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Ever wondered what dentists use to clean and examine your teeth? You’re not alone! It’s daunting to sit in the dentist’s chair and not understand the instruments that the hygienist and dentist are using. Let’s take a look at the most popular dental tools and their purposes.

Mouth Mirror

The mouth mirror is a small, circular mirror attached to a long handle. Your dentist uses it to look at tight spaces in your mouth, paying close attention to areas that have tartar buildup. Another use for the mouth mirror is to simply push your tongue or cheek away to get a better look at your teeth!

Saliva Ejector

What’s that little vacuum that sucks up your spit during a treatment? That’s the saliva ejector, which dries your mouth so the dentist can better perform their work.

Scalers

Scalers are the hooked instruments that your hygienist uses to scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth. It makes what many think is a very unpleasant scraping sound. While temporarily uncomfortable, you may quickly feel the difference between not having your teeth scaled compared to having them scaled!

Drill

Have a cavity? Chances are you’ll have some time with the drill, which removes the area of decay and prepares the tooth for a filling.

Probe

Your dentist uses a probe to examine your gums and check for signs of gum disease.

Intraoral Camera

Want to know what your dentist is looking at? At High Point Family Dentistry, we use intraoral cameras so our patients can take a look at their teeth and see what the dentist sees! Now you never have to wonder what we’re seeing during an examination.

Isolite®

Another high-tech feature that High Point Family Dentistry is proud to use is the Isolite patient comfort system. It simultaneously holds your mouth open for you and keeps it illuminated so your dentist can see their work. It even sucks away fluids!

X-Ray Machine

If you’re a new patient or haven’t had X-rays taken in a while, your dentist will want to have new X-rays taken during your visit. We use digital X-rays because they emit less radiation than regular X-rays and are quick.

Next time you visit the dentist, don’t be frightened by the different instruments that your dentist uses. At High Point Family Dentistry, we only utilize the most up-to-date technologies so our patients can enjoy a faster and more accurate appointment. Contact us today and see the difference for yourself!

In the same way that it’s vital for humans to brush their teeth to practice good oral health, it’s important that your pet gets the same treatment to maintain a healthy mouth.

Why You Should Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

When you brush your pet’s teeth, you are removing plaque and tartar from their teeth. If left untreated, the tartar and plaque can build up and cause serious dental issues, such as gingivitis, cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and more, not to mention bad breath. These oral issues can even lead to serious conditions in other parts of your pet’s body. This includes liver, heart, and kidney problems that can cause chronic pain and a short lifespan. By brushing your pet’s teeth, you are taking care of body their oral health and their overall health.

How You Should Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Unfortunately, brushing your pet’s teeth is not particularly enjoyable. That’s why it’s important to establish a routine and brush their teeth at least three times a week. Start by finding a time when your pet is relaxed and comfortable. You also need to come prepared. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made especially for pets.

Getting Used to It

When you have all of your tools and your pet is calm, kneel or sit in front of them. Never stand above them or hold them down as this will make them anxious and upset. Next, test your pet’s willingness to have you near their mouth by rubbing your finger along their teeth and gums using light pressure. If your pet is comfortable with that, spread a bit of toothpaste on your finger and hold it out for them to taste. This will help them get used to the toothpaste.

The Technique

Once your pet is used to the taste of the toothpaste and the feel of something in their mouth, it’s time to start brushing! Lift your pet’s upper lip and gently massage the gum line and teeth with the toothbrush, brushing in small circles. Start with a few teeth at a time, working through the entire mouth for two minutes total. It’s most important to hit the outsides of the canine and back teeth, which is where plaque tends to build up. Some light bleeding might occur, and that’s ok. If you notice anything more, you are either brushing too aggressively or your pet might be showing signs of gum disease. Talk to your vet right away if this is the case.

Rewards

Finally, end the tooth brushing experience by rewarding your pet. Give them a treat, some extra love, or playtime. It’s important that they see this as something to look forward to or something that they’ll be rewarded for doing.

While it’s very important to take care of your pet’s teeth, be sure to take care of yours, as well! At High Point Family Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing you with the best oral care. Call us today to make an appointment!

You know that oral health is important, but do you know what you need to keep your teeth clean and healthy? Here are 5 things your bathroom needs to ensure you’re taking care of your smile.

Toothbrush

One of the most important dental tools in your bathroom, your toothbrush is your battle sword against bacteria and plaque. But what kind of toothbrush should you be using?

Most dentists agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing debris and plaque from your teeth and along your gum line. The shape and grip of the toothbrush is less important. Just pick whatever helps you brush most thoroughly! Speaking of thorough, many find electric toothbrushes are able to remove more plaque from your mouth than your average toothbrush. As long as you’re dedicated to a comprehensive brush every time, though, a regular toothbrush should work just fine. Be sure to replace your toothbrush as soon as you notice wear, or about every three months, whichever comes first.

Toothpaste

At one time, you’ve probably stood in the drugstore looking at all of the toothpaste choices wondering which to buy. As a rule of thumb, look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which works to strengthen the outer enamel of your teeth. If you want to whiten your teeth, there are some important ingredients to look for. Ingredients like magnesium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides, and calcium carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide all have whitening capabilities.

Floss

Floss is another must-have for good oral hygiene. You should be flossing every day, twice a day. Standard floss is a slightly better choice because it can curve to get between teeth at the gumline. Floss picks are also effective, though. Just make sure to thoroughly clean between teeth and gums.

Mouthwash

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), mouthwash has a number of benefits to help keep your mouth clean. It can reduce gingivitis, prevent tooth decay, slow down the formation of tartar on teeth, and, of course, freshen breath. Mouthwash shouldn’t be used in place of brushing or flossing, but it’s a great source of additional protection for teeth.

Storage

Where and how you store these vital tools is as important as how well and often you use them. It should seem fairly obvious, but make sure you are storing your toothbrush away from the toilet. You don’t want to risk anything unsavory comingling with the toothbrush that goes in your mouth! It’s also important to note that you should store your toothbrush somewhere dry. Keeping your toothbrush somewhere that is vulnerable to moisture can lead to a moldy brush.

At High Point Family Dentistry, we want to help you practice good oral hygiene. While your at-home care is vital to your dental health, it’s important that you don’t miss your regular cleanings.