Cosmetic Dentist

Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Hygiene and Teeth Cleaning

Dental hygiene and regular teeth cleaning are the most important aspects of keeping good dental health. Without a solid health foundation, no smile can be beautiful in the long term. Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Marshall offers many services designed to improve your dental health and catch potential problems early.

Preventive oral care focuses on regular maintenance of the teeth and mouth through teeth cleaning, use of dental sealant, polishing, scaling, root planing and radiography. In order to properly care for your teeth, dental hygiene and scheduled teeth cleaning must have as much of a place in your dental care as general dental procedures do. Dr. Marshall emphasizes the need for regular dental care to all her Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cosmetic dentistry patients. It is part of dental education and you can read more at our page on General Dentistry.

Our Approach to Dental Hygiene

When you come for your regular check-up, Dr. Marshall will look at your dental status from several perspectives:

• Condition of your gums – she will examine them for any early signs of gum disease and she or one of our team will measure the little pockets between teeth and gums
• Condition of your teeth – our DIAGNOdent will pick up tiny areas of decay that the eye cannot see
• Condition of your gums, teeth, and jawbone as visible on X-rays – we use digital X-rays to protect you from unnecessary exposure to radiation

We will look at the notes and records from your previous hygiene visit to make comparisons and assess whether your dental health is improving, holding steady, or declining. You can ask any questions you may have and Dr. Marshall will give you clear, informative answers.

By referring to your records each visit, we can pinpoint early problems more promptly and therefore treat them more effectively than if they were left until they became obvious. It is to your advantage to be consistent in coming to the same dentist for your check-ups, so that nothing falls between the cracks, as it may if you change dentists often or miss check-up visits.

By practicing excellent dental hygiene you can dramatically reduce your time in our office and may never need a root canal – which is no longer the stereotyped pain experience that our grandparents may have faced – or a dental bridge, or even a tooth crown. You will need very little from us beyond routine checks and the professional cleaning that brushing and flossing cannot accomplish.

Effective Teeth Cleaning at Home

Good dental hygiene and teeth cleaning at home should be emphasized throughout life, although it is never too late to begin. Good oral hygiene involves keeping your teeth well-brushed and flossed to keep bacterial numbers at a minimum and to remove any food particles that can promote bacteria and cause bad breath. Your gums should be pink, not red, and should not hurt or bleed when you are brushing and flossing. The teeth should be snugly enclosed by surrounding gum tissue, with no spaces or looseness.

The most important steps in good home care include:

• Brushing twice daily
• Flossing every day
• Eating fresh foods and maintaining a balanced diet
• Avoiding sugary snacks
• Using dental products containing fluoride, such as toothpaste or a rinse

The proper care of your mouth, teeth and gums when you are young often dictates whether or not you have dental problems as you age. In many cases, if you have practiced effective oral care throughout your life, the only dental work you will ever need is regular check-ups and any cosmetic dentistry procedures you choose.

If you would like to schedule a dental check-up with Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Marshall, please call or email our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office today and we will be happy to schedule one for you. We look forward to meeting with you. Serving patients in Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

602 The Times Building
Suburban Square
Ardmore, PA 19003
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