Oral Hygiene
Dental Scaling
One of the techniques used to treat periodontal disease is ultrasonic scaling. We use an instrument called the Cavitron that uses sound waves to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth above and below the gums.

Gum Disease
Gum disease is a catchall phrase that can include a simple inflammation of the gums - called gingivitis - right up to full-blown periodontal disease, where there is significant damage to the gums that can result in bone and tooth loss. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and can include dental scaling and the use of topical or oral antibiotics. In extreme cases, we may need to remove and replace teeth in which there is too much bone loss to support the natural tooth. We will do everything possible to preserve your natural tooth if you have periodontal disease.

Halitosis
Halitosis is the more formal name for bad breath. Bad breath can have several causes:

Poor oral hygiene: If you neglect to brush and floss daily, then food particles remain trapped between your teeth which create the bacteria that cause bad breath. Careful daily brushing, flossing and the use of an oral irrigator can prevent most cases of bad breath.
 
Food: Highly pungent foods such as garlic and onions become part of the bloodstream once they're digested. As the blood circulates through the lungs, this can cause bad breath.
 
Dehydration: If your mouth is chronically dry, this can cause bad breath. Start drinking more water to improve halitosis caused by dehydration.
 
Disease: Several medical conditions can cause bad breath, including chronic sinusitis and bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and liver or kidney ailments. Your dentist can advise you if you need to seek medical treatment if the cause of your bad breath can't be attributed to other causes.

Toothbrushes/Toothpastes
Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a good fluoride toothpaste. Brush at least twice daily. Be sure to take enough time when you brush to do a good job. The length of time it takes to sing "O Canada" is generally considered a good length of time!

Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are special resins that we apply to teeth that are highly grooved and may be difficult to clean. When the sealants are applied, it's more difficult for bacteria to attach to the tooth.

Laser Gum Treatment
Lasers are being used to treat gum disease. The laser kills many of the offending bacteria, removes diseased tissue, and encourages gum reattachment to the teeth. Laser treatment is usually done without local anesthesia and often reduces the need for more extensive periodontal surgery.