Your Guide to Essential Preventive Dental Care
Every effort you make to take good care of your teeth and gums is considered preventive dentistry. Some of these tasks you carry out on your own, like daily brushing and flossing, but most preventive dentistry measures require the support and expertise of a professional dental office. Rely on Dr. Charmaine Johnson and her dental team at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale to help you keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.
Professional Teeth Cleanings
It is recommended that everyone have a professional teeth-cleaning every six months to maintain good oral health and keep teeth free from decay, infection, and other problems. Your dental hygienist can see and reach areas of your mouth that you cannot and has the tools to meticulously care for your teeth in carrying out the following tasks:
- Remove plaque and tartar
- Polish
- Floss
- Take digital x-rays (as needed)
These visits are also an opportunity to discuss the best oral health products and techniques you can use at home to properly maintain your teeth in between dental cleanings, from toothbrushes to toothpaste, floss to mouthwash. For children, fluoride treatments and sealants are applied during these appointments.
Dental Exams
Every teeth cleaning is accompanied by a thorough dental exam performed by your Fort Lauderdale dentist. During this exam, your mouth will be checked for:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Damaged dental work
- Deteriorating teeth
- Gum recession
Your dentist will also review any x-rays that may have been taken and go over any changes to your oral health or medical history since your last visit. This is the time to discuss any questions or concerns you have about everything from tooth pain to grinding your teeth, or talk about whether you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, or other treatments.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your dental exam, you will receive an oral cancer screening. This examination is brief, but it is incredibly important. Early signs of oral cancer are hard to spot to the untrained eye. Without your dentist’s observations, this problem can go undiagnosed for far too long and threaten your well-being. Your oral cancer screening includes an examination of your entire mouth, including:
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Palate
- Lips
- Floor of the mouth
- Neck
- Tonsils
When problems are recognized early, treatment can begin early, preventing oral cancer from becoming a serious and potentially fatal condition.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is a slow-growing oral health problem. Though the untrained eye can have a hard time spotting this infection in its early stages, your dentist will see the signs. If you see your dentist regularly, you should never suffer from a severe case of gum disease because the problem will be noticed and addressed right away.
Whatever stage of gum disease you might be in, periodontal therapy is necessary to stop the progression of this chronic disease and get your oral health back to working order. Periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss in adults, but it doesn’t have to be. Deep cleaning under the gum line, antibiotics, and laser treatments can reset the foundation of your oral health and give you a strong smile once again.
Preventive Dentistry Measures in Fort Lauderdale
It is your job to take care of your teeth and gums at home, and by seeing your dentist twice a year. Take an active role in your oral health and you’ll never have to worry about major dental problems interfering with your life or budget.
- Brush at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Get a customized nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Use a fitted mouthguard if you play contact sports
- Be careful when eating foods that could harm teeth and enamel, like acids and hard foods
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products
- See your dentist immediately when you have tooth pain
Get the preventive dentistry you need at Premier Smile Center in Fort Lauderdale, equipped with the latest technology and dental innovations. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.