Preventative dentistry services are designed to help you avoid dental problems and enjoy healthy smiles for life. Achieving and maintaining oral health requires vigilance on your part, as well as close coordination with Dr. Charles Añonuevo and the rest of the dental staff at Inspire Dentistry of the Carolinas. Together, we can take the steps necessary to protect your mouth and preserve your beautiful smile.
Routine Dental Exams
Seeing a dentist for routine exams and cleanings is an integral part of enjoying oral health. Regular exams enable Dr. Añonuevo to monitor your oral health and identify any issues in their infancy. Some dental problems, like gum disease, don’t cause any pain or symptoms and can only be detected by an experienced professional.
During an exam, Dr. Añonuevo visually evaluates the entire mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue and other soft tissues. He may take intraoral photographs, X-rays and other records to look at the areas between the teeth and below the gum line, which are not visible to the naked eye. Dr. Añonuevo is trained to look for certain signs that can indicate decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other maladies. If noticed early, he can intervene before it becomes a bigger issue and help avoid costly care.
During a professional cleaning, one of our dental hygienists uses special instruments to thoroughly clean the teeth, removing plaque and bacteria and targeting the tiny nooks and crannies a toothbrush can miss. The hygienist demonstrates proper brushing and flossing technique, and finishes by polishing the teeth so they gleam. After a cleaning, the teeth may look whiter and brighter plus the breath fresher.
Dental Hygiene Check-Up
You can help prevent dental disease by practicing excellent oral hygiene to remove plaque and calculus from the mouth to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is a mass of bacteria that grows on the surface of your teeth. If plaque is not removed from the mouth, it can turn into calculus. Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hard, sticky substance that leads to worsening gum disease and bone loss.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, covering the outer, inner and biting surfaces of the teeth, as well as the area where the teeth meet the gums and the tongue. Floss at least once a day to clean the areas between the teeth and at the gum line. Dr. Añonuevo and our team may recommend other dental aids, such as tongue cleaners, medicated mouth rinses and irrigation devices, depending on your particular needs.
You can also prevent dental disease by eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Avoiding sugary, starchy foods in favor of produce, lean protein and healthy grains reduces your risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.
Fluoride Interventions
Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens the teeth and prevents decay. Toothpaste and mouthrinse products are excellent sources of fluoride; many private and public water sources contain fluoride, too. Some patients can also benefit from supplemental fluoride interventions administered in our office by Dr. Añonuevo.
Dental Sealants
Sealants are resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface that even brushing cannot reach. Dental sealants provide a barrier against plaque to avoid cavities. Sealants are typically placed on children’s teeth as preventative measure after permanent teeth have erupted to prevent tooth decay. Adults can receive sealants on healthy teeth, too. Every patient has unique needs and Dr. Añonuevo can recommend sealants on “baby” or “adult” teeth. If you already have sealants, a good check-up can determine if you need to be resealed. Dental sealants only provide protection if fully intact.
Book a Preventative Dentistry Appointment
If you would like to schedule a professional exam and teeth cleaning with Dr. Charles Añonuevo, please contact Inspire Dentistry of the Carolinas. You can give us a call or send us an email today.