Current evidence
Based hygiene practice no longer considers polish and fluoride essential procedures for every patient. At Downtown Dental Centre an assessment is done and appropriate treatment is provided at each hygiene appointment, so there may be reason to have polish or fluoride treatment at one appointment but not at the next one. The health of your mouth is the determining factor.
The purpose of polishing is to remove surface stain. It is a cosmetic procedure and has no health benefits for the teeth and does not whiten your teeth. It does however, make your teeth feel great! Often people equate a “clean mouth” with that feeling, despite the fact it is the scaling (removal of calculus) that actually “cleans” the teeth. We are happy to offer this service, but we like to inform our patients that it is not a necessary procedure for good oral health care.
Who benefits from fluoride?
Fluoride is most beneficial in teeth that are developing. Therefore it is most effective with children as their adult teeth are erupting and the enamel is forming. Once you are an adult there is generally no need for fluoride unless you at high risk for decay. Your hygienist will determine if fluoride would be beneficial for your oral health. “Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists…” HealthyChildren.org
Scaling and root planing remove plaque biofilm, calculus (tartar) and stain. They are often all that is required at your dental hygiene appointment. Scaling is essential for gum health and overall systemic health. Your Regina hygienist will recommend the frequency of your hygiene appointments, as it will vary based on your home care and the risk of decay.
Contact Us
Dont hesitate to contact our team of experts at Downtown Dental Centre for an appointment or if you have any questions. It will be our pleasure to guide you towards a better oral health care. Write us an email, call us or come and see us directly in downtown Regina, on the 5th floor of the Royal Bank Building in Regina, SK.
