Preventive / Hygiene

What is Preventive/Hygiene Care?

Preventive dental care includes activities that prevent oral infections and keep a healthy smile for a lifetime. These actions typically include regular brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing, and keeping up with healthy eating – along with scheduling regular oral tests and professional teeth cleanings.

Regular visits to the dentist can stop the formation of cavities. No matter how good you are at brushing and flossing, it’s hard to reach every nook and cranny of your mouth. Having teeth professionally cleaned eliminates plaque and tartar build-up and helps avoid painful cavities. Dentists can also apply specialized tooth cavity treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride to further protect you.

Why Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings?

There are several reasons to book regular professional dental cleanings including:
Removing Plaque and Tartar Buildup

No matter how meticulously you brush at home, there are likely some hard-to-reach places on your teeth where plaque has an easier time settling and proliferating. If not removed, plaque can begin hardening into a sticky substance known as tartar in just 24 hours. Only a trained hygienist at your dentist can remove tartar once it has formed, and they’ll have no trouble reaching the plaque that you can’t reach at home.

Preventing Oral Health Problems

Preventive dentistry is the best tool that dentists have in the fight against oral disease. Visiting our team at Elgin Dental Group at least every six months for a professional cleaning will help keep gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health diseases at bay. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy means that you will be at a lower risk of tooth loss later in life.

Correction of Oral Health Problems Early

After prevention, catching oral health problems early is the next best thing for ensuring effective treatment. In the early stages, gum disease and tooth decay can be reversed if the proper steps are taken. Treatment is not only easier but also often more affordable early on. The cost of not visiting the dentist regularly can easily outgrow the cost of dental cleanings.

Dentists and hygienists are also often the first primary healthcare providers to detect signs of oral cancer, which is typically much more responsive to treatment if caught early.

Maintaining the Appearance of a Healthy Smile

Teeth can quickly become discoloured from buildup, foods and drinks. By going for regular dental cleaning, you can enjoy a brighter and whiter smile on top of a healthier one. Your dentist and hygienist will also be able to give you personalized pointers on how to keep your teeth whiter, and they may suggest cosmetic dental treatments for you as well.


Our experienced, gentle Port Coquitlam team is happy to provide you with a thorough cleaning, examination and oral hygiene education to help you maintain healthy teeth, gums and a beautiful smile! Protect your smile – Call us today to book your appointment.

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