When was your last dental checkup?  Last year?  Five years ago?  Back in college?!  It’s never too late to get back on the right track. 

Research consistently reveals that your overall physical and oral health can affect each other.  Did you know that diabetes and hypertension can be related to periodontal gum disease?  Did you know that poor oral health in an expecting mother can lead to low birth weight in a newborn?  Did you know that certain medications can make you prone to getting cavities?  Dentistry in 2008 is more than just about teeth.  A comprehensive oral exam is vital to your well-being! 

Semi-annual exams

There are two ways to debilitate your smile—tooth decay and gum disease.  The start of these is usually painless and unnoticeable except by x-rays and a thorough clinical exam.  A routine check-up can prevent the possibility of existing problems from becoming painful and serious infections.  Both decay and gum diseases are driven by bacteria.  Your semi-annual exam gives us an opportunity to assess your oral wellness and create a systematic treatment plan that is appropriate for you. 

Ultrasonic Cleanings

The most critical aspect of oral wellness is maintenance.  Consistent cleanings to remove bacteria ensure that gums are free of disease.  Teeth are held in place by healthy gums and supporting bone structure, and loosening of teeth occurs when gum disease progresses to a loss of bone structure around the roots of teeth.  During your visit, every surface of each tooth is cleansed with ultrasonics to remove tartar buildup from above and below the gum line.  For most people, an appropriate time to return for a cleaning should be every 4 to 6 months.

Oral Screenings

If you have a history of smoking, even socially, it is critical that you have an oral screening to ensure that your mouth is free of pre-cancerous lesions.  These lesions are often painless.  Oral cancer is extremely aggressive if it is detected late.  The five-year survival rate for late-detected oral cancer is 50%.  When detected early, however, oral cancer is more easily treated and cured.  Early detection is of utmost importance and is done during your routine examination.  Prevention is the best method to decrease your chances of getting oral cancer.  If you smoke, please strongly consider a smoking cessation program.  According to the American Dental Association, there are roughly 30,000 who are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the United States.  According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer occurs as frequently as leukemia.  For more information, visit the American Dental Association’s website www.ada.org.