HYGIENE ASSESSMENT

Being aware of our current situation and making healthy choices can help us live longer, healthier lives.

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Health Assessment & Discussion

Your oral health is integral to your overall health. The goal of the assessment is for LYT Oral Care to determine your current health situation and collaborate on the best treatment plan for you. Here are our 11 assessment objectives (elaboration of specific goals will be described below) :

  1. Review of vitals and medical history
  2. Periodontal and gingival health (bone and gum level), which includes AAP classification, checking for bleeding sites upon probing, pocket depths, furcation involvement, gum recession (exposed root surfaces), and CAL (how much tooth support has been lost around the teeth)
    A periodontal exam will give us baseline data to which future changes can be compared
  3. Caries susceptibility and caries risk assessment (saliva flow and pH levels within the oral cavity, and diet control)
  4. Oral systemic connections (periodontal disease can be a manifestation of some systemic diseases such as diabetes and cancer, a side effect of medications, or consequence of habits like smoking and chewing tobacco)
  5. Current restoration status (number of virgin teeth vs. restoration)
  6. Occlusion (bite) and TMJ disorders such as clenching and grinding
  7. Oral Cancer and Intra oral cancer screenings to check for any abnormalities in the oral cavities and its tissue
  8. Radiographs (see below for descriptions)
  9. Shade of teeth
  10. Airway obstruction
  11. Biofilm indicies

Once the assessment is completed, your hygienist will discuss the best treatment plan for you as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Other frequently discussed topics

  • Aesthetics

    If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth or smile, please voice your concerns with our hygienists, so that we may refer you to the appropriate specialists such as orthodontists and aesthetic dentists.

  • Eating Habits

    Eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures and we want to make sure you can do so for years to come! We will discuss any risks for caries (tooth decay due to acids produced by certain bacteria) and periodontal disease (gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis) in your diet. We will go over treatment options to prevent decay like fluoride and recommend toothpaste and products based on your needs.

  • Sleeping Patterns

    Good sleep is vital to your health and we want to help you attain the best sleep possible. We will discuss issues causing poor sleep quality such as chronic obstructive airway which can be related to the grinding and clenching of your teeth during sleep. If there are any issues regarding chronic obstructive airway, we can refer you to a respiratory therapist for specialized treatment.

  • Smoking

    Smoking can interfere with and be a detriment to your oral and overall health. It can stain your teeth, accelerate gum deterioration (causing tooth loss), and hinder the healing of tissues. If you are thinking of quitting, please let us know so that we may suggest options to aid in cessation.

Digital Radiographs

Extra-Oral

Panoramic 2D radiographs, also known as “X-rays”, we will scan your upper and lower jaw to assess for things like un-erupted teeth and abnormalities.

Bite-wing X-rays (an x-ray on each side of the mouth) will check in between the teeth for any suspicious cavities, decay or lesions. If found, we can refer you to be treated by the appropriate professional.

Periapical X-rays show bone levels and the areas around the root of the tooth. They may reveal cysts, tumours, and infections that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The absence of pain does not necessarily denote the absence of disease; periodontal disease develops with few symptoms in its early stages.

Intra-Oral

Intra-oral cameras are used to take pictures of any abnormalities within the oral cavity. The photos are used as helpful tools for patient education by showing areas that are missed in-home care and look at teeth that show concern. We check the common sites of oral cancer occurrence, which can look like red and white patchy lesions. Referral to an oral pathologist will be made should we find such issues in our assessment. The intra-oral photos can also show us signs and patterns of clenching and grinding.

Other

Photos of teeth that have been heavily restored or chipped will be taken for reference upon which future degradation can be gauged. Assessment and counsel on proper care and treatment plans will be determined and discussed as needed.

Purple Dye

You read correctly! We are always searching for new and best ways to help assess and treat your teeth.

After consent is given, our hygienists will apply purple dye to your teeth and intra-oral photos will be taken. The purple dye highlights areas that are missed in daily hygiene routines. The photos will reveal to us (and you) areas that require more maintenance whether it be brushing, flossing, or using other dental aides such as waterpiks, or proxy brushes to keep bacteria levels low. We then give you a plaque score based on the areas that show up purple in your mouth.

Your Treatment Plan

Once all your information is gathered, we will proceed to go over any questions and plan for treatment. 

Our hygienists will create a customized home care plan for you so that you can take care of your teeth between professional treatments. Between our hygienists and you, we can work together to reach your dental health goals and get you to a healthier you.

Other Treatment & Referrals

In case we are not able to completely treat an issue, rest assured, as we have great relationships with specialists and can refer you to the right professionals once an assessment has been made and your needs examined. 

Specialists include orthodontic practices, gum specialists, endodontists, oral pathologists, denturists, oral surgeons, and even physiotherapists. We will discuss these options with you should the need arise.

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