rays Reveal?
Abscesses or cysts
Bone loss
Tumors (cancerous and non-cancerous)
Decay between teeth
Developmental abnormalities
Poor tooth and root positioning
Problems within a tooth or below the gum line
Early detection and treatment of dental problems through X-rays can save you time, money, discomfort, and even your teeth!
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe. The radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is comparable to the amount of natural radiation we encounter daily. Dentists take precautions, such as using lead aprons and modern, fast film, to minimize radiation exposure.
How Often Should Dental X-Rays Be Taken?
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual needs. Your dentist will recommend X-rays based on your medical and dental history, exam results, age, and risk factors. A full mouth series is typically recommended for new patients and is usually valid for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays, which show the top and bottom teeth biting together, are recommended once or twice a year during check-ups to detect new issues.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your Dental X-rays today.
Fluoride Treatment
Strengthening Your Smile
Fluoride is the most effective mineral for preventing tooth decay, naturally found in varying amounts in most foods and water supplies. Its benefits have been recognized for over 50 years and are supported by many health organizations.
How Fluoride Works:
Topical Fluoride: Strengthens teeth after they have erupted by seeping into the enamel, making them more resistant to decay. You get topical fluoride from dental products like toothpaste, mouth rinses, and gels. Dentists often recommend professional fluoride applications twice a year for children during check-ups.
Systemic Fluoride: Strengthens both erupted teeth and those developing under the gums. It is absorbed through foods, water, and can be taken as a supplement in drops or tablets, typically recommended for infants and children. It’s important to monitor fluoride intake to avoid fluorosis, a condition that causes white spots on developing teeth.
While most people get fluoride from food and water, some may need additional fluoride treatments, especially if they have deep pits in teeth, exposed roots, poor oral hygiene, or a history of decay. Your dentist may recommend home or professional fluoride treatments in these cases.
Remember, fluoride is just one part of maintaining healthy teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, balanced nutrition, reducing sugary snacks, and routine dental visits are also crucial in preventing tooth decay.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your Fluoride Treatment today.
How to Properly
Brush & Floss
Key Steps for Oral Hygiene
The Importance of Proper Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene. While professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar, effective home care is just as crucial. Proper brushing and flossing not only enhance oral health and keep your smile bright but also prevent serious dental issues.
Why Proper Brushing and Flossing Matter
Prevents Tooth Decay: Tooth decay, a leading cause of tooth loss, occurs when plaque acids erode enamel. Regular brushing and flossing remove plaque, protecting teeth from decay and complex dental treatments.
Prevents Gum Disease: Periodontal disease, caused by plaque toxins, can lead to tooth loss, gum recession, and even affect overall health. Brushing and flossing remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum disease.
Prevents Bad Breath (Halitosis): Food particles left on or between teeth can cause bad breath. Brushing and flossing remove these particles, leaving your mouth healthier and your breath fresher.
Prevents Staining: Regular brushing and flossing help remove staining agents like coffee, tea, and tobacco, preventing permanent tooth discoloration.
How to Brush Properly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that can reach all areas of your mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends electric toothbrushes with rotating or oscillating heads for better results.
Brushing Tips:
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
Use small, circular motions to gently brush the gumline and teeth.
Avoid scrubbing or applying too much pressure to prevent damage to gums and enamel.
Brush all surfaces of every tooth—cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces.
Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food, and debris.
How to Floss Properly
Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth, a crucial step in preventing gum disease. Floss daily to clean the areas your toothbrush can’t reach. The type of floss is less important than using it consistently.
Flossing Tips:
Cut 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving 2-3 inches between your hands.
Gently work the floss between your teeth toward the gum line.
Curve the floss around each tooth in a U-shape, sliding it beneath the gum line.
Move the floss up and down to remove plaque and debris.
Avoid snapping the floss in and out, as this can irritate the gums.
Call 503.682.9191 or use our form
to get your Dental Exam and Cleaning today.
Home Care
Everyday Practices for Dental Wellness
Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. While professional care is essential, your personal home care plays a crucial role in maintaining that smile. This starts with eating balanced meals, limiting snacks, and correctly using dental tools to control plaque and bacteria.
Tooth Brushing:
Brush at least twice daily, especially before bed, using an ADA-approved soft-bristle brush and toothpaste.
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently use small circular motions.
Brush all tooth surfaces—outer, inner, and biting areas.
Use the brush tip to clean the inside of front teeth.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are highly effective and easy to use. Simply position the bristles on your gums and teeth, and let the brush do the work.
Flossing:
Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gumline, disrupting plaque buildup and preventing gum, tooth, and bone damage.
Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches of floss between them.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, moving it up and down to clean thoroughly.
If conventional flossing is difficult, floss holders can be a helpful alternative.
Rinsing:
Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and meals if brushing isn’t possible. If using an over-the-counter rinse, consult your dentist or hygienist to ensure it’s right for you.
Other Dental Aids:
Follow your dentist’s recommendations for using additional dental tools such as interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride treatments, or medicated rinses. Each plays a valuable role in maintaining excellent oral health.