Did you know that your dental hygienist does more than just clean your teeth? She is an oral systemic specialist. Having both years of education and experience, your hygienist will provide you with a thorough examination of your oral health that includes a periodontal assessment, which means we measure the health of your gums, known as gingival health.

​

She will also examine your dental x-rays to determine bone attachment levels—how much bone is supporting your teeth—in order to provide a customized plan to care for both your oral and systemic health.

​

During your hygiene appointment, your hygienist will assess how plaque bacteria, known as biofilm, is affecting your gingival health. Over time, biofilm attaches to the surface of your teeth and gums. These microscopic bacteria colonize and grow, and can cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. This biofilm produces toxins that may result in a condition called periodontal disease.

​

Periodontal disease is the destruction of the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. As periodontal disease progresses, your gums may begin to recede, and the soft root surfaces of your teeth will become exposed, which may lead to sensitivity and cavities on the root surfaces.

If left to proliferate, biofilm will increase in size, and minerals from our saliva will calcify the plaque, causing a buildup of what we call calculus. Calculus is the buildup and staining that you can see and feel on your teeth. To remove this calculus, your hygienist will use a power scaler called an ultrasonic scaler. These tools use high-frequency vibrations to remove calculus and stain, while a stream of water flushes away the debris, providing you with a comfortable cleaning.

​

Hand scaling is another method your hygienist will use to access the difficult-to-reach areas. The removal of calculus and biofilm helps to control the inflammation in your body that leads to disease. An interesting fact about biofilm is that it grows at an alarming rate and can start causing disease within as little as three months.

​

Once your hygienist has assessed your gingival health, bone attachment, and your health history, she will create a custom dental hygiene plan that is designed to achieve your best overall health. We recommend frequent hygiene appointments to prevent the progression of oral and systemic diseases.

​

Depending on the prevalence of this biofilm and other health risks and concerns, your hygienist will customize a maintenance schedule with you to manage your individual bacteria load and keep you at your best. Your health is our priority.

​

The same oral bacteria that causes periodontal disease can trigger inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, gut health issues, and complications in pregnancy such as low birth weight and preterm delivery. Your oral health is closely connected to your systemic health, reinforcing the idea that the mouth truly is the gateway to the body.