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Prophylaxis Cleaning vs Deep cleaning – Which one is better?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 15, 2022
Prophylaxis Cleaning vs Deep cleaning

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the key to living a healthy life. In fact healthy teeth & gums can reduce your risk of developing a wide range of medical conditions including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. A big part of keeping your gums & teeth healthy is oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, the use of mouthwash, are some of the factors that keep your tooth & gums healthy. Another very important aspect of keeping your teeth and gums healthy is regular cleaning. Dental prophylaxis and deep cleaning are two extremely effective solutions. Let us look closely at the difference between the two.

Dental Prophylaxis

Commonly referred to as “prophy” it is generally recommended for patients with overall good oral health. Typically undertaken twice a year, it involves removing any plaque on the teeth & just below the gum line. When you have healthy teeth & gums, a six-monthly treatment is adequate to remove plaque and ensure that the plaque does not harden into tartar or cause gum diesase. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is performed by a handheld scaler or an ultrasonic device.

Typically, in a dental prophylaxis cleaning appointment you can expect the following:

  • The dentist conducts a visual exam.
  • Undertakes scaling.
  • Proceeds to polishing.
  • Ends with Fluoride treatment.

Advantages of Prophylaxis Cleaning

The big advantages that prophylaxis offers includes:

  • Removal of plaque & tartar buildup.
  • Improving aesthetics and getting the teeth rid of stains & unsightly deposition. In turn, it helps improve your confidence to flash your pearly whites.
  • Removal of plaque, bacteria & tartar takes away bad breath or what is known as halitosis & leaves you with fresher breath.
  • The big advantage with prophylaxis is also that it allows the dentist the opportunity to scan the entire oral cavity & spot any issues early.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning becomes necessary when there is a large number of bacteria and tartar build-up. It is highly recommended for those with periodontal disease, as left untreated the high level of plaque and tartar can lead to infection of the gums and loss of bone tissue and teeth over and teeth over a period of time. With deep cleaning, the progression of periodontal disease can be stemmed.

Essentially it involves both scaling & root planning. While scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth’s surface as well as any gum pockets, root planning involves removing plaque & tartar from the surface of the roots. Depending on the level of tartar accumulation, deep cleaning sittings can happen every three months. Unlike regular cleaning, deep cleaning takes time on account of the extensive cleaning needed. In fact, a deep cleaning can take more than one appointment. Follow-up visits may also be needed to monitor oral health.

After a deep cleaning, it is imperative to maintain oral hygiene to ensure that the gum disease does not recur. In fact, studies have shown that disease-causing bacteria can recolonize in 1-2 months after deep cleaning. This is the exact reason that periodontal maintenance is recommended every 3 months. When you return for a periodontal maintenance visit, the pockets depths are checked, and your periodontal status is reassessed.

Advantages of deep cleaning

The advantages that deep cleaning offers, include:

  • It stops the advancement of gum disease.
  • It protects the root of the teeth.
  • Prevents tooth loss.
  • Keep gums healthy,
  • Eliminates bad breath.

Signs that your teeth need deep cleaning

Some of the signs that may indicate that you need deep cleaning include:

  • Swollen Gums
  • Gums that bleed
  • Bad breath
  • Recession of gums
  • Bone loss
  • Periodontal pockets that exceed 3 millimeters.

Although deep cleaning is a common and safe procedure, you can experience some amount of discomfort & sensitivity. You are therefore offered a local anesthetic to numb the gums. Post the procedure it is advisable to eat soft foods and also to avoid have extremely hot or cold food. Rinsing with salt water helps reduce inflammation.

Which one of the two cleanings is better?

The answer to that question lies in a thorough examination of your dental health. To determine whether you require deep cleaning, your dentist may take an x-ray. This can reveal the spaces between the teeth & under the gums as also any tartar build up. With the relevant information the dentist can suggest which cleaning best fits your bespoke condition.

Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, your dentist will be in the best position to advise you on the way forward. What you need to maintain in all cases is good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. With the right oral hygiene not only can you avoid gum disease and tooth decay, but you can also ensure that a whole lot of other diseases do not develop as well.

We provide anxiety-free dental services including prophylaxis cleaning and deep cleaning. Schedule your dental appointment right now, and make your teeth and gum healthy.

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September is National Gum Care Month: Keep your gum healthy!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 8, 2022
National Gum Care Month

Let us begin with a staggering statistic. As many as 64 million US adults are known to suffer from periodontal disease annually! This September, which is the National Gum Care Month, let us look closely at what does gum disease entails & importantly what you can do to stem it.

Types of gum disease

Broadly gum disease can be classified into 2 types. There is Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, which is reversible and then there is Periodontitis, which if left untreated can lead to loss of teeth.

Gum disease typically begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. If plaque is allowed to accumulate, it inflames your gums. This early stage is known as Gingivitis. Once the plaque hardens into what is known as tartar, the gums become further inflamed, and eventually, loose pockets are formed. With bacteria and tartar accumulating in these pockets not just the gums but also the bone and ligaments are destroyed. Eventually, it leads to loss of teeth. Statistics show that an average person within the age group of 20-39 has 1 tooth missing, while this number jumps to 8 for the average 60+ person. This number does not include wisdom teeth, which may have been pulled out for several reasons.

Periodontitis can also take the form of aggressive as well as chronic periodontitis. Here are the symptoms of each:

1. Aggressive Periodontitis

It is marked by rapid gum recession. It is typically caused due to depletion of vitamins and is therefore increasingly seen in the growth phase of young people.

2. Chronic Periodontitis

On the other hand, chronic periodontitis is marked by rapid progression followed by periods of remission.

Impact of Gum Disease

Gum disease affects not just your oral health but also has a wide range of general health ramifications. Here are a few:

1. Aesthetic & Functional

To start with, of course, gum disease has an aesthetic fallout. Gum disease & the eventual loss of teeth affect that beautiful smile and leaves you looking that much less aesthetically pleasing. Of course, besides affecting your look, loss of teeth also leaves you struggling with chewing food & even talking.

2. General health issues related to gum disease

Gum disease also has a far-reaching impact on your overall health, a fact that is often overlooked. The bacteria that accumulate in your mouth can through the bloodstream make their way to several other organs. Some of the known fallouts of this include:

  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Respiratory disease
  • Early births
  • Certain autoimmune conditions, and more.

There is no doubt about the fact that your overall health is intrinsically tied to your oral health and that is why you should go for gum diseases treatment.

Symptoms of gum disease

Gum disease manifests itself by way of several symptoms. The sooner you catch them and ensure that the requisite treatment is made available, the less its fallouts are. Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Bleeding
  • Pain in chewing
  • Sensitivity
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Uneven Bite

How to keep your gums healthy?

Who does not want pink, healthy gums that do not bleed? All you need to do to maintain your gums in this state is to follow the right oral hygiene. Some of the aspects to be mindful of include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice every day. Ensure that you use fluoride toothpaste & a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is important to replace your toothbrush frequently as frayed bristles do not do the job well.
  • It is important to floss your teeth daily.
  • The use of anti-bacterial mouthwash is imperative.
  • Sipping water through the day or chewing on sugarless gum is a wonderful way to ensure your mouth is not dry as dry mouth is a breeding place for bacteria.
  • Ensure that you get your teeth cleaned every 6 months.
  • Regular dental checkups are mandatory so that any issues can be dealt with early on.
  • The consumption of tobacco needs to be avoided.
  • Avoid vaping.
  • Keep your sugar levels under check as among other things, high sugar levels can also increase the risk of gum disease.
  • Eat healthily and build up your body’s immune system. Eating citrus fruits & leafy green vegetables is necessary. Omega 3 fatty acids (found in flaxseed oil & fish) also help to boost overall gum health.
  • Drink enough water.

To sum up

Good oral care is important all-round the year. However, if you have not paid sufficient attention to it, September is a good time to start! Follow the tips to keep your gums healthy and schedule a visit with your dentist! Especially if you have been experiencing bleeding gums you need to ensure that you start treatment early so that you do not have to grapple with tooth loss.

Remember that good oral health is the key to looking good, feeling confident, and importantly to your overall health. Get in touch with us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us at (925) 846-4491.

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How can professional dental cleaning be a basic upkeep for overall good health?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 20, 2022
professional-dental-cleaning

If you thought routine dental cleaning offers only aesthetic benefits, the fact is that its advantages far exceed that. It is not only imperative for your oral health but also ensures your overall wellbeing.

Before we get into the many benefits of professional dental cleaning let us first look at what really does dental cleaning entail.

What is dental cleaning?

A routine dental cleaning helps you to get rid of the plaque & tartar build up on your teeth as well as under the gum line. This non-surgical procedure can go a long way in reducing your chance of cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. In addition, the cleaning procedure gives the dental hygienist the chance to look for any signs of tooth decay as well as any other oral health conditions including oral cancer.

Benefits of professional dental cleaning

Health Benefits of Dental Cleaning

While the health benefits of dental cleaning begin with oral health, they transcend oral health benefits alone as periodontal disease has been associated with a number of other health conditions. Here is a quick look at the overall benefits of dental cleaning:

Oral health benefits

Dental cleaning goes a long way in preventing gum disease, which is often caused by the build up of plaque on the teeth. The plaque in turn is a blend of food & bacteria & needs to be cleaned away to maintain overall gum health.

Another issue with plaque accumulation is also that of bad breath or what is known as halitosis, medically. Dental cleaning ensures that your oral cavity is kept healthy as well as odor free.
Over time, teeth can also get heavily stained especially if you consume beverages such as wine, coffee & tea. Stained teeth not only look bad they can also severely affect your confidence levels. Routine dental cleanings ensure that your teeth look good & stain free.

Another great reason to get a professional dental cleaning is to protect the teeth from cavities. While daily oral hygiene is important to keep cavities at bay, professional dental cleanings every 6 months also have a strong role to play. Additionally, fluoride can be applied during a dental cleaning, which helps re-mineralize the enamel. In turn this results in fewer cavities.
Clearly then, the lack of dental cleaning can put you at risk of a whole range of oral diseases. Also routine examinations that typically happen with dental cleaning ensure that you are screened for any oral diseases including oral cancer.

Besides causing oral diseases, the bacteria in the mouth can also reach other organs through the bloodstream. With there being a strong link between oral & systemic health, dental cleaning also protects you from the following diseases:

Heart Attack or Stroke

When bacteria from your mouth enters your bloodstream, a potent fear is that of a heart attack or a stroke.
Dental cleaning is known to reduced inflammation caused by bacteria as also to improve blood vessel functioning that promotes the flow of blood throughout your body.

Pneumonia

With the possibility of bacteria in your mouth also entering your lungs, you could be at risk for pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Premature Birth

Gum disease in expectant mothers is known to increase the risk of premature birth as also the propensity of low birth weight. A dental checkup before you plan a pregnancy is therefore ideal.

Besides this, there are a number of health conditions that can impact your oral health. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to take care of your tooth & gum health, and regular dental cleaning can play a strong part in this upkeep.

Conditions that can impact your oral health include:

Diabetes

Serious gum disease is known to increase the risk of a person developing diabetes. On the other hand, people living with diabetes are prone to gum disease. Teeth cleaning can go a long way in keeping gum disease under check.

Dementia

Bodily inflammation is known to impact on the rate of dementia & mental decline. With periodontal bacteria, the inflammation in a dementia patient’s body can increase. On the other hand, maintaining dental health wellness can ensure that the rate of dementia isn’t exacerbated.

HIV/AIDS

With oral issues being common in people having HIV/AIDS, it is important that you pay attention to your oral health if you are suffering from this disease.

How often are dental cleanings necessary?

While it really depends on each person’s individual oral needs with some people being more prone to having dental issues, typically a professional cleaning is advised once every six months.

What to do in between dental cleanings?

There is no substitute for maintaining good oral hygiene at all times. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush & a fluoride toothpaste is key. Flossing teeth daily is also extremely important. Additionally, the use of a medicated mouthwash can help bad bacteria at bay.

To sum up

With your oral and general health being linked to each other, it is imperative that you take care of your oral health to enjoy overall wellbeing. Professional dental cleanings are an easy, method that help you flash those pearly whites with confidence as well as maintain good overall health.

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we offer regular dental care services to address short and long-term needs and get you onto the path of improved oral care. Schedule your appointment with us and smile on your way to good oral health! You can also reach us via email at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us at (925) 846-4491.

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Brighten your teeth with professional teeth whitening!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 20, 2022
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A smile is one of the greatest assets of a person’s personality. And what makes it the best are your teeth. A bright and winning smile can make you go a long way in your life. However, you need to take care of your teeth to maintain the beauty of your smile.

To do so, the best way is to get periodic teeth whitening from a professional. Many people are already leveraging this procedure to enhance their smiles. On the contrary, some take the less travelled road and go for teeth whitening at home.

However, whitening the teeth without professional supervision and guidance can often create a greater risk of tooth and gum damage. You may not be aware of the strength of the products and how many optimum proportions are to be used together. This is the reason why a tooth whitening at home is frowned upon.

In case you are wondering why you would spend money on professional teeth whitening, we have got all the answers for you. Read on.

Safety is a priority

When you choose professional teeth whitening, everything is handled by an expert who is well-versed in which whitening products should be used for you based on your dental health conditions. It is taken with immense care when the patients complain about damaged tooth enamel or tooth sensitivity to begin with. In many cases, the patients are unaware of their current dental health conditions, which also get a check while visiting for professional teeth whitening.

Moreover, if a person with no prior tooth problems tries teeth whitening at home, they may end up over-whitening, which can weaken the teeth enamel. It is because the professionals apply an adequate protective layer to your teeth, which you may be unaware of and may cause pain when your teeth come into contact with anything cold or hot.

Quick results

A power whitening of your teeth will delight you with a newly whitened smile. In this treatment, your teeth will be painted with a subtle strength whitening gel while protecting your gums and lips on the side. The whitening gel is activated with a special light. It lets the gel penetrate into your tooth enamel so that it can eliminate any deep-seated stains and you can get crystal clear teeth instantly.

Even though this treatment will require several appointments, you will notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth after just one appointment.

Protecting dental health

When you schedule a series of sessions with your dentist for professional teeth whitening, this provides them the opportunity to perform a brief dental examination. Your dentist examines your teeth and gums. It is done to look for any indications of tooth decay or gum disease that could eventually cause more severe dental problems.

Your oral health could suffer greatly, and it might even make the teeth-whitening procedure uncomfortable. Therefore, keep in mind that you are also visiting for a regular dental check-up when you go to a dental health care facility for teeth whitening.

Customization as per your dental health

We know that everyone’s teeth and mouth size are different. So, if you, as an individual, are giving thought to using a standard tray to whiten your teeth, you may not be able to whiten each one of them entirely. This is the reason why we won’t recommend you go for teeth whitening on your own at home.

On the other hand, the dentist has an array of tools and techniques that are safe and sound. At-home treatments are strongly discouraged, even in the case of someone who has implants, crowns, or dentures. They are only applicable to your natural teeth.

Long-lasting results

As compared to the teeth whitening procedure done at home, professional teeth whitening lasts longer due to the effectiveness and potency of the treatment. You may end up spending thousands of dollars on whitening strips, whitening gel, and stock whitening presses that won’t give you any long-lasting results.

The teeth whitening that is done at home only last a month or two. On the contrary, professional teeth whitening can last up to 6 months or longer, saving you money in the long run.

A brighter, whiter, and more confident smile

Some people may not agree with the need for professional teeth whitening. But in the present era, it is more like excelling in a part of your personality than considering it as a cosmetic dental procedure. It will give your teeth a natural look, which will ultimately boost your confidence when you won’t hesitate to show off your whiter, brighter, and healthy smile.

No tooth sensitivity

Since you are a beginner in teeth whitening at home, you are at a higher risk of causing damage to your enamel that can result in teeth sensitivity. However, with professional teeth whitening, it is taken care of that the active ingredient enters the enamel to break down any discoloration without harming anything. You can rest assured of any teeth sensitivity issues afterwards as the professionals apply a gel after whitening to eliminate this problem.

Choose your teeth colour for whitening

The fact that there are several shades of teeth whitening could surprise you. You may not be aware of this as an individual who is whitening their teeth at home. But with professional teeth whitening, the dentist will compare the shade of your teeth and will lighten them by appropriate one or two shades as required so that it sinks in well with your smile and face.

End notes

Professional teeth whitening add a wow factor to your smile. It also comes to your rescue when you have completed a year or two in braces and want to eliminate that noticeable difference in colour where your braces interfered with everyday teeth cleaning. Apart from that, it is the best choice for your teeth, and all the money spent is worth it. You can get a regular check on your dental health without having to spend extra on it.

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we offer regular dental check-up and services while maintaining a smile on your face and building honest and lasting professional relationships. So why delay? Schedule an appointment right now to show off your pearly white smile. You can also reach us via email at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us on (925) 846-4491.

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