Your Dentist Advice
Preventative dentistry should be combined with good home care habits, so it is important to floss and brush your teeth after every meal or at least two times a day to maintain good oral health. We will work with you and guide you to create a personalized preventative dental program based on your needs.
Routine Checkups & Cleanings
Regular checkups and cleanings are recommended every 4 to 6 months to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, depending on personal oral health conditions. During these appointments, Dr. Uribe and his team of hygienists will examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and previous dental work to ensure everything is in top health. If it isn't, he will quickly be able to identify and start treating you before a little problem turns into a big one.
When the dental hygienist does your routine cleaning, they will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, which will prevent disease and help keep good oral health. We will guide you to create a plan you can follow at home in between visits to maintain a healthy mouth.
Sealants
Brushing your teeth regularly is essential for good oral health. But often, the thin bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach the pitted, grooved surfaces on the chewing surface of the back teeth. As a result, the plaque and food particles become trapped in these surfaces and difficult to clean (especially for children). This can lead to the formation of tooth cavities. We can protect these areas of the tooth with dental sealants by applying a thin layer of a resin-based substance to seal the vulnerable areas. The dental sealants actact as a physical barrier so bacteria and food cannot accumulate in the grooves and pits.
Fluoride Treatment
Regular exposure to mineral fluoride through oral hygiene products (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.), fluoridated tap water, and other sources greatly benefits oral health. Children who grew up exposed to the correct amount of fluoride tend to experience fewer cavities on average compared to those who didn't.
If the dentist determines that you and your family could use an extra boost of protection, professional fluoride treatment is available at Uribe Dental Center. This process includes topical application of fluoride (Gel, Varnish) on the tooth surface to re-mineralize and strengthen the tooth enamel and make it more resistant to the acid attacks from bacteria byproducts that cause cavities and from the acidity from certain foods. The process can be easily combined with regular checkups and cleaning, only taking a few minutes.
Adults' teeth can also benefit from the topical application of fluoride for caries prevention.
Mouthguards & Sport Guards
If not, we can design and fabricate a custom-made mouthguard with a specific level of protection according to the physical activity you or your child practice. Compared to over-the-counter mouthpieces, a custom-made mouthguard has an advantage in terms of comfort. They are designed to fit over your teeth and provide better protection to teeth and their support structures because we design and fabricate them to meet protection standards specific to the activity they will be used for.
Oral Cancer Screening
Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. At our office, we have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. During your routine dental cleanings and exams, our dentist and team will perform a thorough screening to check for signs and symptoms of oral pathologies.
Some common signs/symptoms of oral pathology include:
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat
- Red or white spots/sores anywhere in the oral cavity
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A lump, thickening, or red spot
- A persistent or lasting sore on the face, neck, or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
Your Role
To prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, we will help and guide you in properly caring for your teeth and gums. This can include the treatments listed above (when necessary), as well as independent tasks that we encourage you to follow at home.
These tasks include:
Brushing
Flossing
Using mouthwash
Proper nutrition habits
Scheduling regular dental appointments
We will work with you and tailor an individual plan of action to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Good home care habits are essential for a healthy smile.