Frequently Asked Questions
What specific areas do you serve?
Hood River Mobile Dental Hygiene serves Hood River, Wasco, and Multnomah Counties.
What do regular dental hygiene services help with?
Regular cleanings are our first defense in early oral cancer detection. They also help improve oral health and prevent tooth loss. Regular cleanings decrease the effects of gum disease, protect physical health, and increase quality of life.
Why should I bother getting my teeth cleaned at my age?
There is a lot of research that connects gum disease with diabetes and heart disease. Simply put, infections that start in your mouth can spread to other parts of your body. As we age we become more susceptible to systemic disease so it becomes more important than ever to keep the mouth clean and healthy.
What if I don't have a dentist?
No problem! I am happy to see you regardless. The Oregon Board of Dentistry recommends a dental exam and any necessary x rays once a year. If you haven't established dental care with a local provider I would be happy to refer you to a dentist in your area.
What happens if I need additional treatment that you don't provide?
For additional dental work I would refer you back to your family dentist. It is recommended that you have a dental exam and any necessary x-rays once a year. If you do not have a dentist I would be more than happy to refer you to one in your local area.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not currently accept insurance. Payments can be made with cash, check, or credit card.
What type of patients do you serve?
I work specifically with the elderly and disabled. I can go into assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, Alzheimer/memory care facilities, home bound patients, hospitals and adult foster care homes.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Frequency is always determined by the health of a patient's mouth and the ability to clean their teeth on a daily basis. I will create a treatment plan (including frequency of cleanings) based on each patient's individual needs.
My loved one wears dentures; do they still need to see a dental hygienist?
Yes. Patients who wear dentures will get them professionally cleaned and evaluated for a proper fit. They also still need an annual exam to screen for oral cancer.
Why should I have a mobile hygienist come to me rather than going to a dental office?
As people age the physical trip to the dental office increasingly becomes more difficult, often resulting in not going at all. Because oral health/disease has such strong links to many systemic diseases ie: pneumonia, diabetes, and heart disease, dental treatment and cleanings become that much more important. A mobile hygienist can bridge the gap between the home bound individual and good overall health.