Preventative Dental Care

When we say “Dentist,” what do you think of?

The gentle, melodic hum of the dental drill probably doesn’t make you want to run out and make a dental hygiene check-up appointment.

Hornsby Dental Care’s dentist Dr. Rabeeh believes this perception of dental hygiene and check-ups needs to change!

When you walk in the front door, the first thing that you’ll notice is that this isn’t just any Hornsby Dental Clinic, this is a Dental Care Clinic! A warm, welcoming, environment tells you that this is going to be a different dental experience!

Our experienced and professional team welcomes you and gets you comfortable. They go out of their way to deliver the best dental hygiene experience you’ve ever had!

Did you know that many health conditions including heart disease have been directly linked to dental hygiene issues such as gum-disease?

At Hornsby Dental Care, we want your teeth to withstand the test of time, leaving you looking and feeling good. When it comes to your dental health Dr. Rabeeh can help customize a daily plan ensuring that your brushing regimen will maximize your oral hygiene.

Our preventive services and recall check-up periods vary from 6 to 12 months, tailored to suit different needs at different life stages. Preventive services include diet counselling, oral hygiene instructions, fissure sealants, fluoride applications, provision of preventive medicaments and products and mouthguards.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on your individual needs. Your dentist will recommend necessary x-rays based on your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients and is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect any new dental problems.

Tooth brushing

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using a small,
circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.

2. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of your front teeth.

4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing cleans spaces, and prevents plaque colonies from building up.

Take 30-40cm of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 5cm of floss between your hands.

1. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a gentle sawing motion.

2. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing

It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist whether it’s right for you.

Other dental aids may be recommended by your dentist:
•Interdental Brushes
•Rubber-Tip Stimulators
•Tongue Cleaners
•Irrigation Devices
•Fluoride
•Medicated rinses