The Role of Dental Hygiene in Preventing Gum Disease: Your Gresham Dental Group Guide

by | Oct 20, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, dental hygiene plays a crucial role. At Gresham Dental Group in Gresham, Oregon, we are committed to helping you prevent gum disease and keep your smile healthy and bright. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of dental hygiene, what you can expect during your visit, the benefits of our services, answer some frequently asked questions, and explain why we are your top choice for dental care in the Gresham area.

The Role of Dental Hygiene in Preventing Gum Disease:

Dental hygiene is the cornerstone of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental problem that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Here’s how dental hygiene plays a pivotal role in preventing gum disease:

  1. Plaque and Tartar Removal: During your dental hygiene visit, our skilled hygienists will meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This process prevents harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing gum inflammation.
  2. Gum Health Assessment: Our team will assess the health of your gums and check for any signs of gum disease. Early detection is key to preventing its progression.
  3. Education: We’ll provide you with personalized tips and techniques for maintaining good oral hygiene at home. This knowledge empowers you to take better care of your teeth and gums between visits.

What’s Involved in the Visit:

A typical dental hygiene visit at Gresham Dental Group includes:

  • Oral Examination: We will assess your overall oral health, including checking for cavities, gum disease, and any other dental issues.
  • Professional Cleaning: Our hygienists will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup, and polishing your teeth to leave them looking and feeling great.
  • X-rays (if necessary): We may take X-rays to get a more comprehensive view of your oral health.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Based on our findings, we will provide recommendations for any additional treatments or changes to your oral care routine.

Benefits of Dental Hygiene Services:

Choosing our dental hygiene services offers numerous benefits:

  • Prevent Gum Disease: Regular hygiene visits are your best defense against gum disease.
  • Improved Oral Health: Clean teeth and gums are less likely to develop cavities and other dental problems.
  • Fresh Breath: A clean mouth means fresher breath and increased confidence.
  • Early Problem Detection: We can spot dental issues early and address them before they become more serious and costly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How often should I visit for dental hygiene?
  • We recommend visiting every six months for most patients. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your specific needs.
  1. Does dental hygiene hurt?
  • Our hygienists are gentle, and most patients experience minimal discomfort. Any discomfort is typically brief and mild.
  1. Is dental hygiene covered by insurance?
  • Many dental insurance plans cover dental hygiene visits as a preventive service.

Why Choose Gresham Dental Group:

  • Expert Care: Our team of skilled dentists and hygienists is dedicated to your oral health.
  • Convenient Location: We are your trusted dentist in Gresham, Oregon, conveniently located for easy access.
  • Personalized Service: We tailor our treatments to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best outcomes.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest dental technology to provide efficient, comfortable care.
  • Patient Comfort: We prioritize your comfort and work to create a stress-free and welcoming environment.

In conclusion, dental hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining a healthy smile. At Gresham Dental Group, we are here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Choose us as your dentist in Gresham, Oregon, and experience the difference in quality dental care. Contact us today to schedule your next dental hygiene visit. Remember, a healthy smile starts with good dental hygiene!

 

Dr. Trent Westover

 

When patients meet Dr. Westover for the first time, they’re immediately at ease. Not only is he relaxed and friendly, but he takes the time to explain each procedure and make sure his patients are completely informed of their options.

Dr. Westover grew up in Big Bear Lake, Ca and then moved to Apple Valley, California where he graduated from high school then lived in Peru for two years on a church mission and speaks fluent Spanish. From there he moved to Oregon in 1989 after graduating from BYU to attend Oregon Health and Science University’s School of Dentistry, graduating with honors in 1993 then he joined the practice with Gresham Dental Group.

Dr. Westover has developed a passion for restorative dentistry and puts a strong emphasis on patient comfort, while delivering the best of care.

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Westover is found outdoors with his friends and family biking, boating and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Westover met his wife, Sheryl when they were kids and married in 1986, raising their children in Damascus, OR and is a proud grandparent.

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IV Conscious Sedation

 

Our patients have helped us develop a deep appreciation and understanding for dental fear and its impact on their lives. Our office environment, doctors and staff interaction, and everything we do is intended to reduce your anxiety and change you perception of a visit to the dentist.

Dr. Westover is trained and certified to utilize IV Conscious Sedation (also known as “Sleep Dentistry” to treat patients with dental anxiety.  This can be a great way to help you regain healthy beautiful teeth and give you the confidence to overcome your dental fears.

We offer various sedation options including oral, light or deep IV as well as general anesthesia and nitrous oxide. These options are intended to accommodate the various needs of our patients depending on the severity of their anxiety or fear. In some cases we may utilize a combination of both oral and IV sedation. Nitrous Oxide is available for patient with mild dental anxiety.

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Bridges & Implants

 

IMPLANT RESTORATION
A dental implant includes a small, sturdy, titanium post which serves as new root structure. The implant is placed into your upper or lower jaw bone, and once bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or over-denture in the same way that natural teeth are held in place. Implants are very durable and can last a lifetime. While there is no guarantee that an implant procedure will be successful, studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. The success rate for upper jaw implants is slightly lower because the upper jaw (especially the back section) is less dense than the lower jaw. Lower back jaw dental implants have the highest success rate.
We can help improve life for our patients who have lost teeth and are sometimes too self-conscious to smile or talk. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results. Dental implants may be recommended for a number of reasons:
• Tooth Decay
• Root Canal Failure
• Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
• Trauma To The Mouth
• Excessive Wear And Tear
• Congenital Defects

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Oral Surgery

 

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

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Kristi

Kristi has been in the dental field for over 25 years. Her hobbies include cooking, shopping, time with friends and family and date nights with her husband. Together they have a spunky red-headed 5 year old son Max that keeps them on their toes and is teaching them to enjoy the simple things in life every day! What Kristi loves most about her job is creating relationships with our patients and making sure they have the best dental experience possible when they are here!

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Debbie

Debbie grew up in Eugene.  She met her husband there and they later moved up to Portland.  She has a son and daughter and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  She has been with Gresham Dental Group since 2002.  

 

 

 

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Lorri

Lorri was born and raised in Gresham.  She graduated from the hygiene program at MHCC in 1994 and has been with Gresham Dental Group ever since!  Lorri loves her job and working with her patients at every visit.  During her free time she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her 3 kids and 8 grandkids!

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Amy

Amy grew up in Oregon and moved to the east coast after marrying her husband while he was in the military.  After his enlistment, they moved back and she began working for Gresham Dental Group in 2009.  Her boys, Tyler and Austin, keep her very busy!  When she does have free time she enjoys camping, cooking, wine tasting….anything with friends and family.  She also dedicates many hours each week to her son’s therapies for autism/sensory processing disorder.  

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Sandi

Sandi has been a hygienist for almost 40 years and over half of that time has been spent in the 3 different locations of Gresham Dental Group. She has 2 daughters and one son and spends a lot of her free driving to and from Seattle to visit…and babysit her 4 year old grandson. Sandi loves reading and the empty nest deal!

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Amber

Amber was born and raised in the Gresham area.  She began working for Gresham Dental Group in 2010.  She has one son named Jackson.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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Lisa

Lisa was raised in Gresham Oregon and has been in dentistry her entire life.  She started working for Gresham Dental Group in 1999.  Prior to that she managed her father’s dental practice.  She and her husband Rick were married in 1980 and have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, Claire, Brady, Tyler and Austin.  In her free time she enjoys camping with her friends, cooking, spending time with family, and spoiling her grandkids!

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Melaine

Melaine has been working at Gresham Dental since 2010. She has three amazing kiddos, Matthew (13), Samantha (12) and Elizabeth (9). Melaine loves hiking, trail running, camping, disc golf…pretty much anything she can do outside with family and friends. The longest race she has done was the Mt Hood 50 miler with wonderful support of family and friends.
Melaine was born in Ketchikan, Alaska and grew up in Oregon since she was 6. Studied Exercise Sport Science at Oregon State University and loves motivating others to exercise and be healthy. Other fun facts, she love anything Disney and the Smurfs.

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Jessica

Jessica was born in Portland but adventurously raised in several different states. She finally returned home to her native Portland in 2009. Jessica LOVES the northwest! She has 3 beautiful daughters that keep her busy and teach her a lot. Jessica is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and enjoys hiking, running and spending time with her family. Jessica joined the Gresham Dental Group family in April 2016.

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Erica

Erica grew up in Boulder Colorado and has a passion for the great outdoors, including biking, hiking, snowboarding, and hanging out at the river in the summer. She has been in Oregon for over a decade now and has learned to appreciate the rain’s contribution to our lush forests.
Erica is a Beaver at heart as Oregon State is her first Alma mater. She went on to Pacific University for dental hygiene school and received a bachelor degree in dental health science in 2011. Her passion for dental hygiene originates from her dedication to motivate patients to practice excellent oral hygiene to promote overall health and wellness. .

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Dr. Brad Strong

Dr. Strong was raised in Springville, Utah. Upon graduating from BYU, Dr. Strong attended The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. It was a quality education in dentistry (and BIG 10 football). Dr. Strong’s personal interests and hobbies were forged in the Wasatch mountains. His favorite past time is fly fishing. He has spent countless hours wading in the river currents of Hobble Creek, Diamond Fork, The Green, and The Provo. He hopes to never miss a year of Deer hunting. While in dental school Dr. Strong had the wonderful fortune of meeting his wife Lezlee. They have been together ever since that 2nd year of dental school. They now have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Dr. Strong enjoys spending his free time with his wife and children.

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Erica

Linda started with Gresham Dental Group in 1997. She grew up on Sandy and went to Sandy grade school & high school and went to North Pacific Dental School. Linda has 3 kids and 2 granddaughters, Haley in college at WSU and Rio is 3. She also has 1yr old twin grandsons, Jake & Drew. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, sewing, baking, etc.

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Linda

Linda started with Gresham Dental Group in 1997. She grew up on Sandy and went to Sandy grade school & high school and went to North Pacific Dental School. Linda has 3 kids and 2 granddaughters, Haley in college at WSU and Rio is 3. She also has 1yr old twin grandsons, Jake & Drew. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, sewing, baking, etc.

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Loretta

Loretta graduated from MHCC Dental Hygiene Program and finished my undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University. Currently, she is also an instructor at MHCC teaching restoratives and senior clinic. Her greatest accomplishment and joy in life is her family. Loretta and her husband have raised 4 children and now get the pleasure of 3 beautiful grandchildren. ( She would like triple the grandkids)
Loretta loves snow skiing, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.

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Molly

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Kayla

Kayla grew up in the Portland area and attended PCC for dental assisting. She married her husband Jerad in August of 2015 and they welcomed their first child, Mason, in 2016. They also have a Yorie-Poo named Pee-Wee. In her spare time she enjoys camping, dirt bike riding, playing softball and attending Blazer games.

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Lorie

Lorie graduated from Mt Hood Dental Hygiene program in 1974. She has mainly been employed in private dental practices but has also practiced in Egypt, promoting dental hygiene. Upon her return to the states, she had the privilege of practicing with a periodontist, serving on the Board of Directors for the Western Society of Periodontology and eventually teaching at the Mt Hood Dental Hygiene program as a clinical instructor. She takes pride in being an active member in her professional organization and has served on many committees over her 45 years in practice. Dental hygiene has been a perfect career choice for her and she continues to love what she does! Besides dental hygiene, her horses are her passion. She has a Missouri Fox Trotter, Rambler, and a miniature horse, Penelope, a little princess.????

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Dr. Eli

 

Dr. Eli moved to Portland from Ukraine with his family in 2000 and has lived in Portland since then. He graduated high school at Centennial high school before completing his bachelor’s degree at Portland State University. He then attended OHSU school of dentistry where he pursued his passion for dentistry.

Dr. Eli has spent countless hours in continued education with the sole purpose of offering the best possible care to his patients. When not at work, Dr. Eli is spending quality time with his family and friends or serving in his church. Dr. Eli and his wife Alina have been married since 2019 and are raising one son with another baby on the way!

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Dr. Joshua Hardin

 

Dr. Hardin was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He is an avid skier and did racing in Giant Slalom and Slalom at Sandy High School. Dentistry runs in his family, with both his grandfather and father in the dental field. In 2016 Dr. Hardin completed Dental school at OHSU and graduated near the top of his class with honors. Dr. Hardin has a very strong commitment to his patients, as well as his family. Married to his high school sweetheart, Sydney. Together they have four kids Emmett, Rory, Max and Dove. Dr. Hardin enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, off-roading in the mountains, shooting and building guns, and taking his wife and 4 kids on trips to see the world.

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