PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY

CLEANINGS

Teeth cleaning is part of oral hygiene and involves the removal of dental plaque, tartar, and calculus from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. People routinely clean their own teeth by brushing and interdental cleaning (flossing), and dentists/dental hygienists can remove hardened deposits (tartar) not removed by routine cleaning at home.

EXAMS AND SCREENING

Recent exams and screenings, which include x-rays and mouth check, are extremely important to your dental health. These steps help us detect diseases such as dental caries and oral cancers so we can treat them before harm.
Girl Smiling — Dental in Washington, DC

SEALANT

Dental sealants are a dental treatment intended to prevent tooth decay. Teeth have recesses on their biting surfaces; the back teeth have fissures and some front teeth have cingulum pits. It is these pits and fissures which are most vulnerable to tooth decay, partly because food sticks in them and they are hard-to-clean areas. Dental sealants are materials placed in these pits and fissures to fill them in, creating a smooth surface that is easy to clean. Dental sealants are mainly used in children who are at higher risk of tooth decay, and typically they are placed as soon as the adult molar teeth come through.

ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTIONS

These are guidance given to you by your dental team at your cleaning appointment, to help you maintain pristine teeth and mouth. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems, most commonly, dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal (gum) diseases and bad breath. There are also oral pathologic conditions in which good oral hygiene is required for healing and regeneration of the oral tissues.

BAD BREATH ALSO KNOW AS HALITOSIS

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. Depending on the cause, bad breath may strive on occasional or maybe a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Human mouth is moist and warm, therefore creates a perfect condition for the millions of bacteria living in the mouth to grow even more, which in turn, without proper dental care, would result in bad breath. Proper brushing and flossing, and regular dental cleanings are your ultimate remedies. Schedule your dental visit TODAY!

MOUTH GUARDS

A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums. A mouthguard is most often used to prevent injury in contact sports, as a treatment for bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMD, or as part of certain dental procedures, such as tooth bleaching.

STAINS

Extrinsic stains are stains on the outer surface of the teeth. They can be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Drinking a lot of tea, coffee, and colas can stain the teeth. Smoking also stains the teeth. Intrinsic stains are stains on the inside of the tooth and require inner tooth bleaching or veneers to cover the stains.