Dental Hygiene Services

At Viva Dental Victoria, we believe that preventative care, education and patient participation are essential to maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being.  Our highly-trained, experienced Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) focus on preventative care so you can preserve your healthy teeth and gums, and ensure that you have all of the knowledge and tools to effectively manage your oral care at home between visits.  We want you to keep your beautiful, healthy smile for life!

We all know that a daily routine of tooth brushing, flossing and rinsing removes plaque and debris from teeth and helps reduce cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. However, regular professional dental cleanings performed by a hygienist remove the hardened calculus (tartar) that cannot be removed by simply following a daily routine of teeth cleaning.  In addition, your hygienist is able to offer a variety of other services.

The importance of regular dental hygiene visits can not be overstated!  Recent research shows that:

• As many as 75% of adults over the age of 30 may suffer from some stage of gum disease according to the American Journal of Periodontology
• Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 15–20% of middle-aged (35-44 years) adults
• Globally, about 30% of people aged 65–74 have no natural teeth
• Maintaining a constant low level of fluoride in the oral cavity can prevent dental cavities

In addition to this, it is now known that there is a direct relationship between your oral health and overall health.  Learn more about Complete Health Dentistry. 

During your first visit to Viva Dental Victoria, you will have a thorough New Patient Examination of your head, neck and oral cavity. Included in the exam will be an assessment of your gums (periodontium) including periodontal pocketing, recession, and tooth looseness (mobility). 

This information will be used to customize your treatment plan and provide you with recommendations.  At your twice-a-year check-up visits, the dentist will do an examination and your dental hygienist will provide the following preventative care:

• A review of your health history
• An oral cancer screening
• Head and neck inspection
• Take blood pressure and pulse 
• Do dental charting and documentation
• Assess overall periodontal health
• Take dental radiographs (x-rays) and intraoral photographs as necessary

Our hygienist will remove soft plaque and hard calculus (tartar) deposits from all tooth surfaces above and below the gum line by hand and with ultrasonic instruments. This procedure, known as scaling, will assist in treating and preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Polishing is provided to remove light to heavy stains and plaque buildup on your teeth by using a slow speed polisher and polishing agents.

After your cleaning, the surfaces of your teeth are treated with professional-strength fluoride to prevent decay. Fluoride treatment is offered based on specific patient needs.

Oral hygiene instruction is provided at each visit by our hygienists to help you improve your oral care. Between dental visits, your oral health is in your hands so make sure that you know how to properly care for your teeth and gums.  Learn more about how we provide Preventative Education.