What is Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dental care is a cooperative effort by patients and dentists at Canada Place Dental in Downtown Edmonton. Regular oral exams and professional cleanings, in combination with oral health care routines at home, can help prevent dental issues and keep your smile healthy.
Request An AppointmentDental Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental x-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer which are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment for adults and children if there is a high risk of tooth decay. Fluoride, a natural mineral, can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse decay.
Oral Health Routines at Home
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. To keep your smile healthy between dental appointments, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.