Regular Cleanings and Oral Exams
Every patient [even denture patients] needs to be seen at least once every six months, and some patients should visit us four times a year. Studies show that
calculus [tartar] begins to accumulate on tooth surfaces between 90 and 120 days after professional cleaning. Many patients benefit from professional cleanings that
are more frequent than every six months, especially those with periodontal disease.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Keeping Your Teeth for a Lifetime: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Plaque: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on What Are Cavities?: : Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Dental Caries: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Dental Check-ups and Oral Cancer: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go To The Dentist?: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Aging and Root Cavities: Broadband | Dial up)
Bad Breath Prevention
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth
and on the tongue can cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing and flossing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. The bacteria on
our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see one of our dentists regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also
let the dentist look for and treat these problems.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Remedies for Bad Breath: Broadband | Dial up)
Early Decay Detection
Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect
decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat. Early tooth decay does not
tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but one of our dentists will be able to see from a digital x-ray whether you have any decay
under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on early detection using digital x-ray: Broadband | Dial up)
Early Gum Disease Screening
With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to gum disease, early
treatment and prevention is essential. Warning signs of periodontal disease include bleeding, swollen, red or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from the
teeth, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or how your dentures fit. However, it is possible to have
periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Periodontal
diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination at Eagle Valley Dental.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Gingivtis: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Periodontal Disease: Broadband| Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Scaling and Root Planing: Broadband | Dial up)
Mouth Guards
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage. It is important to
wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey football, soccer,
boxing, basketball and rugby. A mouthguard will help protect against these events. If you take part in any of these contact sports please ask us about our range of
custom made mouth guards.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Mouthguards: Broadband | Dial up)
Occlusal Guards
Many people grind or clench their teeth and are often unaware of it. Although teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching may happen at any time, it often happens in
one's sleep. Stress is one possible cause, but often the reason is not known. A traditional occlusal guard is a device that fits over all your upper teeth and protects
your teeth from the damage of grinding/clenching. It is worn at the times when you're most likely to grind your teeth - for most people during sleep.
Mouth Cancer Screening
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths
per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%. This is because of late detection. Visit us at once if
you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Also, make sure to visit us for your six-month dental cleaning and exam to help with early detection!
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Dental Check-ups and Oral Cancer: Broadband | Dial up)
Sealants
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic coating is painted
onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively seals the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Adult Sealants: Broadband | Dial up)
Daily Care
Whether you have all, some or none of your natural teeth, you can protect and improve your oral health by taking a few minutes every day to care for your teeth and
gums.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Keeping Your Teeth for a Lifetime: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Can You Over-brush and Over-floss: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Aging and Toothbrushes: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Power Toothbrushes: Broadband | Dial up)
Every patient [even denture patients] needs to be seen at least once every six months, and some patients should visit us four times a year. Studies show that
calculus [tartar] begins to accumulate on tooth surfaces between 90 and 120 days after professional cleaning. Many patients benefit from professional cleanings that
are more frequent than every six months, especially those with periodontal disease.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Keeping Your Teeth for a Lifetime: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Plaque: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on What Are Cavities?: : Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Dental Caries: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Dental Check-ups and Oral Cancer: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go To The Dentist?: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Aging and Root Cavities: Broadband | Dial up)
Bad Breath Prevention
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth
and on the tongue can cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing and flossing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. The bacteria on
our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see one of our dentists regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also
let the dentist look for and treat these problems.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Remedies for Bad Breath: Broadband | Dial up)
Early Decay Detection
Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect
decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat. Early tooth decay does not
tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but one of our dentists will be able to see from a digital x-ray whether you have any decay
under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on early detection using digital x-ray: Broadband | Dial up)
Early Gum Disease Screening
With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to gum disease, early
treatment and prevention is essential. Warning signs of periodontal disease include bleeding, swollen, red or tender gums, gums that have pulled away from the
teeth, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or how your dentures fit. However, it is possible to have
periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Periodontal
diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination at Eagle Valley Dental.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Gingivtis: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Periodontal Disease: Broadband| Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Scaling and Root Planing: Broadband | Dial up)
Mouth Guards
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage. It is important to
wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey football, soccer,
boxing, basketball and rugby. A mouthguard will help protect against these events. If you take part in any of these contact sports please ask us about our range of
custom made mouth guards.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Mouthguards: Broadband | Dial up)
Occlusal Guards
Many people grind or clench their teeth and are often unaware of it. Although teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching may happen at any time, it often happens in
one's sleep. Stress is one possible cause, but often the reason is not known. A traditional occlusal guard is a device that fits over all your upper teeth and protects
your teeth from the damage of grinding/clenching. It is worn at the times when you're most likely to grind your teeth - for most people during sleep.
Mouth Cancer Screening
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths
per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%. This is because of late detection. Visit us at once if
you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Also, make sure to visit us for your six-month dental cleaning and exam to help with early detection!
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Dental Check-ups and Oral Cancer: Broadband | Dial up)
Sealants
Highly effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of your chewing teeth, sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic coating is painted
onto the surface of the tooth. This effectively seals the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Adult Sealants: Broadband | Dial up)
Daily Care
Whether you have all, some or none of your natural teeth, you can protect and improve your oral health by taking a few minutes every day to care for your teeth and
gums.
Natural Teeth Care
Brushing your teeth is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy. For best results:
Facts on Brushing
The best technique for brushing involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the
teeth, your tongue and the chewing surfaces and in between teeth. Using a back and forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, or can expose
the root surface or make the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.
Soft or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by 1/2") for easy access. It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp. It should have extra soft
or soft, nylon bristles with round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down teeth. A soft, rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth
effectively. Press just firmly enough to reach the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface. Medium and hard bristles are not recommended.
How long should I brush?
It might be a good idea to brush with the radio on, since dentists generally recommend brushing 3-4 minutes, the length of an average song. Using an
egg timer is another way to measure your brushing time. Patients generally think they're brushing longer, but most spend less than a minute
brushing. To make sure you're doing a thorough job and not missing any spots, patients are advised to brush the full 3-4 minutes twice a day instead
of brushing quickly five or more times through the day.
Flossing removes bits of food and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line that can cause gum disease. Flossing before you brush
will give you best results. Be sure to floss on both sides of every tooth, every day. If using long strands of floss is difficult because of arthritis, or if you
feel your fingers are getting in the way, plastic floss holders are available at pharmacies.
Facts on Flossing
Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to
gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your
teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is the best choice.
Should I floss?
Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss is the
single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the toothbrush. Many people just don't spend enough time flossing or
brushing and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly. When you visit your dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown.
- Which type of floss should I use?
Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for
people with a lot of bridgework. Tapes are usually recommended when the spaces between teeth are wide. They all clean and remove plaque about
the same. Waxed floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations. However, the unwaxed floss makes a squeaking sound to let
you know your teeth are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.
How should I floss?
Take an 18-inch piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger. (Don't cut off your finger's circulation!). Wind the rest of the
floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Maneuver the floss between
teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Don't pull it down hard against your gums or you will hurt them. Don't rub it side to side as if you're shining
shoes. Bring the floss up and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum line.
How often should I floss?
At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or three minutes.
- False Teeth Care
- Dentures (full or partial)
Removable false teeth need just as much care as natural teeth so that you can protect your gums and body from germs and infection that may cause
serious health problems. Some simple habits to adopt are:
- clean them every day. Plaque that can damage your gums can build up on false teeth too
- take them out every night. Remove and brush your teeth. Massage your gums carefully with a soft toothbrush or a clean damp cloth, wrapped
around a finger - soak them overnight. Plaque and tartar will come off more easily when you brush dentures that have been soaked in denture cleaner or a mix
of warm water and vinegar (half and half). If your denture has metal clasps, soak them in warm water only - see your dentist regularly. Changes in your mouth can change how your dentures fit. A poor fit can cause painful sores and infection
- Dental implants
Since implants are attached to your bone, they are treated much like natural teeth. But since they are not as strong, you must be very gentle when
flossing or brushing them.
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Keeping Your Teeth for a Lifetime: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Can You Over-brush and Over-floss: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Aging and Toothbrushes: Broadband | Dial up)
(See the American Dental Association's Short Video on Power Toothbrushes: Broadband | Dial up)
Disclaimer - This site is designed for general
information and educational purposes only.
The information on this site is not intended to
diagnose or treat any specific dental or
medical ailment. Consulting one of our dentist
for a thorough examination is the best way to
diagnose any dental ailment.
information and educational purposes only.
The information on this site is not intended to
diagnose or treat any specific dental or
medical ailment. Consulting one of our dentist
for a thorough examination is the best way to
diagnose any dental ailment.
The best way to prevent oral diseases and tooth pain is to take
steps to prevent them from occurring in advance. Although
advances in dental technology have made it possible for one of
our dentsists to restore the health of your mouth with relative
ease and comfort, it is always preferable to preserve and protect
your existing teeth. In addition to maintaining a sensible oral
hygiene regimen, it is essential that you visit Eagle Valley Dental
regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned and
screened for potential problems. By doing so, you increase the
chances that your natural teeth will serve you well your entire life.
steps to prevent them from occurring in advance. Although
advances in dental technology have made it possible for one of
our dentsists to restore the health of your mouth with relative
ease and comfort, it is always preferable to preserve and protect
your existing teeth. In addition to maintaining a sensible oral
hygiene regimen, it is essential that you visit Eagle Valley Dental
regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned and
screened for potential problems. By doing so, you increase the
chances that your natural teeth will serve you well your entire life.
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| Gentle, Quality, and Affordable Dental Care by Best Dentists in Woodbury of Minnesota ( MN 55125 and MN 55129 ) Eagle Valley Dental . 2110 Eagle Creek Lane, Woodbury, MN 55129 . Phone: 651-998-1008 . Fax: 651-998-1009 |