Preventive Dentistry
 At Excel Dental, we pride ourselves on treating every member of the family. Family dentistry is focused on preventing potential complications, rather than treating them. If you and your family are in need of professional dental services, we can help!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a routine check-up up roughly twice a year. A routine appointment with our doctors will typically include a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. We may also recommend an oral cancer screening for our older patients.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital if you want your teeth to stay strong, functional, and attractive. Apart from regular brushing and flossing, it is also necessary to keep your dental appointments with us regularly. You should visit us at least twice a year for a professional cleaning to ensure you have excellent dental hygiene and your teeth and surrounding structures are healthy.
Cancer screening can be a frightening scenario for some people, but it should not be. The truth is oral cancer screenings done consistently offer you the opportunity to discover problems early when they can be treated more easily and successfully. If you have questions about our oral cancer screening procedures, then please visit our office so our professional staff can guide you through the procedure.
When the soft tissues in your mouth are healthy, they are smooth in texture and pink in color. While any changes in the texture or color of your oral tissues may be nothing, they can also indicate a problem. If you see something unusual about the tissues within your mouth, it is important that you do not ignore the abnormality. Any changes should be examined right away. At Excel Dental, we can diagnose and treat a variety of different oral pathology health issues and oral pathologies.
Professional dental care is a crucial part of your child's oral health. Be sure to schedule your child's first appointment by the time their first teeth erupt, or before their first birthday. Scheduling regular appointments allows us to monitor the development of their oral health. Developmental problems are easier to treat in the beginning stages. As your child grows older, we can establish a strong foundation for their oral health, one that will ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is more than a simple focus on brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily but also caring for your gums and keeping them healthy. Periodontal diseases can be quite serious and difficult to treat. If you want to encourage gum health and be certain you do not contract a gum infection, good gum hygiene and periodontal care is the key, and we can help.
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral found in many of our foods and beverages. It is also a useful tool in fighting tooth decay. Every day, our teeth lose and gain minerals through the processes of demineralization and remineralization. If the process of demineralization exceeds that of remineralization tooth decay will occur. Professional fluoride treatment allows us to supplement the process of remineralization and prevent potential decay. It can even reverse minor instances of decay. Fluoride treatment is particularly beneficial for patients at a greater risk of tooth decay, such as children, teens, and seniors.
A mouthguard will protect your teeth and prevent dental emergencies. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), we may recommend a night guard. Many patients with bruxism tend to grind their teeth during sleep. A night guard acts as a barrier that prevents enamel wear.
Contact sports or sports with moving objects can be a very dangerous environment for your teeth. One extreme tackle or a ball hit into the mouth can do serious, sometimes permanent, damage to the jaw and mouth. If you participate in physical activities that put you at risk for dental trauma or injury, we strongly recommend a custom made sports mouthguard.
Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you have knocked out a tooth, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If your tooth is re-implanted within the hour, the chances are strong that it will reattach to the socket. Dr. Burke Jardine always leaves time open for emergency appointments. A chipped tooth, however, may not necessarily constitute a dental emergency. Severe pain is a clear indicator that you need immediate treatment. A crack or fracture may also indicate a serious problem.
A dental sealant provides extra protection for these grooves by smoothing out the occlusal surface, making it much easier to clean. It also seals out the harmful bacteria that result in tooth decay. These bacteria are found in plaque, which can build up relatively fast in these deep areas, especially without proper brushing and flossing. Sealants prevent the acids produced by bacteria from attacking the enamel.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about our family dentistry services call (360) 369-3930, and schedule an appointment now!
FAQs
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry focuses on protecting your teeth and gums before more serious dental problems develop. It includes routine exams, professional cleanings, digital imaging when needed, fluoride treatments, oral hygiene guidance, and early detection of concerns such as cavities or gum disease.
Why are regular dental checkups important?
Regular dental checkups allow our dentists to monitor your oral health, find small problems early, and recommend care before issues become more complex. At Excel Dental, preventive visits also give our dental team a chance to remove plaque and tartar, check your gums, and help you maintain a healthy smile.
How often should I schedule preventive dental visits?
Many patients benefit from preventive dental visits about every six months, but some people may need a different schedule based on gum health, cavity risk, medical history, or existing dental work. Our dental team can recommend a visit frequency that supports your long-term oral health.
What can I do at home to prevent cavities and gum disease?
At home, brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and drink plenty of water. Consistent home care, combined with routine visits at Excel Dental, can help reduce plaque buildup and lower your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Are dental sealants part of preventive dentistry?
Yes, dental sealants are a preventive treatment that can help protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from food particles and bacteria. Sealants are often recommended for children and teens, but some adults may also benefit depending on the shape of their teeth and their risk for cavities.
Can preventive dentistry help avoid dental emergencies?
Preventive dentistry can lower the risk of certain dental emergencies by identifying decay, cracks, gum problems, or bite issues before they worsen. While not every emergency can be prevented, routine exams and cleanings give our dentists the opportunity to address concerns early and help protect your smile. |
