Dental

 

Flossing

Few people really enjoy flossing. But if you don't floss, you're only doing half the job of cleaning your teeth and gums. Flossing cleans away plaque and bits of food from between your teeth and below the gum line. It gets places your brush can't reach. It’s best to floss once a day.

1. Break off 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest around the same finger of the other hand.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Leave about an inch between them.
3. Use a gentle sawing motion to get the floss between your teeth. Never snap the floss into the gums.
4. When you get the floss to the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Scrape up and down on the sides of each tooth to remove plaque.
5. As floss gets worn and dirty, move to a clean section and continue. Don't forget the backsides of your rear teeth.
6. When you're done brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with water.

If you have arthritis in your hands, trouble moving your fingers, or if you have bridgework in your mouth, a floss holder might help. Ask your dentist about tools to make flossing easier for you.

If the term "friendly dentistry" did not originate with IHC's Dental Department, it should have. Not only do patients visit the well-appointed Rincon and Santa Ysabel facilities; staff members go out into the community to perform educational outreach activities.

IHC's Dental professionals are committed to helping adults and children make the connection between a healthy mouth, good nutrition, healthful lifestyle, and regular dental care. The departments at both the Rincon and Santa Ysabel facilities are cheerful, bustling places, complete with general and specialty professional services and caring staff. Youngsters can even learn how to brush their teeth at brightly colored, kid-sized sinks.

Our goal is to provide excellent dental care and education to our service population.  The clinic provides full preventative and restorative dental services including orthodontic treatment. 

In addition to all of our on-site services, IHC’s dental team also strives to increase awareness about the importance of oral health through participation in community health fairs and Head Start programs.  The staff also conducts dental screenings and provides oral health education in the Medical Department during the OBGYN and Well-child clinics.

• Office hours are maintained at both facilities.
• On-site teams consist of general dentists, hygienists, assistants, receptionists, and other office staff.
• Endodontic services are offered 2 days a week.
• Orthodontist services are available one day a week.
• Pediatric dentistry is offered two days a week.
• Referrals to oral surgeons are handled efficiently for difficult cases.

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In addition to the dental education and oral hygiene instruction provided during dental visits, the dental department members join with other IHC staff to provide dental screenings, health appraisals, and consultations at health fairs throughout the community.

The Dental Department members perform oral screenings and provide oral health education at Head Start Programs and the Well Child and OBGYN clinics held in the Medical Department at IHC.

 

First-time patients are introduced to the dentist's office in a positive, non-intimidating way.

We have a pedodontist 2 days a week that specializes in children’s dental care with an emphasis on oral health education and prevention.  Anesthesia services are also available in conjunction with the on-site pedodontist.

 

 

Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush.  The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.

One way to prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease is by eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal snacks.  If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.

By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life.

Start dental visits by your child’s first birthday.  Make visits regularly. 

 

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