Kelowna Dental Hygiene Plaque VS Tartar
Plaque and tartar build-up, also known as calculus, resides within the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. It is a by-product of the naturally occurring bacteria found in the mouth, primarily within saliva. Plaque starts out as a film of bacteria similar to what you may see on a hard surface such as a bathtub. Just like a bathtub left too long without being cleaned, that film starts to build up and get increasingly dense in nature. As it is impossible to remove all plaque even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, it is normal to have some tartar build-up (calculus) that needs to be removed by a professional. By the time you see or feel it on the teeth it has originated from below the gumline and grown above where it is more obvious. Seeking routine dental hygiene maintenance with our experienced dental hygienists every 3-6 months will help keep that tartar from causing gingivitis and other gum concerns.
Start Loving Your Dental Appointments Again!
As a client at Kettle Valley Family Dental, you can take comfort in knowing that our team uses nothing but the latest, research developed tools, products, and equipment. You will notice that all of our x-ray units are digital which provides you with the least amount of measurable radiation possible while allowing Dr. Brown to use the latest technology to diagnose disease in its earliest stages. We also implore the use of intra-oral cameras to show you exactly what your teeth look like before and after treatment. This way you can fully understand what is being done in your mouth. Between digital scanners that eliminate the need for uncomfortable impression material to the most up-to-date anti-sensitivity products we continue to make our client’s comfort a top priority.
This 2 Minute Exam Could Save Your Life
Your check-up appointment is so much more important than just checking for cavities and gingivitis. Dr. Brown and his team of dental hygienists are also looking for signs of changes in the soft tissues of your mouth. Lips, cheeks, the palate and the tongue are also areas that need to be screened. Oral cancer is one of few cancers that on the rise due to the difficulty in early detection. That is, until now! Kettle Valley Family Dental has implemented the use of VELscope VX – a blue light screening tool that uses fluorescence to help detect changes in the mouth sooner than what can be seen with the naked eye. This screening tool, recognized by the World Health Organization and seen in magazines and on TV shows such as Dr. Oz takes less than 2 minutes to complete, is completely painless and costs under thirty dollars. Often, VELscope VX is covered by insurance! According to recent studies, if found early, oral cancer’s 5 year survival rate is good: approx. 83%. Finding it in its early stages is key to survival. Our office is proud to offer you the very best in oral screening.
Book an appointment for your next Dental Hygiene Cleaning and Exam