top of page
At the Dentist

Preventive Care

Your optimal oral health is our number one priority here at Saban Family Dental. Preventive dental care will allow you to achieve optimal oral health and keep your natural teeth sound and functional throughout your lifetime.

Although there are different preventive measures to protect teeth from cavities and gums from infection, the most important preventive dental care is to have your teeth professionally scaled (commonly known as “dental cleaning”) biannually or every 3-4 months depending on the person’s oral health condition. Dental hygienist will effectively remove tartar build-up usually located in the gap between your gum and teeth using appropriate instruments.

Visiting your dentist and having your teeth cleaned by a hygienist will keep pathological bacteria growth in your oral cavity at minimal which, in turn, reduces the chance of developing gum disease/ infection or limit progression of gum disease/infection, if already present.

Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene Services:

  1. Scaling

  2. Polishing

  3. Oral Hygiene Instruction/Education

​

Fluoride

Fluoride is an excellent element that provides many dental benefits to both kids and adults. Not only does it strengthen your enamel, it is scientifically proven to be effective in preventing cavities.

​

Brushing Techniques

A number of different brushing techniques are available where different methods are recommended to be used in certain dental conditions.

​

Modified Bass

Ideal for individuals without gum recession. This method is effective in overall plaque removal, especially beneath the gum line. This method helps in controlling periodontal infections.

​

Modified Bass Technique:

  • A soft bristle brush is recommended as it is the most comfortable and safest choice for your gums

  • Place the bristles at 45 degree angle towards your gum line.

  • Move the bristle back and forth about 10 times, and as you are vibrating the bristle sweep the bristle downwards toward the chewing surface away from the gum line. Of course, if you are brushing bottom teeth, you should be sweeping in an upward motion.

  • Repeat this for each tooth (outer and inner surfaces)

  • For the front teeth, hold the brush so that the bristles are in a vertical position. Move up and down strokes for both outer and inner surface of the front teeth

  • For chewing surfaces, brush in a scrubbing motion

  • Make sure to brush your tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria

​

Modified Stillman

Often indicated for those with gingival recession (also known as gum recession), this method not only provides gum stimulation but also is known to be effective for plaque removal from the gum line. This method helps in maintenance of periodontal diseases.

​

Modified Stillman Technique:

  • A soft bristle brush is recommended as it is the most comfortable and safest choice for your gums

  • Place the bristles at 45 degrees angle towards your gum line. This utilizes similar method as a modified Bass, except that half of the bristle should cover the gums (as if you are massaging the gums) and the remaining half should cover the tooth

  • Move the bristle back and forth about 10 times, and as you are vibrating the bristle, press and sweep the bristle downwards toward the chewing surface, away from the gum line. For bottom teeth, you should press and roll upwards.

​

Fone’s

Also known as circular brushing technique, this is the simplest method of brushing which makes it most ideal for kids to perform on a daily basis. It is, however, the least effective brushing technique. Children’s brushing technique should be switched to either modified Bass or modified Stillman technique once they develop dexterity.

​

Fone’s Technique:

  • Unlike modified Bass and modified Stillman techniques where mouth should be slightly open while brushing, brushing can be done while having your teeth closed when performing Fone’s technique.

  • Place the bristle on a set of teeth then start brushing in a wide circular motion to cover both bottom and top teeth. Move to the next set of teeth until all of your teeth are thoroughly brushed

  • Scrubbing motion can be used to brush chewing surfaces, and don’t forget inside of your teeth!

​

How To Floss

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth cleaning process because it removes the plaque from between teeth and just below the gum-line.

“C-Shape” Flossing Technique:

  • Pull about an arm length of dental floss (approximately 30cm)

  • Wrap the ends of the floss around middle fingers of each hand

  • Hold the floss with index fingers and thumbs for a proper grip of the floss.

  • Use index fingers to guide the floss.

  • Gently slide the floss in between two teeth using a zig-zag motion; do NOT snap the floss between your teeth as this will damage your gums.

  • Form a “C-shape” while sliding the floss below the gum line, contouring the floss around the side of the tooth

  • Repeat for each tooth using clean section of the floss each time

​

​

Bad Breath

We Have Solutions for Bad Breath

Saban Dental offers a variety of solutions to this common problem. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

​

Causes of bad breath

Bad breath can be caused by different factors such as poor dental hygiene, untreated dental problems, tobacco use, dry mouth, or due to systemic disease. Poor oral hygiene and untreated dental problems create desirable environment for bacteria to grow and accumulate. Bad breath becomes noticeable once volatile sulfur compounds are released by bacteria as byproduct.

​

How to prevent/ treat bad breath

To prevent bad breath, keeping up with your daily oral hygiene is key: brush twice daily for 2 minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, as there are tiny hair-like extensions on your tongue to trap bacteria and promote growth. It is best to start on one side of the tongue, rinse, and then repeat for the rest of the surface.

Flossing everyday will also help with bad breath as flossing removes food particles stuck in between teeth. If you have cavities, it is best to follow through with the personalized treatment plan provided by the dentist. If related to systemic disease, it is advisable to seek your physician.

​

Dental aids for bad breath

Tongue cleaner is a great dental aid to remove bacterial buildup on your tongue. Not only is it quick and easy to use, it is scientifically known to be effective as well.

Mouthwash is great for fighting bad breath. Make sure to choose a mouthwash containing antibacterial agents – this provides therapeutic effect where it works to significantly reduce the number of bacteria present in your mouth.

​​

​

​

Oral Cancer Screening

We Have Solutions for Bad Breath

Saban Dental offers a variety of solutions to this common problem. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

​

Routine Oral Cancer Screening at All Appointments

Saban Dental offers oral cancer screening at all of our routine appointments. Research and experience have proven that early detection of oral cancer substantially increases patient’s chances of effective treatment.

​

Oral Cancer Screening Examination

A thorough examination of your oral cavity is performed during oral cancer screening to detect signs of potential cancer and/ or other suspicious lesions. Your hygienist at Saban Family Dental will perform a short, but thorough examination of oral cavity at your every dental hygiene appointment to ensure you receive highest quality of care. A routine oral cancer screening is essential as not many patients are aware let alone educated that oral cancer screening is as important as more commonly known cancers such as breast and prostate cancer screenings. The hygienist will not only increase your awareness of oral-related cancer but will also provide education on how to perform self-assessment of oral cancer screening at home; being educated on self oral screening is especially important for individuals with high risks.

​

Intraoral examination:

Intraoral examination includes examining of soft tissues of the mouth, throat, tongue, and gums. Inner lips, inside of the cheeks, all sides of the tongue, roof of the mouth (palate), and throat is examined for any suspicious lesions that may suggest potential oral cancer.

​

Extraoral examination:

Outside of your oral cavity will also be assessed to detect any abnormal or suspicious findings. Extraoral assessment includes examination of the face, head, and neck. Lymph nodes are gently palpated by the hygienist to detect any enlarged nodes, and will be documented accordingly.

​

Primary Risk Factors

  • Tobacco and Alcohol

Research suggests that there is a significant link between oral cancer and tobacco and alcohol abuse. Chewing tobacco is found to increase risk of oral cancer compared to any other tobacco products because chewing tobacco allows nicotine to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through oral tissue.

  • HPV positive individuals

Due to a compromised immune system, HPV infection is linked to oral cancers

  • Sun exposure

Lip cancer can be caused by excessive sun exposure

  • Age

There is a linear relationship between age and oral cancer; risk increases with age

  • Diet

Individuals who lack greens and fibers in their diet have increased risk of oral cancer. A healthy, balanced diet is highly recommended to obtain optimal oral and general health.

​

Signs of oral cancer

Signs of oral cancer can be found anywhere in the mouth but are most commonly found, but not limited to, in these particular areas:

  • Floor of the mouth under the tongue

  • Roof of the mouth

  • Gums

  • Inside of the cheeks

  • Inner lips

  • Sides of the tongue

  • Oropharynx (throat area)

Oral cancer may be presented in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Lesions are not always painful which makes routinely oral cancer screening even more vital as painless lesions can often be ignored. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer is essential to prevent advancement of cancer.

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​
bottom of page