Preventive Dentistry With Dr. Wallace

Name: Preventive Dentistry
Brand: Preventive Care
SKU: 333311
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Our goal at Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills is to help patients protect their teeth and prevent the onset of dental problems. Dr. Wallace, Dr. Stern, and our exceptional teamwork diligently to educate our patients so they have a better understanding of their dental care needs. The more you know about your body’s natural tendencies, the better you can care for your own oral health.

Staying on top of your oral health is one of the best things you can do for your body. It’s vital to maintain regular daily habits of brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as scheduling biannual dental appointments with our doctors.

The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry, to our team, goes above and beyond the standard examinations and cleanings. In addition to providing fluoride treatments for adults and children prone to cavities, we work with our patients to integrate healthy lifestyle habits that will promote oral and general health.

At Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills, we strive to keep your smile healthy and shining bright for as long as possible. By maintaining your oral health with preventive dental procedures you can ensure the integrity and function of your smile.

Teeth Cleanings, Exams, & X-Rays

A vital part of keeping your gums and teeth healthy throughout your life is to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. When you visit Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills regularly, we’re able to assess the state of your teeth and gums and provide gentle, professional cleanings that remove any plaque that has accumulated. Your regular dental checkups also include high-tech detection of cavities using microcomputer technology and an oral cancer screening.

Cavity detection is an important part of your oral examination. With our advanced technology, cavity detection is comfortable, effective, and highly accurate. Our equipment, including digital x-rays and high-powered digital trans-illuminators, detects areas of damage. Often, we can provide treatment before tooth pain from damage has occurred.

Oral Cancer Screening

During your exam, Dr. Wallace and Dr. Stern will look for any signs of oral cancer with a painless visual and tactile screening. We’ll look for any changes in the lining tissues of the lips, tongue, or mouth which may indicate early signs of oral cancer.

If they find anything unusual, we’ll take a small tissue sample and perform further examination.

Fluoride Treatments

Over time, tooth enamel (the outer protective layer of the tooth) can demineralize and weaken. Fluoride can actually remineralize and strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent unwanted cavities. Our fluoride treatments are often applied using a fun-flavored foam in a tray or brushed onto the teeth. Either way, the treatment is quick, simple, and gives your smile long-lasting protection.

At-Home Oral Hygiene

Dr. Wallace and Dr. Stern recommend bi-annual dental appointments but also expresses the importance of an at-home routine. Leftover food in your mouth can lead to a build-up of unhealthy bacteria, which causes tooth decay. Having a consistent oral hygiene routine is important to keeping your mouth free of debris and protecting yourself against tooth decay, oral disease, and other oral-related issues.

Here are some tips that our doctors recommend:

Brush your teeth. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently so as to not to cause damage to your gums.
Floss your teeth. At least once a day, preferably before bedtime. Regular flossing prevents gingivitis and gum bleeding.
Rinse after meals. We recommend rinsing with mouthwash after meals to rid your mouth of leftover food and keep your mouth fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental cleanings are recommended every six months for most patients. Even if you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, there are hard-to-reach areas in the mouth that may not get cleaned as often as they need. Eventually, plaque will build up and can lead to cavities and oral disease.

At your cleaning, we’ll make sure all areas of your teeth and mouth are clean. We can also take X-rays of your teeth to see any areas of decay that aren’t visible so we can provide treatment as soon as possible.

If you’re prone to bacterial infections, Dr. Wallace and Dr. Stern may recommend that you come in for cleanings more frequently. They’ll discuss this with you and help you develop an at-home oral hygiene routine that benefits your needs the most.

No, teeth cleanings aren’t painful. If you do experience any pain during your cleaning, let your hygienist know immediately. There may be an undetected cavity or an issue that’s come up during your cleaning. If your teeth are extra sensitive or you’re anxious about your cleaning, we can provide a local anesthetic. This can help you feel relaxed and make your appointment go by quickly.

Long-Lasting, Healthy Smiles

At Smile Brighter Willoughby Hills, Dr. Wallace, Dr. Stern, and our team provide patients with preventive care to ensure they have a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come. We’ll always go above and beyond to give you the dental care you need.

To schedule an appointment with us, call our Willoughby Hills office at (440) 210-0999 and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.