Dental Hygiene

Keep Your Natural Teeth for Life with Us

You only have one set of permanent teeth- so you want to keep them for as long as possible. The best way to do that is with proper dental hygiene- which can also promote overall health.
At Luminescence Dentistry in Dallas, we understand the connection between oral and overall health. We work closely with our patients to help you keep your natural teeth for life and to ensure that you are healthy.

How Does Dental Hygiene Impact Overall Health?

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing your teeth significantly reduces your risk of developing cavities and tooth decay. However, you may not realize that it can also reduce your risk of gum disease and jawbone deterioration. Recent research indicates that dental hygiene and health have an impact on overall health, including conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Gaurav Tyagi and the team at Luminescence Dentistry understand this link. This is why we encourage our patients to practice proper dental hygiene and visit the office for an exam and cleaning every 6 months.

What does an Oral Hygienist Do?

At Luminescence Dentistry, oral hygienists play a crucial role in your treatment from beginning to end. They will start your appointment by reviewing your dental history and notes from your previous visit. Any changes to your health and medications will be noted in your chart.
Next, your hygienist will take x-rays to check for bone loss and, if detected, will try to determine what is causing it. The x-rays will also be used to check for tooth decay that is hiding between teeth. We will also discuss your diet and how it impacts your teeth and your overall oral health. The oral hygienist will be your guide during treatment. They will be with you from start to finish, whether you are in for standard cleaning and exam or you need more extensive treatment.

List of Dental Hygiene Services We Offer

Luminescence Dentistry offers a variety of dental hygiene services, including:

Cleanings

While it’s true that every patient is different, most dental professionals agree that cleanings and exams should take place every 6 months. Cleaning will remove plaque and tartar buildup. Even patients who are meticulous about their dental hygiene may struggle to get to the hard-to-reach areas, including around the gum line. During this visit, we also check for signs of gum disease, cavities/decay, and other dental issues. Routine cleanings can help detect problems before they escalate.

X-Rays

An x-ray will reveal more about your oral health than we can see, including the extent of decay and jawbone density. Typically, we take x-rays once a year. However, depending on your history, we may do them more or less often. We do several different types of x-rays to capture images of your mouth from different angles.

Screenings for Oral Cancer

During your routine exam, Dr. Tyagi will also screen for oral cancer, which involves looking for signs of precancerous/cancerous conditions. This allows us to detect oral cancer early and treat it quickly. This is beneficial for patients at risk of developing oral cancer, such as those who use tobacco products or have a family history of cancer.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is used to strengthen your teeth, reduce your risk of tooth decay and may also stop or reverse small cavities. Fluoride is found in drinking water and most kinds of toothpaste. However, we also offer fluoride treatments in the office to provide extra protection for your teeth. This is especially helpful for our pediatric patients due to their high risk of tooth decay.

Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that stick to the grooves in back teeth, offering protection against cavities. Application of sealants is easy and painless and will keep teeth strong and healthy.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues treated by dentists. It is caused by bacteria that live inside the mouth and is most often seen in patients over the age of 30. One of the primary risk factors for gum disease is poor dental hygiene. However, genetics and lifestyle habits can also increase risk. If addressed early, gum disease is reversible.
If you have gum disease, Dr. Tyagi can help with procedures such as deep cleanings, bone grafts, and gum grafts. In addition, we can educate you on proper dental hygiene. Ideally, you should brush after every meal to remove sugars before the bacteria turn the min to acids and plaque. If you’re not able to brush after every meal, you should at least brush twice daily. Mouthwash can offer additional protection for your gums. If you have active gingivitis, Dr. Tyagi may prescribe a therapeutic mouthwash.

Fresh Breath

Bad breath is a major source of insecurity for most people. However, regular dental visits can help prevent bad breath. Some of the things that Dr. Tyagi can do to help patients combat bad breath are:
●     Removing tartar buildup
●     Treating and reversing gum disease
●     Update and clean dental restorations
●     Offer tips for improving dental hygiene habits

Preventative Treatments

Preventative treatments include regular exams and cleanings- typically every 6 months- as well as x-rays. This will help to detect problems before they escalate and require extensive treatment. There are a few things you can do to promote oral health on your own: Brush teeth regularly- at least twice daily- with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. In addition, you should floss at least once daily to remove food stuck between your teeth. If you have questions on the best toothbrush and toothpaste to use or the proper way to brush and floss, Dr. Tyagi can help.
Avoid acidic foods, as they can harm enamel, and be careful with hard foods that could cause damage to your teeth. Avoid smoking and tobacco products, as they can cause dental problems and cancer.
If you play contact sports, make sure to use a mouth guard. Also, if you grind your teeth at night, ask about using a night guard.

Why Choose Luminescence Dentistry?

If you live in the Dallas area, we encourage you to consider Luminescence Dentistry for your dental needs. We can help you keep your natural teeth for life with treatments that promote oral and overall health. We work closely with our patients to ensure good oral health for life.
Dr. Tyagi received his dental degree in 2012 from the University of California San Francisco. He then practiced general dentistry in private practice for 7 years before completing a 3-year residency in prosthodontics at Rutgers in New Jersey. He has the knowledge and expertise to perform smile makeovers, full mouth restorations, dental implants, and more.

Schedule Your Dental Hygiene Appointment Today

Your oral health is the key to your overall health. As you can see, proper dental hygiene is the best way to promote good oral health. However, you can’t do it alone.
Let Dr. Tyagi and the team at Luminescence Dentistry help you achieve the best oral health possible. Schedule your preventative visit today. We can work with you to help you understand the importance of your oral health and the best practices to maintain it.

Dental Hygiene FAQs

We know that you have lots of questions and concerns when it comes to dental hygiene, and you are not the only one. Some of the most common questions we get include the following:

What are the most common oral health issues?

The most common oral health issues we see are cavities and gum disease. Both of these can be prevented with proper dental hygiene habits and regular dental visits.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Ideally, you should seethe dentist every 6 months. However, if you have certain dental conditions or are undergoing orthodontic treatments, you may need to visit more often.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

You should change your toothbrush at least every 3 months. If you have been sick, it’s a good idea to get a new one when you are well.

What are the common symptoms of oral cancer?

According to statistics, every year, more than 34,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. The key to effective treatment is early detection. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize it until it has progressed. Typically, it starts with a small white or red spot in the mouth on the lips, tongue, palate, or cheeks. This is why oral cancer screenings are part of our dental hygiene services.

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