OUR SERVICES
Hygiene Services
Talk to us at least one time every six months for the cleaning, polishing, and dental education you need. Our team is available to help protect your teeth and prevent any risks to your smile.
Here at Oliver Park Dental,
we try to pair you with a hygienist that you can feel comfortable with. Someone that will not only provide you with the highest quality of care, but a memorable and comfortable experience from start to finish.Dental hygiene, also referred to as ‘a cleaning,’ removes plaque, tartar and stains to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. It allows the Registered Dental Hygienist to remove buildup and debris in areas of the mouth that we cannot see or reach with our home toothbrush. Routine cleanings with one of our registered hygienists is the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Your Dental Hygienist
Your dental hygienist may also provide an oral cancer screening, fluoride to resist decay, scaling, polishing and/or restorations. They will work with you, one on one to develop proper brushing and flossing techniques, provide nutrition counselling and explain your treatment options in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting the dentist. Causes include infrequent brushing and flossing, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking and diet. Your hygienist may suggest using a tongue scraper, chewing sugarless gum, gargling with mouthwash and drinking lots of water. Do not feel embarrassed or be dissuaded from having this discussion. It is more common than you think!
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria found in plaque. As the bacteria spread below the gumline, the gums and bone around the teeth begin to break down, and can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. Quite often, symptoms do not appear until the late stages, which is one reason why regular hygiene visits are encouraged. Possible early signs include: receding gums (gums moving away from the teeth), bleeding while brushing or flossing, bad breath, sores in mouth or loose or separating teeth.
By examining your X-rays and measuring your gum levels along the area where your tooth meets your gumline, your hygienist can tell how much bone loss your periodontitis has caused. Once your stage of periodontal disease has been determined, your hygienist will work diligently with your dentist to personalize a treatment plan to suit your needs. This may include specific homecare instructions and helpful item to assist you at home, start you on a Soft Tissue Management program where your hygienist and dentist can monitor and ensure your progress or a referral to a periodontist.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a very common concern. Symptoms often arise after drinking hot or cold drinks or eating certain foods and sweets. Sensitivity ca be easily treated with fluoride. Your hygienist will often suggest using a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth. Learn more about tooth sensitivity.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and non-prescription drugs, certain diseases and infections and medical treatments. It can also be a result of nerve damage, dehydration and lifestyle (smoking or chewing tobacco).
Symptoms include: frequent thirst, dryness in mouth, sores in mouth, cracked lips, dry and red tongue, problems speaking or trouble tasting, sore throat and bad breath.
This is a common conversation for our hygiene team. Our patients come to us with this issue more often than you may think. Your hygienist will be able to discuss home care solutions that will help you combat your dry mouth.