Importance of Dental Hygiene
Your smile is meant to last a lifetime, but you need to give it the proper care. That means eating a balanced diet, limiting your consumption of sugary foods, brushing and flossing daily, and seeing Dr. Wassenaar for checkups at least twice a year.
A hygiene visit is commonly referred to as a dental checkup. Even if you are taking good care of your smile, it’s essential to see us at Williams Lake Smiles for regular hygiene visits. We provide the care you will not get at home.
Your Hygiene Visit
An important part of your hygiene visit is the professional dental cleaning you get from our hygienist. We remove the plaque and tartar that threaten the health of your smile. Plaque is a film that covers your teeth after you eat a meal.
Plaque that is not removed through brushing and flossing can harden into tartar, which is also known as calcified plaque. Plaque and tartar provide fuel for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, our hygienist has special tools to remove tartar.
Once we thoroughly clean your teeth, we polish them as well. In addition to leaving your smile looking nice, this also makes it more difficult for dangerous bacteria to penetrate the surface enamel of your teeth and cause cavities.
Your Dental Exam
Dentistry is largely a matter of providing preventative care. The earlier Dr. Wassenaar notices a situation, the easier it is to treat.
As part of your dental examination, you are provided a full set of x-rays that Dr. Wassenaar will consult to monitor the health of your smile. He also inspects your teeth, head, and neck.
Dr. Wassenaar checks for signs of potential dental issues such as decay, gum disease, tumors, or impacted teeth. For our younger patients, he also ensures their teeth are growing in properly.
Your examination also includes a complete screening for oral cancer. Over 4700 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2017. Early detection is essential for effectively treating this dangerous disease.
Complete Care for You and Your Family
You only need to go to one dental office to get comprehensive care for your whole family at Williams Lake Smiles. Call 250-398-8411 today to schedule hygiene visits for yourself, and the people you care about.
