Preventative Dentistry

Checkups

We recommend dental checkups twice a year for patients with good oral health. This suggestion is in line with the American Dental Association’s recommendation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends baby’s first visit should occur six months after their first tooth appears or by age 1. Your checkup will give us an opportunity to update your dental records and assess your oral health. Early treatment is always in your best interest.

How we can help

An adult checkup may include these services:

• Dental X-rays
• Digital photos
• Tooth-by-tooth inspection
• Head and neck exam
• Occlusion/bite analysis
• Oral cancer screening
• Periodontal exam
• Dental cleaning
• Oral hygiene instruction
• Treatment consultation

Children should begin attending bi-annual checkups by age 1. A child’s checkup is different from an adult’s in that we may not take X-rays or photos, and we will look for development problems. We also focus on parental education to ensure your child has good oral habits from the beginning.

Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings will reduce your potential for tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque produces a foul odor, so when it’s removed, your breath should be fresher. If your gums are red, tender, swollen, or if they bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have gum disease.

How we can help: To keep teeth and gums healthy, you need a dental cleaning, or hygiene visit, every six months. Depending on your personal oral health, you may require more frequent visits. At this appointment, your dental hygienist will assess your soft tissues, record the findings, and compare them with your last visit. Then the hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and food particles from your teeth.

Gum disease, aka periodontal disease, is the main cause of tooth loss for adults in the US, and it has been linked to systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and mental dysfunction. Eighty percent of American adults suffer from some form of this condition. If you show signs of gum disease, your hygienist will recommend a treatment that helps control the disease from progressing. Some patients benefit from special mouth rinses, antibiotic therapy, or habit changes to reduce gum disease. Regular maintenance visits are required to keep gums healthy and strong.

Mouthguards

You wear protective gear during sporting events – pads, a helmet, the proper shoes, and gloves. It only makes sense to take the same precautions for your mouth. A custom mouthguard can protect your smile (teeth, mouth and jaw) against injury. Every athlete should make a mouthguard standard gear.

How we can help: Over-the-counter athletic mouthguards, such as the boil-and-bite variety, can be effective. However, if you would like optimal protection and a comfortable, custom-fitted appliance, your dentist will be happy to fabricate one for you. A plastic mouthguard will be created based on a dental impression. It should fit snugly and comfortably for optimal results.

Sealants and Fluoride

Your dentist may recommend dental sealants and fluoride supplements during a checkup – especially for children. These preventive measures help prevent tooth decay.

How we can help: A dental sealant is a tooth-colored coating that is bonded on back teeth. It acts as a barrier against the sugars and starches that cause tooth decay. For kids, teens and adults, sealants on hard-to-clean back teeth can greatly reduce the risk of cavities. Dental sealants wear off over time, so they may need to be replaced periodically.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that attracts other minerals to strengthen tooth enamel and deter cavity-causing bacteria. Adults and children benefit from professional fluoride rinses, high fluoride toothpastes, and fluoride varnishes.