Dental Treatments

How Important is Oral Hygiene?

Oral health is a foundational component of overall well-being, acting as a gateway to the body and influencing systemic health.

Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria builds to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular check-ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless exams performed during routine dental visits to detect early signs of oral cancer. These screenings typically take less than five minutes and are recommended at least once a year, or more frequently if you have risk factors.

Key Risk Factors:

• Tobacco or alcohol use

• HPV (especially HPV16) infection

• Age (over 55)

• Male gender (men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer)

• Family history of oral cancer

What to Expect During a Screening:

• Visual exam: Dentist checks inside your mouth, throat, and lips using a light and mirror.

• Tactile exam: Fingers are used to feel for lumps or hard areas in the face, neck, and jaw.

• Advanced tools (in some offices): Fluorescent lights or oral cancer screening dyes (like toluidine blue) may be used to highlight suspicious tissue that’s invisible to the naked eye.

If an Abnormality Is Found:

• A biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken for lab analysis.

• You’ll be referred to an oncologist or oral surgeon for further evaluation.

• Early detection greatly improves survival rates—oral cancer has a 57% five-year survival rate, but this rises significantly when caught early.

Schedule your screening today!