Preventative Dentistry

You can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems by enrolling in preventive dentistry. At Whole Body Dental in Bellevue, Washington, general, cosmetic, and implant dentist Anthony Nguyen, DDS, AFAAID, and his team offer preventive dentistry to people aged four and older. To request a preventive dentistry consultation for yourself or your child, call the office or book online today.

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry uses oral exams, teeth cleanings, and digital X-rays to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

It’s crucial to visit the team at Whole Body Dental for preventive dentistry, even if you brush and floss regularly. Routine checkups can identify potential problems early on, ensuring optimal oral health.

What services does preventive dentistry provide?

At Whole Body Dental, the team offers various preventive dentistry services, including:

Oral exams

During an oral exam, your Whole Body Dental provider checks your throat, lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, and tongue for potential problems. They also use gloved hands to feel any abnormal growths. If necessary, your provider might even take a biopsy sample.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays capture photos of your jaw, tooth roots, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your teeth). X-rays help identify underlying problems invisible to the eye, like tooth pulp inflammation, cavities, and impacted wisdom teeth.

Preventive teeth cleaning

During preventive teeth cleaning, your Whole Body Dental provider removes plaque –– a buildup of food particles, saliva, and bacteria –– from beneath your gums and the surfaces of your teeth. Your provider then flosses your teeth and polishes them with gritty toothpaste.

Deep cleaning (for the treatment of gum disease)

The team might recommend deep cleaning or scaling and root planing if you have gingivitis or periodontitis. During a deep cleaning, your Whole Body Dental provider carefully removes all of the plaque from the bases of your teeth. That makes it easier for your gums to reattach, reducing inflammation and gum recession.

Dental sealants

Some people get cavities, even after brushing and flossing daily. If you have a history of tooth decay, the Whole Body Dental team might recommend dental sealants. Sealants are thin coatings applied to the surfaces of your teeth. They keep harmful bacteria from damaging your tooth enamel, preserving your smile.

How often should I schedule preventive dentistry?

The team at Whole Body Dental recommends scheduling preventive dentistry two times a year. More frequent checkups might be necessary if you have an underlying health problem that increases your risk of dental issues, like diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea.

To request a preventive dentistry appointment, call Whole Body Dental or book online today.