Preventative Dentistry
Regular Exams And Cleanings
During your routine visits, our experienced hygienist will examine your teeth, check for gum disease and take any necessary digital x-rays and photographs. She’ll also do a digital scan of your entire mouth. The hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, which reduces the presence of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. She will also give you proper oral hygiene instructions and recommend products for your teeth such as mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss.
After the cleaning, Dr. Kiani will check for cavities, tooth decay and other potential problems. She will examine your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease.
Dental checkups are also the perfect time to learn about new innovations that may enhance your smile. We may recommend fluoride treatment or sealants to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. Every day, minerals are lost from a tooth‘s enamel layer when acids – formed from plaque, bacteria and sugars in the mouth – attack the enamel. Too much demineralization can lead to tooth decay.
Fluoride helps your teeth rebuild enamel, undoing the damage caused by normal use. We offer Fluoride varnish which is brushed onto your teeth and left to dry. Varnish releases fluoride over time to remineralize your teeth. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment so the fluoride can fully absorb. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional fluoride treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your oral health.
Sealants
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are covered in deep, narrow grooves that are nearly impossible to keep completely free of plaque.
Sealants protect the teeth by blocking out germs and food. Dental sealants are thin coatings that, when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, can prevent cavities for many years. Sealants are made of dental resin and are applied and hardened in just a few minutes. It is typically done after your dental cleaning.
Mouth Guards
Many people clench, thrust their jaw forward or grind their teeth repeatedly without realizing they are doing it – sometimes even in their sleep. When these behaviours become habits, it is called bruxism.
Damage to your teeth can range from surface cracks to broken teeth or restorations. This can result in tooth pain. In the worst case, teeth can be lost as a result of bruxism. The stress from bruxism also can damage the muscles and the jaw joints.
Nightguards are an easy way to prevent the wear and tear that teeth-grinding causes over time. They cushion and support your teeth to prevent damage and movement, ensuring that you never have to endure sensitive teeth, cavities, fractures and lost teeth – all the issues that bruxism can cause.
If you participate in contact sports, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Sports mouthguards protect your teeth from trauma caused by athletic and recreational activities – particularly collision, contact or high-velocity sports. They significantly reduce the incidence and severity of orofacial injury.
Home Care
Taking good care of your teeth and gums at home is just as important as routine office visits.
- Make sure you brush twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Floss daily.
- Cut back on sugar.
- Avoid acidic foods (like citrus fruits) right before brushing your teeth. They can wear away tooth enamel.