Your regularly scheduled check-up is often referred to as a "cleaning", but there is much more to it than that! The technical term is oral prophylaxis, which means prevention of oral disease.

One way to prevent oral disease is to remove harmful plaque and tartar (calculus) both above and below the gum line. You may also be given special instructions on brushing or flossing to keep clean the areas where we found significant buildup. That is the familiar "cleaning" part of your checkup.

Another way to prevent oral disease is by early detection and treatment. During your checkup you will be screened for many potential threats to your oral health, including:

• Cavities
• Gum Disease
• Oral cancer

In addition, some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, often present themselves first inside the mouth, so early detection extends beyond just oral disease.

Your Dental Hygienist is your first-line of defense against oral disease. She is a highly trained professional who can evaluate your teeth and gums, both visually and with the assistance of x-rays and other modern technology. Dr. Bisaro or Dr. Carver will review the findings and advise you on any threats to your oral or general health.