Why do I need a dental cleaning?

A soft and sticky film called ‘plaque’ builds up on our teeth every day. We do our best to remove most of it by daily brushing and flossing however some of the leftover plaque eventually hardens to form ‘tartar’. Unfortunately this tartar, also known as ‘calculus’, accumulates over time and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.

If the tartar is not removed by regular professional dental cleanings, it can lead to Periodontal Gum Disease and some of the following signs and symptoms:

• bad breath
• loose teeth
• bleeding gums
• swollen gums
• loss of teeth
• receding gums
• longer appearing teeth
• sensitive teeth
• spaces between teeth

Gum Disease may Affect your Overall Physical Health!

Recent studies have shown a link between poor oral health (gum disease) and the following:

• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• Pre-term birth and low birth weight babies
• Cancer of the kidney, pancreas and prostate
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• Lung disease (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

How often should I have a dental cleaning?

At Highview Dental our dentists and hygienists will do a very detailed assessment of your risk for periodontal gum disease.  We will measure the health of your gums and supporting bone levels and we will assess the amount of tartar that develops in your mouth above and below the gums.  We can then use this information to recommend an appropriate frequency for your dental cleanings. Most patients will require cleanings every 6 months, 4 months or 3 months depending on their risk.

Who will do my dental cleaning?

At Highview Dental we have three very experienced Registered Dental Hygienists who will take care of your dental cleanings: Janine, Ruhil and Mehrasa. If you get comfortable with a specific hygienist you may request that she does all of your future cleanings.

Why do I need a dental checkup?

When it comes to the health of your mouth, PREVENTION IS KEY. It is extremely important that we detect any problems in your mouth at the early stages. It is very important to have your teeth examined regularly by a Dentist to check for:

• Cavities – Most people do not realize that MOST CAVITIES DO NOT HURT even when they become very large! – The earlier a dentist can discover that a cavity is growing, the smaller the filling will need to be and the less damage to the tooth.
• Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) – This may occur completely painlessly for years and years (even decades) until teeth become loose. It can be slowed down and even stopped if it is discovered in its early stages.
• Oral Cancer – This is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and early diagnosis is critical.  At Highview Dental our dentists will always do an oral cancer screening along with your regular dental checkup.

Who will do my dental checkup?

Dr. Bryan Lazarus (DDS) and Dr. Michelle Bossin (DDS) will be available for your dental checkup and any other dental needs you may have.