Dental Exams & Cleaning
Your overall health is deeply connected to your oral health, so it’s extremely important to look after your teeth and gums. It’s advised by the American Dental Association (ADA) to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with dental floss to reduce the risk of developing serious dental issues.
In addition to at-home care, regular visits to your Petworth dentist, Dr. Fitz, is highly recommended. We suggest patients visit Solstice Smiles Dental at least twice a year for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning.
Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning Process
Dr. Fitz will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for any signs of disease or decay in your mouth. She may recommend taking digital X-rays of your teeth so she can learn more about their health beyond what is visible to the naked eye.
Following the dental exam, we will perform your professional teeth cleaning. Your cleaning will consist of the removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth that build up over time, even with the most meticulous at-home care. The team will clean between your teeth with floss and polish your teeth with a low-speed rotary brush to make your teeth smooth and shiny. Finally, the team may brush fluoride on your teeth if required. Dr. Fitz will be sure to make your experience as comfortable as possible. If you have any worries, please let our team know in advance so we can try to accommodate any questions or concerns you may have.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your dental exam, we will also look for abnormalities or signs of oral cancer, such as lumps or lesions in your mouth. Oral cancer is curable in 80-90% of cases when it’s caught early, which is another reason why you should not skip your routine dental exams in Petworth!
Dental Sealants
At your dental exam, Dr. Fitz may recommend dental sealants. This is a painless procedure that adds a barrier between food and the deep crevices in your molars. Sealants are extremely effective as they have been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80% in molars. Although adults can benefit from dental sealants, the earlier you get them (around 6 years of age when the first molars appear), the higher the effectiveness, so it’s definitely something to consider for your child to help reduce cavities down the line.