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Dental Health

Oral Hygiene and Maintenance

Oral hygiene and maintenance refer to the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy through regular brushing and flossing. The purpose of oral hygiene is to protect the teeth against the buildup of plaque and food that sticks to the teeth, prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Oral hygiene and maintenance should be a lifelong habit. Regular dental visits and checkups are also a must.

Some basic practices involving oral hygiene and maintenance are the following. Proper brushing is vital to maintaining a clean and healthy smile. Flossing is an effective way to remove plaque in between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. If you have sensitive teeth, a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse may be required to reduce irritation. Professional cleaning is done by a dentist and recommended every six months. Following these best practices with help ensure a healthy smile for years to come.

CAMBRA – High Cavity Risk Patients

CAMBRA is an acronym which stands for Caries Management By Risk Assessment. It is a system that is used by dentists to evaluate and treat patients with signs of tooth decay or dental caries. It is crucial in making specific dental treatment and restoration recommendations. The CAMBRA method takes into consideration all the different aspects and factors that affect an individual’s caries risk, including the current oral status, oral anatomy, oral health habits, saliva flow, medical conditions, current prescription medication and diet.

Based on these risk factors, dentists will conduct tests for oral bacteria levels and will take x-rays. The dentist will then make a recommendation based on the severity of the risk factors. High-risk patients may require medical intervention in the form of an oral rinse, gel, gum or spray. They may also undergo a procedure for restoring any existing tooth decay. On the other hand, low-risk patients may use oral home care preventive products to maintain their risk levels low.