PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY – HOUMA, LA
ONE STEP CLOSER TO BETTER ORAL HEALTH
Preventive dentistry is considered to be the cornerstone for optimal oral health. Comprised of various services designed to minimize the risk of dental decay, gum disease, and damage, our team is here to deliver top-of-the-line care while also promoting best practices to ensure good at-home oral hygiene. Call us today to schedule your next appointment. No matter if it has been six months or six years since your last visit, we’re here to help.
DENTAL CHECKUPS & CLEANINGS
You likely know the importance of brushing and flossing at home, but are you maintaining regular appointments with your dentist every six months? By allowing our professionals to thoroughly examine and clean your teeth, we can check for signs of cavities, gum disease, damage, and infection that might lead to worsening oral health problems over time. Instead of canceling or rescheduling these appointments, make time for them and enjoy a healthier smile year-round.
NIGHTGUARDS FOR BRUXISM
If you wake with a sore mouth or frequent headaches, you may be experiencing bruxism while you sleep. Also known as teeth grinding or clenching, this unhealthy habit can cause a breakdown of tooth enamel as well as chronic jaw pain. Without proper treatment, you are at risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). With a customized nightguard, however, we can equip you with an oral appliance that fits comfortably inside your mouth and prevents the upper and lower arches from touching. Not only will it protect your smile, but it will also allow for more well-rested sleep.
FLUORIDE TREATMENTS
Fluoride has been used by dental professionals for decades. Known for its unique ability to protect smiles against decay while also strengthening enamel, it’s often found in toothpaste, city tap water, and various fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, many patients who are at high risk for cavities may not receive enough fluoride, which is why we offer additional treatments in-house. Taking only minutes to apply, this painless process provides teeth with greater protection in between appointments.
ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS
It might seem as if only individuals who smoke are at risk of developing oral cancer, but that is simply not true. It is believed that more than 25% of people diagnosed do not engage in or possess any of the known high-risk behaviors. Because this disease knows no age, we aim to decrease the statistical number of diagnoses and deaths by performing oral cancer screenings during regular exam appointments. We’ll check for any abnormalities that may be linked to oral cancer, and if any are found, we’ll refer you to a specialist for further testing.
DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants are most commonly recommended for children, as they have difficulty cleaning those hard-to-reach teeth in the backs of their mouths. However, this preventive service can also be beneficial for adults who are at a high risk of cavity formation. By applying the plastic, thin coating over the chewing surfaces of the molars, it creates a barrier against any bacteria that might try to penetrate the enamel. The quick and painless process can be completed during a regular exam.
