Preventative Dentistry
Some may feel, “no big deal, it’s just my teeth” or “it’s just my mouth,” but the oral cavity is a part of your body – and everything’s connected! There is a correlation between good oral health and your overall wellness. Many forms of heart disease share common risks factors with gum disease or periodontitis.
Everyone wants to look their best, and a beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth. We offer preventative services that help you reach your goal of a great looking smile that’s also healthy and functional. By getting to know you and focusing on your concerns, we can create a treatment plan that is tailored to fit your needs and goals for a whole and healthy smile.
Minimizing the Risk of Gum Disease
A 2011 study presented at the American Heart Association’s annual session showed that those who had regular dental cleanings had a 24% less chance of having a heart attack compared to those who had no cleanings.
If you practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly, you’re less likely to feel self-conscious about your smile, have irritated gums that bleed, or have chronic bad breath. Most importantly, you’re less likely to suffer from tooth pain or the irreversible effects of periodontal disease, such as bone loss and receding gums.
Our comprehensive services include preventative treatments like periodic exams, comfort x-rays that won’t hurt or cause you to gag, fluoride remineralization, cavity preventing sealants, and routine cleanings. For patients with a history of gum disease, we offer scaling or deep cleaning, periodontal maintenance, and localized antibiotic therapy and irrigation.
Oral Cancer Screening
We’re equipped to identify common dental problems early and will monitor changes in your mouth as part of the oral cancer screening provided with every dental check-up.
In addition to traditional oral cancer screenings performed by most dentists, we utilize an advanced oral cancer detection device called the Oral ID. The Oral ID uses fluorescent light and special filters to detect early changes in your oral tissues that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Traditional risk factors for oral cancer include age, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. However, in recent decades, the human papilloma virus (HPV) has greatly increased the incidence of oral cancer in the general population and is a risk factor for developing oral cancer among those who carry the virus.
Positive Steps to a Healthy Smile
Looking after your oral health is a positive thing, and we want you to feel good about following through with your routine appointments. We stress patient education because we know that when you are informed, you are more likely to take the necessary steps to protect your oral health.
Preventative services are one of the most important services we provide because they allow us to stay a step ahead of periodontal disease and other oral health problems. Please contact Gardner Springs Dentistry, and a friendly member of our team will help you set up your next appointment for a dental cleaning and exam.
