Preventive Dentistry – Denton, TX
Helping You Protect Your Smile
Many people mistakenly believe that tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease are simply a part of life. They don’t have to be! Our family dental office emphasizes prevention – meaning that we partner with our dental patients to defend against common dental problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Our family dentist and dental hygienists can help you maintain a natural smile that you’ll be flashing well into your golden years with regular visits for preventive dentistry in Denton, TX.
Why Choose Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Preventive Dentistry?
- Experienced, Loyal, and Caring Staff
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere
- Comfortable, Modern Dental Facility
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
We recommend having a dental checkup and cleaning performed once every six months. During your visit, we will carefully examine your mouth for warning signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. We’ll also remove any plaque or tartar that has accumulated in your mouth. At the end of your appointment, we’ll give you an overview of your oral health, recommend any treatments we feel are necessary to protect your smile, and offer some tips for improving your homecare.
Learn More About Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is closely associated with tobacco and heavy alcohol use, but the truth is that virtually anyone can suffer from this disease. Having your oral cancer diagnosed as soon as possible is essential if you want the best chance of making a full recovery. As such, our team will perform an oral cancer screening as part of every preventive checkup. If we find worrisome symptoms (such as discolored patches or strange lumps), we’ll let you know immediately and help you make arrangements for a proper diagnosis.
Fluoride Treatment
Why is fluoride added to public drinking water and most kinds of toothpaste? The answer is that it can strengthen the enamel protecting your teeth, making them more resistant to the bacteria that can cause cavities. If we examine your teeth and find that you aren’t getting enough fluoride exposure, we may recommend a professional fluoride treatment. This simply involves applying fluoride directly to your teeth in the form of a varnish or gel; the treatment is completed in minutes, but the benefits last a long time.
Dental Sealants
Molars are more likely to develop cavities than other teeth because their location makes them very difficult to brush; they also contain several crevices where cavity-causing bacteria and food particles can easily become trapped. We can help you protect your molars with dental sealants, which are thin protective layers that can be painted directly onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Dental sealants can provide both children and adults with years of protection against decay.
Athletic Mouthguards
Even sports and athletic activities that don’t involve a lot of contact could still lead to damaged or knocked-out teeth if you get hit in the face or mouth. The most reliable way to keep your smile safe on the field or the court is to wear a protective mouthguard. At our dental office, we can give you a mouthguard that has been customized to fit perfectly over your teeth, making it much more comfortable than a one-size-fits-all mouthguard you might find at the store.
Tooth Decay
Ninety percent of adults have experienced some level of tooth decay. We’re trying to change that. With regular cleanings, proper home care, and proactive treatments, we can protect your tooth structure from attacking plaque and bacteria. Our doctors may recommend dental sealants (anti-cavity coatings) or fluoride supplements (tooth-strengthening minerals) for an extra measure of prevention.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
There’s no way to sugarcoat it – bad breath is embarrassing. We feel your pain, and we can help! Bad breath usually stems from poor oral hygiene: patients who don’t floss regularly are especially prone. There’s no instant cure for bad breath, but with careful instruction, a little extra time spent at the sink each night, and regular dental cleanings, bad breath can be controlled. Oftentimes, bad breath is a sign of early-stage gum disease, so visit our dental office pronto for an exam and further instructions.
Gum Disease Treatment
While gum disease is usually something that strikes later in life, we believe in teaching children, teens, and adults ways to prevent this common condition from stealing your smile. Gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss, and recent studies have confirmed that patients with gum disease are twice as likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic illnesses. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams and cleanings are your best defense against this stealthy smile-stealer!
Children’s Dentistry
The ADA recommends that children begin seeing a dentist no later than age one. We also recommend bringing your child with you to your dental visits. At this young age, we can begin creating positive associations with visits – associations that will carry into their adult years and shape the future of their dental care. We also educate children on at-home oral habits, examine their teeth, and provide cavity-preventing treatments. Let us help your children learn the importance of optimal oral health from a young age.