Your daily brushing and flossing efforts are known as preventive dentistry, and while they are necessary and important, they are not the only things you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It’s important to combine your own oral health care with professional dental care. At Ida Alfonso Dental Arts in Carlsbad, CA, we offer multiple preventive dentistry services to take care of your teeth and gums and ensure that you have a strong, beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Professional teeth cleanings are recommended every six months to help children and adults keep their teeth free from decay and infection. Though you may be diligent about brushing and flossing at home, only your dental hygienist’s tools can get to the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth and meticulously remove plaque and tartar.
A cleaning also includes a thorough flossing, polishing and, as needed, digital x-rays. Children receive fluoride treatments and sealants after a cleaning. These visits are also a great time to discuss the best products to use for your teeth, from the right toothpaste for sensitive teeth to the recommended electric toothbrush and more.
Every teeth cleaning is accompanied by a dental exam carried out by your Carlsbad dentist. Your teeth, gums, and mouth will be checked for:
Your dentist will review x-rays to see if there is anything suspicious happening under the gumline that needs to be addressed. This exam is also your opportunity to talk to your dentist about any concerns or questions you have about your oral health, whether you’re curious about Invisalign, want cosmetic dentistry recommendations, think you need to get serious about wearing a customized nightguard, or otherwise.
Every dental exam includes a quick and easy oral cancer screening. Even though the examination is fast, it is incredibly important. Detecting early signs of oral cancer can save your life, and your dentist has the trained eye to observe any changes in your mouth or signs of trouble.
Your dentist will examine your tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of the mouth, lips, neck, and tonsils for problem areas. Recognizing oral cancer early means treatment begins early and oral cancer is prevented from becoming a potentially fatal condition.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults, but it doesn’t have to be. Gum disease starts small, as gingivitis. Sometimes, though, the earliest stage is difficult for the untrained eye to spot. Your dentist, however, will notice right away. If you keep up with your teeth cleaning appointments every six months, you will never find yourself suffering with serious gum disease because the problem will be addressed right away so it cannot grow larger.
If it has been some time since you’ve seen the dentist and you have a developed a severe case of gum disease, periodontal therapy is necessary to stop its progression and get your oral health back in good condition. Laser gum therapy can do the necessary deep cleaning and even help regenerate healthy gums.
Ready to get preventive dentistry for yourself or a member of your family? Google “dentist near me” to find Ida Alfonso Dental Arts in Carlsbad, CA. It is our job to help you take care of your teeth and gums. Our experienced, gentle team is prepared to give you the dental care you need using our sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
Contact us to schedule your next teeth cleaning and dental exam. If you are suffering with tooth or mouth pain, get in touch immediately to find out if you need an emergency dental appointment.
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