DENTAL HYGIENE AND OUR CHANDLER HYGIENISTS' RECOMMENDATION

The basis of sound dental care is routine cleaning and maintenance. The Chandler hygienists and the Chandler family dentists at Ahwatukee Dentistry customize cleanings on the basis of your periodontal (gums and bone) health. Our Chandler dentists recommend medicated gels along with prescription mouth rinses in problem areas if necessary. Ultrasonic scalers are sometimes used to make the procedure more comfortable and effective as well. In some instances, periodontal surgery may be recommeded.

Plaque is probably the biggest cause of tooth decay and eventual bone loss. One milligram of plaque can contain a half-billion bacteria. Bacteria ferment sugars in the mouth, changing them to acids, which then eat away at tooth enamel. As plaque builds up below the gum line, it mineralizes and becomes tartar, which is the catalyst for periodontal disease (aka “gum disease”). Gum disease is the major cause of receding, bleeding gum and tooth loss in adults. 

To prevent plagues and tartar build-up, daily brushing and flossing should be applied at home.  As part of your dental care, you and your family should schedule regular visits with our Chandler hygienists and dentists for regular checkups and cleaning.  In addition, our Chandler family dentists recommend sealants to be used as part of a child's total preventive dental care. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars (back teeth). Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs in these surfaces. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces to prevent decay. Applying sealants is a simple, quick process that does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. It is an easy three-step process.  First, our Chandler dentists clean the tooth with a special toothpaste. A special cleansing liquid, on a tiny piece of cotton, is then rubbed gently on the tooth and is washed off. Lastly, the sealant is painted on the tooth. It takes about a minute for the sealant to form a protective shield. One sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked regularly, and reapplied if they are no longer in place.

Children and adults at high risk of dental decay may benefit from using additional fluoride products, including dietary supplements (for children who do not have adequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water), mouth rinses, and professionally applied gels and varnishes. Be sure to ask our Chandler family dentists to recommend these products.  Our Chandler hygienists may also offer some of these products to you as well as teaching you and your family the proper techniques in brushing and flossing. 

Serving clients in the Sun Valley area, including Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix , and Maricopa County Arizona.