Your Cambridge Invisalign® Provider
Regular oral examinations and hygiene cleanings at Ainslie Street Dental in Cambridge can help you prevent any dental issues and keep your smile healthy.
Preventative Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental x-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures. We will also perform an airway screening to assess for signs of airway dysfunction that could be affecting your oral and overall health.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer which are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
To keep your smile healthy between dental appointments, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.
Preventative Hygiene & Cleaning in Cambridge
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you or your child has a high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
Airway Dysfunction & Your Oral Health
The Importance of Airway Screenings
Signs of airway dysfunction, like mouth breathing, snoring, or poor tongue posture, can lead to dental and general health issues, including sleep-disordered breathing and orthodontic problems.
By detecting these issues early, we can offer recommendations for appropriate interventions, whether that includes myofunctional therapy, habit modification, referrals for additional evaluation, or working with other healthcare professionals.
Our aim is to take a proactive approach to your health, ensuring that optimal airway function supports both oral health and overall well-being.
What Does an Airway Screening Include?
Airway health is vital for overall well-being, and identifying airway issues early can help prevent long-term complications. As part of our preventive hygiene strategy, we include airway screening in routine assessments to detect potential concerns, such as:
- Mallampati Score – Evaluates airway space and potential restrictions
- Tonsil Size – Enlarged tonsils (Grades 3-4) can contribute to airway blockage
- Tongue Posture & Function – A low-resting tongue, tongue-tie, or scalloped edges can signal airway issues
- Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing – Chronic mouth breathing can impact sleep and oral health
- Palatal Shape – A high or narrow palate may reduce nasal airflow and increase the chances of mouth-breathing
- Lip & Cheek Tone – Weak oral muscles can affect airway posture
- Bruxism & Clenching – Teeth grinding may be a sign of airway resistance and sleep-disordered breathing