Preventive Dentistry – Upper Arlington, OH

Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), patients of all ages should have at least two dental checkups and teeth cleanings every year. Doing so gives your dentist a chance to remove harmful materials from your teeth while also checking for any small issues that could eventually turn into emergencies.

During a professional teeth cleaning, any harmful plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth and gums will be gently removed before they can lead to health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. We may also remove any surface stains that we find to keep your teeth looking as bright as possible.

If we find any troublesome symptoms, we will let you know what treatment options are available and schedule follow-up appointments as needed.

Oral Cancer Screening

While the main focus of a dental examination is checking for tooth decay and gum disease, it’s also a good opportunity for us to look for lumps, discolored patches, and other symptoms that could be signs of oral cancer. We can help you make the necessary arrangements for a biopsy if we find anything to be concerned about. About 53,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and those who have the disease caught early generally have much more positive outcomes.

Nightguards for Bruxism

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People of any age may start grinding or clenching their teeth at night due to stress or a misaligned jaw. This involuntary grinding, known as bruxism, can wear down the tooth enamel, strain the jaw joints, and lead to chronic headaches. Fortunately, our office has an easy way for you to protect yourself from bruxism: custom mouthguards. You simply wear this oral appliance whenever you go to bed, and it will stop your teeth from touching each other, thus letting you avoid the worst consequences of bruxism.

Periodontal Therapy

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Gum disease starts as gingivitis, a mild condition that may involve swollen or easily bleeding gum tissue. Without treatment, gingivitis will eventually turn into periodontitis, which can cause you to lose your teeth and may even increase your risk for heart problems. If we find signs of gum disease, we may recommend periodontal treatment to keep it from getting any worse. The earlier you address gum disease, the likelier it is that you can avoid any lasting or severe damage.

Fluoride Treatment

The properties of fluoride make it an essential mineral for strengthening the enamel and preventing decay. If you drink tap water or use ADA-approved toothpaste, chances are you already expose your teeth to fluoride multiple times a day. But if your smile needs a little extra protection for whatever reason, we can offer a professional fluoride treatment as part of your dental checkups. We can apply the fluoride to your teeth in just a few minutes, making them significantly safer until your next visit.

At-Home Dental Hygiene

As important as professional dental cleanings are, you also need to take good care of your teeth while you’re at home. Our team highly recommends that you brush at least two times every day. Doing so will significantly lower your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Don’t forget to floss as well so that you can clean the nooks and crannies that a toothbrush can’t reach.

There are other steps you can take to maintain good oral hygiene as well. Make sure that the types of toothpaste and mouth rinse you buy contain fluoride. Don’t eat too many sugary foods and maintain a balanced diet that will promote good oral health. After every meal, drink some water to wash away any leftover sugars and food particles. Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something that contains acid; this will give your saliva time to return the pH balance in your mouth to normal. By maintaining the right habits, you can keep your teeth strong and beautiful for many years to come. Let us know if you’d like any advice for improving your at-home hygiene routine.