Comprehensive oral exams can save your life

Yes, dentists check for cancer of the mouth during routine oral exams. During a routine exam, your dentist will look for signs and symptoms of oral cancer such as lumps, swellings, or discolored patches in or around your mouth. They may also feel the tissues of your mouth to check for any unusual bumps or changes in texture that could be an indication of cancer. Dentists can also use innovative technology to screen for tissue abnormalities and enhance the visualization of pre-cancers, cancer, and other disease processes. By utilizing this technique of natural tissue fluorescence, dentists are better able to examine the oral mucosa and provide accurate diagnoses. If something is found, your dentist will suggest further diagnosis and treatment. It's important to remember that early detection of oral cancer can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment, so it's important to have regular dental check-ups. Your dentist is an essential part of your overall health and should always be included in the healthcare team.

A comprehensive oral exam entails assessment of gums and bite, screening for oral cancer, taking intra-oral camera photos, 3D digital impressions, obtaining digital radiographs, and Near-Infrared Imaging (NIRI) for detecting cavities without the use of x-rays. The dental practitioner will also discuss the patient's oral hygiene habits, diet, and risk factors for oral diseases. Any necessary treatments may be discussed at this time, such as tooth decay fillings or crowns. The dental professional will suggest the type of cleaning needed. Lastly, the dentist may offer advice on how to care for your teeth, such as brushing and flossing techniques, and recommended products. Overall, a comprehensive oral exam is an important part of maintaining good oral health. It allows the dentist to detect any potential issues early on and recommend necessary treatments that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy long-term.

To help combat bad breath, brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. It is also important to scrape your tongue daily to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. Additionally, avoid foods with strong odors such as garlic and onions, cut down on sugary drinks and snacks, and stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. If lifestyle changes don't improve symptoms, it might be helpful to visit a dentist for a professional cleaning or other treatment options. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol can also help reduce bad breath. Finally, make sure to keep your dentures, retainers, or other dental appliances clean. Following these tips can help you keep your breath fresh and prevent future bad breath.

It is recommended that you floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing is an important part of an overall oral hygiene routine and helps to remove plaque, food particles, and other debris that may be trapped between your teeth. Flossing also helps to massage the gums and reduce inflammation. Make sure to use proper flossing technique for the best results. Start by using a length of floss, about 18 inches long, and wrap each end around your index fingers. Use a gentle sawing motion to move the floss between your teeth. When you reach the gum line, curve the floss into a C-shape against the tooth and carefully scrape along the side of each tooth. Use a fresh section of floss as you move from one tooth to the next. This helps to ensure that you are removing any plaque or other debris on each tooth surface. As the saying goes "you only have to floss the teeth you wish to keep".

We typically recommend scaling (or deep cleaning) for patients who have periodontal disease. Scaling includes removing all of the disease-causing bacteria from the gumline. Although scaling can mean a much cleaner, healthier smile, it will not reverse damage caused by periodontal disease.A loose tooth, which is a byproduct of gum recession, is not something that can be fixed with scaling. However, a mixture of gum grafts and bone grafts may be able to help save it. The earlier you detect a loose tooth, the better. If you notice a slightly loose tooth, come into the Stanley Dentistry office immediately.

The number one cause of periodontal disease in our patients is poor oral maintenance. Not brushing, flossing, or going to the dentist for regular cleanings can cause gum disease. The best way to avoid periodontal disease is to take your oral health seriously.