Spring into dental hygiene and start smiling with confidence. A proper daily dental hygiene routine helps minimize the risk of developing gingivitis, cavities, gum recession and tooth loss. Get off on the right foot with oral health and into an improved dental hygiene routine with these dental action steps for healthy teeth and gums.
Improve Daily Dental Care
Brush teeth a minimum of twice per day for two minutes. Once in the morning and once before going to sleep at night. For a brighter smile and healthier teeth and gums, add flossing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to your dental hygiene routine, drink plenty of water daily and rinse with water or use a water flosser following meals to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth. While antimicrobial mouthwash can kill the bacteria that forms plaque, it cannot remove stubborn bits of food and tartar between teeth. This is why flossing is so important.
In addition to regular brushing, flossing and rinsing are essential steps for improved oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once daily to help remove plaque hiding in areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Unlike a toothbrush, which cleans the tops and outer surfaces of the teeth and gums, floss is an interdental cleaning product specifically designed to clean tight spaces between the teeth and the base of the teeth and gums. Flossing fights gum disease, creates confident smiles and prevents periodontitis to protect heart and respiratory health.
Stick to a Routine Dental Cleaning and Exam Schedule
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are recommended every six months for healthy teeth and gums. Patients at risk for dental disease, including pregnant women, adults who frequently take medications that dry the mouth, smokers and diabetics may need to see the dentist more frequently to prevent or address dental issues including gum disease, cavities or plaque build-up. We understand dental fear, anxiety and distress, particularly for patients who have avoided the dentists’ office for extended periods of time. That’s why Three Rivers Dental Group offers sedation and sleep dentistry solutions to help patients relax in comfort for pain-free visits and dental hygiene care. We urge patients who have postponed their regular oral health checkups and cleanings to contact us at (1) 855-4-NO-FEARS or request a dental appointment online for fast, convenient dentistry services tailored to your individual dental needs.
Dental Hygiene Services
As plaque hardens into calculus or tartar, it becomes more difficult to remove, weakening tooth enamel and gum tissue. A professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist will remove plaque or tartar to improve oral health and dental hygiene. During a routine checkup, the dentist will examine and xray teeth to determine if a light cleaning or deeper dental cleaning is needed. The dentist may also recommend a professional fluoride application to reduce the risk of cavities and strengthen the health of teeth. As a result of the dental examination, an oral health plan of action will be presented. This can include recommended steps to improve the daily dental care routine, brushing teeth a minimum of twice per day for two minutes, flossing and rinsing, or additional dental services to improve the health and appearance of teeth and gums, including:
- Scaling & Root Planning
- Dentures
- Partials
- Denture Repairs
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Crowns
- Dental Implants
Sedation Sleep Dentistry Solutions
Stress-induced teeth grinding and pandemic related dental problems are on the rise and affecting oral health. Three Rivers Dental Group is here to help with 24-hour online scheduling, same day appointments with sedation and sleep dentistry solutions to comfort patients, relieve dental pain and pandemic related oral health issues including tooth fracture, decay and dental damage. Experience dental services in comfort with no sights, no sounds and no fears. Before administering any sedative, our doctors review patient medical and dental history to select the best option, including:
- Oral Sedation: Offered in pill form for minimal anxiety and pain relief, usually taken one hour before a dental procedure. Dosage fluctuates based on the dental procedure being delivered. Some patients may feel drowsy or fall asleep with this sedation type.
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation: Also known as laughing gas, inhaled minimal sedation helps dental patients relax. The calming effects of this sedation method wear off quickly following the dental procedure.
- IV Moderate Sedation: A fast-acting intravenous sedation method with adjustable levels administered by a dentist to help patients relax.
Three Rivers Dental is here to help keep dental hygiene on track for confident smiles. Call (1) 855-4-NO-FEARS to schedule an appointment for your next dental exam with Three Rivers Dental. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.