Dental Hygiene

Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age.

Maintaining Your Oral and Overall Health

A female patient getting a dental cleaning and exam as part of her biannual checkups at the dentist in Peoria, IL
When it comes to general dentistry, we believe your oral health is the gateway to your overall health. That’s why we place a huge emphasis on preventive care at our practice. By practicing good dental hygiene at home and visiting Dr. Mathes for regular checkups, you can help keep your smile bright and your body healthy for many years to come.

At every checkup, you can expect a thorough comprehensive exam and cleaning, where we’ll:

  • Look for cavities or any sign of tooth decay
  • Inspect your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease
  • Perform a gentle cleaning by removing any plaque and tartar

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dental Hygiene Exams

What can you expect at your hygiene appointments with Dr. Mathes?

Comprehensive Exam
We’ll assess the health of your gums, teeth, and bone to ensure everything is looking good. We do this with:

  • Digital x-rays
  • Dental decay assessment
  • Oral cancer screening
  • Periodontal and tooth charting
  • TMJ assessment
Dental Cleaning
Our hygienist is highly trained to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that cannot be removed from brushing and flossing. Our teeth cleaning services include:

  • Tartar and stain removal
  • Tooth scaling
  • Tooth polishing
  • Gum disease prevention
  • Cavity prevention
One-on-One Education
This time with us is your chance to talk to Dr. Mathes about your oral health and get answers to your questions. We’ll also provide tips to ensure your smile and body stay healthy. This could include:

  • Proper brushing techniques
  • Proper flossing techniques
  • Nutrition tips
  • Your smile goals

How You Can Keep Your Smile Healthy

Get our tooth tips below:
  • How many times should I brush my teeth a day?
    Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush your teeth at least twice a day. We recommend you use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your smile and remove any extra plaque-causing food particles. Don’t forget to brush the top surface of your tongue to keep your breath fresh!
  • How many times should I floss a day?
    Floss at least once a day to clean between your teeth. It’s important to floss the areas your toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss, together with mouthwash, will remove extra decay and food particles between the teeth and under the gum line.
  • How do I brush properly?
    • Step 1: Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
    • Step 2: Gently, brush in a circular motion.
    • Step 3: Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
    • Step 4: Brush in a back and forth motion for you back molars.
  • How do I floss properly?
    • Step 1: Wind about 18 inches of floss around the ends of your middle fingers.
    • Step 2: Using your thumbs and forefingers, gently guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
    • Step 3: Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it on the teeth up to your gumline.
    • Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each tooth.

Dr. Mathes is the best dentist I have ever been to. I feel appreciated in every aspect going here, from the front desk to hygienists, and with Dr. Mathes. Dr Mathes is very knowledgeable and trustworthy in the work that he and his staff have done with me.

Chad A., Actual Patient

Ready to Schedule Your Dental Hygiene Exam?

Call or send us a message and let’s get your smile healthy.

Learn more about our dental office:
We’re happy to serve the state of Illinois:
  • Peoria, IL
  • Bartonville, IL
  • Chillicothe, IL
  • Dunlap, IL