Oral Hygiene & Preventive Care

Oral Hygiene & Preventive Care 

Regular dental  checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile! By practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of having gum disease.  
Dental Cleaning & Exams
Regular exams and cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health.  The American Dental Association recommends a visit to your dentist every six months for regular check-ups and routine teeth cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.  We strive to respect our patients busy schedules, so when you're preparing to come to visit our office, please remember your appointment can last between 45 and 90 minutes.  During your regular exam and cleaning, we will:
  • Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
  • Take dental x-rays
  • Look for cavities or other signs of tooth decay
  • Inspect teeth and gums for gingivitis or signs of periodontal disease
  • Perform a thorough cleaning that includes polishing your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque build-up.
Oral Cancer Screening
Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we're also dedicated to your overall wellness.  We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as part of your regular exam.  Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity to detect cancerous or precancerous conditions.  If we find an area of concern, we may perform a brush test, which collects cells from  the suspicious area in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis.  If the test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.  The most common symptoms of oral cancer are:
  • Red or White spots or sores anywhere in the mouth
  • A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
  • A lump, thickening or rough spot
  • Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
Digital X-Rays
Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques.  Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital x-ray technology in our office.  Digital x-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos and expose patients to less radiation that traditional x-ray technology.  Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as comfortable as possible.  At your next appointment, we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about x-rays. 
Intraoral Camera
You know the importance of prevention when it comes to your dental health, and we're always looking for new and improved ways to help you achieve a healthy smile for life.  While x-rays provide valuable information, they don't give a complete view of everything that is going on inside your mouth.  With the use of an intraoral camera, we can see every aspect of your teeth and mouth with incredible detail, uncovering cracked teeth, plaque deposits, cavities next to fillings and excessive wear.  When we can discover oral problems early on, your treatment is much less invasive and much more cost effective.   
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth.  Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease.  Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque.  If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing and regular dental checkups), it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums.  Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth.  Periodontal disease has two stages: Gingivitis & Periodontitis. 
  • Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, when gums become red and swollen and bleed easily.  At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated with daily brushing and flossing. 
  • Periodontitis is when gingivitis is left untreated.  The gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged.  Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.
Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:
  • gums that bleed easily
  • red, swollen, tender gums
  • gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • any change in the fit of partial dentures
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