Cleanings & Prevention

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Dental Cleaning & Prevention Cambridge – Dentistry On Elgin

A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures. This is achieved by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.
Regular Dental Visits
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Cleaning & Prevention Procedures

Dental Exam


A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-ups, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

  • Diagnosis of x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay (cavities) with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Digital x-rays may reveal:

  • Abscesses or cysts.
  • Bone loss.
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
  • Decay between the teeth.
  • Developmental abnormalities.
  • Poor tooth and root positions.
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are digital x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking digital x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

How often should digital x-rays be taken?

The need for digital x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of digital x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. Your personal home care starts by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an CDA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

  • Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing: Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

  • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing: It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: Interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

Why Choose Us
Family oriented dentistry
New state of the art clinic
Welcoming and comfortable environment for patients
Accepting new patients
Bill direct to insurance
Open evenings and weekends
Experienced group of dental professionals
What Our Client’s Say

I have been very delighted by the treatment I have received at Jauhal Dental. Elizabeth is a pleasure to greet and make appointments. My dentist and assistant were straight forwardand kind and kept the discomfort to a minimum

Catherine Stokes

 

I love the friendliness and helpfulness of all the staff here. The hygienists and doctors were very informative and insightful in my dental care. Thank you Dr. Jauhal for everything! You guys are the best.

Seetha Sriharan

I’ve been a patient at Jauhal Dental office for close to two years. The excellent service, great care and quality of work keeps me coming back here year after year. Front desk staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Keep up the good work.

Alexander Muzhikov

I used to be afraid of dentist but since becoming a patient of Dr. Jauhal’s I come in on a regular schedule and therefore my teeth are in much better condition. I have moved out of the immediate area but I come back and will continue to do so.

Wayne Nash

Very friendly atmosphere. Cordial and pleasant. Makes one feel welcome and comfortable and not anxious. Open to accommodate appointments as per my request.

Phoebe Kanthan

Hi Dr. Jauhal. My name is Minder Soomal. I love your dentist Dr. Shobi and Emma. Also Elizabeth and Linh are the best receptionist ever. I feel very very comfortable here. I used to be afraid of the dentist but i love you all. Thank you

Minder Soomal

I haven’t been to the dentist in many years due to my fear and today I had no choice to go. I must say the very best experience ever!! I can’t wait for my next appointment and to see my new smile. Keep up the great service.

Joanna Banks

You get a smile and hi as soon as you get into the office. Very welcoming certainly for kids (my son is very spoiled at their office). Very talented team and recommend to everyone.

Dilada Khreich