Dental Cleanings
After a cleaning, we will polish your teeth so that they shine! If needed, we will apply fluoride to your teeth. We will also preserve any artificial teeth (or teeth that have been restored).
After your cleaning, we will do a thorough examination so that we can see how your teeth are doing. We will look around to make sure you don’t have any problems that need to be taken care of. It is our goal to catch any problems and fix them before they become bigger ones. We will also go over home care if you need to change anything you are doing.
Dental Exams
We truly believe that regular dental examinations are important for good dental health and a smile of which you can be proud.
Dental Exams at the office of Dr. Jesus M. Rodriguez, D.D.S.
When we do an examination, we are looking for any problems before they become bigger ones. We examine each tooth, looking for any signs of decay, damage, or anything else. We are also looking for any signs of infection. An oral cancer screening is also performed during your exam. We want to correct any problems you may have before they get any worse.
Digital X-Rays
X-Rays are used to examine the inside of your teeth. We are hoping to be able to catch any problems that we can’t see with the naked eye! Using radiology, we are able to see which teeth are developing cavities. We may also see some teeth or gum areas that may require some extra work.
Flouride Treatment
We believe that fluoride works well to strengthen children’s teeth. It also has been shown to help prevent decay in people of all ages. For this reason, the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association believe that topical fluoride is necessary for good oral health.
Because of this, you may be wondering if you need fluoride treatments. Many times, water is enhanced with fluoride, so additional fluoride treatments are not necessary. However, if your water is not treated, you may need fluoride treatments. You may also need a fluoride treatment if you are showing symptoms like receding gums. You may also want to get treated if you wear braces or are taking medications that cause dry mouth.
Fluoride treatments can be completed at your routine dental appointment. They are painless and quick, taking only a few minutes. When getting treated, your dentist will apply gel, foam, or varnish on your teeth. Treatment works best if it is done one to four times a year.
Home Care Instructions
Proper care starts with regular brushing. It is also important to change your brush regularly so it does the job it is supposed to. Though many hate to do it, flossing and rinsing your mouth out with a good antibacterial rinse are also very important for good dental health.
Dental care at home is not enough though. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. The sooner we catch any problems, the better off you will be.
How To Properly Brush And Floss
Good dental preventative care is really important to ensure a healthy mouth, including your gums and teeth.
It is important to brush your teeth at least twice daily to help remove plaque and food particles that get stuck to your teeth. It is recommended that you brush your teeth for two minutes (or longer), though most people rush through this time. You need to make sure that you reach every side of each tooth, including the inside and outside. To help keep your breath fresh, you should also brush your tongue. Then, you can begin flossing.
It is recommended by the American Dental Association that you should floss your teeth at least once daily. Flossing is done to remove plaque that gets stuck in between your teeth. It also gets rid of any plaque that your toothbrush missed (or can’t get to)! If you don’t floss, you will have more problems with tartar, cavities, and even gum disease.
Though many people hate to do it, flossing is really necessary. You can use dental floss or even a pick that is specially designed for flossing. Though flossing shouldn’t be painful, it can feel different and awkward so it is important to keep at it. After a few days or weeks, it will become part of your dental routine.
Oral Cancer Exam
Nobody wants to hear that they may have oral cancer. Although it can be fatal, it is easier to treat the earlier it is caught. For this reason, we are proud to assist our patients with an oral cancer screening. We want to help our patients survive this often fatal disease.
Oral cancer will typically show up as white or red patches or lesions inside of your mouth. You may even notice the lesions on your tongue or on the floor of your mouth. Many people experience a hard time swallowing, bleeding in the mouth, or even swelling in your face or neck.
Since this specific cancer can look like a burn inside of your mouth, dentists will typically wait to see if it goes away. If not, we will perform a biopsy so that we can receive a proper diagnosis. In order to perform an oral cancer screening, we may use sedation or general anesthesia. This allows us to remove a sample of the lesion so that the pathologist is able to look at it under a microscope and come up with a diagnosis.
We understand that this can be a scary and stressful time. However, we promise to be there for you every step of the way. If you ever need anyone to talk to, we are here for you. If you simply have questions, we will be happy to answer them.
Hygiene Aids
Toothbrushes: Toothbrushes come in a wide variety: manual, ultrasonic, and electric. We recommend choosing an ultrasonic or electric toothbrush because of their ability to remove plaque and bacteria so well. They are proven to be more effective than manual brushes. Choose one with soft bristles to be gentle on the gums.
Dental Floss: The type of floss you use will depend on personal preference and the amount of space between your teeth. If you find that your floss is fraying, try wax floss or something not as thick. If it is pulling through without any resistance at all, you may need something a tad thicker. You may have to experiment a bit to find exactly what works for you. Remember to always choose an ADA-approved product.
Mouth Rinse: You may be surprised to learn that while these cosmetic rinses might fight off germs, they often do very little in the fight against plaque. Therapeutic rinses are available with a prescription and must be monitored by a dentist. These rinses contain FDA-approved ingredients that are made to kill germs, fight plaque, and reduce cavities and bad breath.
Tongue Cleaners: Tongue cleaners are highly recommended. They remove the buildup of bacteria that even a toothbrush can’t handle. This bacteria is bad for your body and results in bad breath, so it is important to remove it. While it is often overlooked, it’s one of our favorite products.
