During your checkup, your dentist will closely examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw to ensure that if there are any issues, they are found early and treated quickly. Most oral health problems have little to no obvious symptoms at first, so these appointments will ensure you avoid much bigger ones over time. And, before you leave, one of our excellent hygienists will remove all of the cavity-causing plaque and tartar from your teeth before giving them a nice polish so you can enjoy a silky-smooth smile.
Gum disease is an infection that can develop in the soft, supportive tissues of your mouth if too much bacteria-filled plaque and tartar are allowed to buildup on your teeth. The early signs include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, and it can eventually lead to tooth loss! Our team knows how to spot gum disease right away, and if necessary, we can use deep cleaning to remove the source of the infection to get your oral health back on track.
As part of your dental cleaning, we’ll coat your teeth with a highly concentrated fluoride gel. Fluoride is a mineral that has been shown to fortify the teeth upon contact, which is why you’ll find it added to so many oral healthcare products and even public drinking water. This will give your teeth an extra boost of cavity protection that will last until your next cleaning.
The best way to deal with oral cancer is to find it early and treat it quickly, which is why, during every dental checkup, we’ll give you a quick screening. We’ll keep an eye out for any suspicious growths or discolored patches of tissue, and if we find anything, we can organize a biopsy and diagnosis right away. With this approach, treatment can begin as quickly as possible if needed.
Roughly 1 in 3 Americans unconsciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw, and most only do it while they are asleep. Over time, this can wear down the enamel, damage dental restorations, and even strain the jaw muscles! However, with a custom-made nightguard, we can keep the teeth safe by having a patient wear a special mouthpiece to bed that places a soft but sturdy barrier between the rows so they can’t harm themselves.
