At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, our doctors strive to meet a simple yet extremely important goal – preventing oral health problems whenever possible instead of treating them after they occur. This holds true for all our patients, whether it’s a one-year-old whose baby teeth are coming in, or an adult who wants to straighten their teeth with orthodontics.
We offer oral examinations, revitalizing cleanings, and other valuable preventive services to keep your family’s smiles strong and healthy year after year! Contact our pediatric dentist in Farmers Branch or one of our other three locations to schedule your first appointment.
Following are some routine preventative procedures we provide.
Checkups & Cleanings
Attending routine checkups and cleanings every six months (or twice each year) is the best way for children, teenagers, adults, and patients of all ages to prevent dental problems. While taking care of your oral health at home is a must, bi-annual check-ups are when we can catch issues early on and ensure your teeth get the deep cleaning they need.
Our dentists in Farmers Branch always use a gentle touch and a careful eye as we inspect each individual smile in order to keep your teeth shining bright.
Dental Sealants
Certain teeth in your mouth are more susceptible to dental decay than others, such as the deep grooves in the premolars and molars. These areas are even more cavity-prone for children, since these teeth are in hard-to-reach places and can decay easily without pristine brushing and flossing.
At our dentistry in Farmers Branch, our doctors are likely to recommend dental sealants as a simple and effective preventive service. Sealants provide protection from bacteria and decay and can help prevent cavities for years to come. Your children will thank you down the line!
Dental sealants are made from high-quality plastic material that effectively “seal” the chewing surfaces of certain teeth once placed. The sealant keeps food particles and bacteria from getting stuck in hard-to-reach places, which could otherwise lead to damage over time.
The process of receiving a sealant is easy, pain-free, and comfortable for even the littlest of patients; and the sealants are barely noticeable.
Oral Cancer Screenings
While many cases of oral cancer occur because of known risk factors (such as the heavy use of tobacco and/or alcohol), a whopping 25% of cases are found in patients who didn’t participate in those behaviors. It’s even possible for children to fall victim to this dangerous condition.
However, with the help of oral cancer screenings, our doctors can identify potentially cancerous areas of oral tissue as early on as possible, making the chances of a successful recovery much higher.
Fluoride Treatment
Little smiles can always use an extra boost of protection and strength – that’s why fluoride is so important! Fluoride is a natural mineral that’s routinely added to water supplies – and for good reason. Studies have shown that regularly drinking fluoridated water can have very positive effects on oral health – it fortifies tooth enamel and aids with the remineralization process of damaged areas. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists has reported that fluoride can reduce tooth decay over time by 50% to 70%!
If our team at Rio Dental & Orthodontics determines that your child isn’t receiving enough fluoride in their daily diet, we may recommend routine applications at their bi-annual appointments. Fluoride treatments can also be greatly beneficial to older patients who have teeth that are prone to decay.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the most common health problems in the world and is even the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Early on, symptoms seem to be small and harmless, but if left untreated, the infection can greatly impact your oral and overall health very quickly.
The Rio Dental & Orthodontics team takes the threat of gum disease very seriously and does everything in their power to help prevent it. Periodontal screenings are a big part of our approach to preventive care, and if our doctors discover that you are showing early symptoms, we’ll be sure to treat them quickly and effectively. Some of our solutions include in-depth cleanings, rejuvenating antibiotic therapy, and a procedure known as root scaling and planing that removes bacteria from hidden areas of the mouth.
As you and your children brush and floss each night, you should be on the lookout for potential signs of gum disease. Some of these signs include:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum tissue that looks very red, swollen, and/or tender
- Bad breath that lingers even after practicing oral hygiene
- A change in certain teeth or the overall way your bite fits together
- Teeth that appear longer over time
Contact Us Today
The best way to ensure a lifetime of a healthy smile and healthy teeth is to seek out preventative dentistry. Our dentists always get to the root cause of issues to prevent them from progressing or causing more serious complications.
If you are looking for a dentist that will work with you and your family to give you the best dental care possible, give us a call today.
