Brushing & Flossing
The cornerstone to a good oral hygiene regimen is proper brushing and flossing habits. For more on brushing and flossing, see our Brushing & Flossing page.
Comprehensive Examinations, Oral Cancer Screenings & Prophylaxis (cleanings)
Why do we need regular exams and cleanings?
The bi-yearly exam with oral cancer screening is extremely important in not only diagnosing cavities, pocketing, redness or inflammation, and bone loss, but also detecting the presence of white spots or bumps that may be a sign of oral cancer.
The prophy or cleaning is necessary in removing any plaque or calculus that may build up on teeth that cannot be removed by brushing alone. Stains like coffee, tea or smoking can be removed that turns teeth a yellowish/brown in color.
What can you expect at each hygiene appointment?
- Dr. Damelio will perform an oral exam of your teeth and gums to screen you for gum disease (periodontal disease), oral cancer, cavities, bone loss and failing dental restorations.
- Diagnostic digital X-rays will be taken to check for cavities between teeth, root defemation or impacted teeth
- Perioprobing or using a probe to check the depth of gum pocketing will be performed once a year to detect the need for perioscaling or Arestin.
- Sara or Rhonda, our dental hygienists, will perform teeth cleaning and polishing to treat and prevent plaque and tartar build up, gingivitis and gum disease (periodontal disease). A 3-, 4- or 6-month re-care plan will be scheduled based on your individual needs or periodontal scaling may be performed if needed.
- A treatment plan will be presented for dental restorations needed and we will notify you in advance with a financial estimate based on information from your insurance company.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a crown (a crown is like a large filling that can cap a tooth, making it stronger or covering it). Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.
Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent 
studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.
Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.
Anti-Cavity Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops), if necessary.