Scaling and Root Planing
       Scaling and root planing is the most common and conservative form of treatment for periodontal (gum) disease.
       Scaling is the removal of calculus (commonly called tartar) and plaque that attach to the tooth surfaces. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root.
       Plaque is a sticky substance, full of bacteria, that forms on teeth. When plaque hardens over time, it is called calculus.
       Plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces. For this reason, the root surface is made smooth in a process called root planing. Root planing removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface.
       We recommend oral prophylaxis after every 6 months.

Fluoride Application
Fluoride’s Importance to the Teeth
       Enamel, the outer layer of the crown of a tooth, is made of closely packed mineral crystals. Every day, minerals are lost and gained from inside the enamel crystals. Losing minerals is called demineralization. Gaining them back is called remineralization.
       Fluoride helps teeth in two ways. When children eat or drink fluoride in small doses, it enters the bloodstream and becomes part of their developing permanent teeth. Swallowed fluorides also become part of the saliva and strengthen teeth from the outside. Acids are less able to damage tooth enamel strengthened by fluoride.
       Children between 6 months and 16 years old who do not drink fluoridated water should take fluoride supplements. They are available as liquids for younger children and tablets for older children. Either your pediatrician or your dentist can prescribe them.
        Topical fluoride products are applied directly to the teeth. They include toothpaste, mouth rinses and professionally applied fluoride treatments. Professional fluoride treatments are given in a dental office.

Pit & Fissure Sealant
       A sealant is a clear or tinted plastic protective coating for teeth and it is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These are the areas where most cavities form. They protect the chewing surfaces frown tooth decay by keeping the food particles out of the grooves.

Tobacco Counselling
       About 90% of people with mouth cancer and some types of throat cancer have used tobacco. The risk of developing these cancers increases as people smoke or chew more often or for a longer time.
       Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop these cancers.
       About 37% of patients who continue to smoke after cancer treatment will develop second cancers of the mouth, throat or larynx. This compares with only 6% of those who stop smoking.
       Tobacco smoke from cigarettes, cigars or pipes can cause cancers anywhere in the mouth or the part of the throat just behind the mouth. It also can cause cancers of the larynx, lungs, esophagus, kidneys, bladder and several other organs. Pipe smoking also can cause cancer in the area of the lips that contacts the pipe stem.
       Smokeless tobacco has been linked to cancers of the cheek, gums and inner surface of the lips. Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of these cancers by nearly 50 times.