Dental Hygiene

The Importance of Dental Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential not only for preserving the health and appearance of your teeth and gums but also for supporting your overall well-being. Oral health has been closely linked to systemic health, with research indicating associations between gum disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.

Routine dental hygiene care plays a crucial role in the prevention of:

Dental caries (tooth decay)
Periodontal (gum) disease
Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
Tooth loss and associated complications

Preventive care is far more effective—and less costly—than treating dental issues after they arise.

What to Expect During a Dental Hygiene Appointment

A dental hygiene appointment, typically conducted by a licensed dental hygienist, is a key component of preventive dental care. The following services are usually included:

1. Comprehensive Dental Cleaning

The hygienist performs a thorough cleaning to remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) from both above and below the gumline. This process helps prevent gum inflammation and tooth decay.

2. Polishing of Tooth Surfaces

After scaling, teeth are polished using a special paste to remove minor surface stains and smooth the enamel. This leaves teeth looking brighter and feeling clean.

3. Fluoride Treatment (As Recommended)

Fluoride may be applied to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, particularly in children and individuals with a history of decay.

4. Oral Hygiene Instruction

Patients receive personalized guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary recommendations, and other habits to maintain optimal oral health between visits.

5. Periodontal Assessment

The hygienist will evaluate gum health, measuring pocket depths around teeth to identify early signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Dental Hygiene for Children

For pediatric patients, regular hygiene appointments are essential for healthy dental development. Children as young as one year old should begin dental visits, with cleanings typically starting by age 3. By age 9, most children benefit from semiannual cleanings to:

Protect newly erupted permanent teeth from decay
Support healthy development of gums and jaw alignment
Receive protective sealants on molars as needed
Reinforce good oral hygiene habits in a fun and engaging way

Our team is trained to create a comfortable, child-friendly experience that encourages lifelong dental wellness.

At-Home Oral Hygiene Guidelines

While professional care is vital, the majority of oral hygiene occurs at home. The following practices are strongly recommended:

Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Floss at least once per day to remove plaque between teeth
Limit consumption of sugary foods and acidic beverages
Drink plenty of water, especially fluoridated tap water
Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, or sooner if bristles are frayed

For children, parents should supervise brushing until at least age 7–8 to ensure proper technique.

How Often Should You Visit?

Most individuals should see a dental hygienist every 3 months for a routine cleaning and exam. However, patients with specific conditions—such as gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or orthodontic appliances—may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., every 2/3 months).

Enhanced Cleaning with Airflow® Therapy (Optional Upgrade)

As part of our commitment to providing advanced, patient-centered care, we are pleased to offer Airflow® Guided Biofilm Therapy as an optional upgrade during your dental hygiene appointment.

What Is Airflow®?

Airflow is a state-of-the-art dental cleaning technology that uses a controlled stream of warm water, air, and specially formulated fine powder to gently and effectively remove:

Dental plaque (biofilm)
Stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, and red wine
Early tartar buildup
Bacteria from hard-to-reach areas, including around braces, implants, and crowns

Unlike traditional scaling and polishing, Airflow is minimally abrasive and highly comfortable, making it ideal for patients with sensitive teeth or those seeking a more thorough clean.

Upgrade Pricing

Airflow is available as an optional add-on to your routine hygiene appointment. Please ask our front desk team or your hygienist about current pricing and whether Airflow is right for you.

Benefits of Airflow Treatment:

Pain-Free and Comfortable
Gentle on teeth and gums — no scraping or discomfort.
Ideal for sensitive teeth or nervous patients.
More Effective Cleaning
Removes up to 100% of biofilm from teeth, gums, braces, implants, and deep pockets.
Reaches areas traditional cleaning tools can miss.
Faster and More Efficient
The procedure takes less time than traditional scaling.
Patients spend less time in the chair with better results.
Stain Removal and Brighter Smile
Effectively removes stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, and wine.
Leaves teeth feeling smoother and looking whiter immediately.
Minimally Invasive and Preventive
Preserves enamel and soft tissues — no damage from metal tools.
Helps prevent gum disease, decay, and other oral health problems.
Safe for All PatientSuitable for children, patients with braces, implants, crowns, or periodontal disease.Especially beneficial for patients with dental anxiety or special needs.

Monday	8:30am to 7:00pm
Tuesday	8:30am to 7:00pm
Wednesday	8:30am to 7:00pm
Thursday	8:30am to 7:00pm
Friday	8:30am to 7:00pm
Saturday	9:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday	Closed