Ponte Vedra Beach Preventive Dentist Protects Your Oral Health
Comprehensive dentistry is built on a foundation of prevention, and people who visit the dentist regularly (even when they don’t necessarily “need” to) are far more likely to enjoy long-lasting smiles. When we see your teeth and gums on a regular basis, we can intercept small problems before they turn into large issues that require complex treatment. Patients in Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Jacksonville Beach, and all surrounding communities are invited to schedule an appointment for superior preventive services.
Dental Checkups &Cleanings
During a regular checkup and cleaning at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, you and your loved ones will be treated to the thorough, careful, and personalized approach we are known for. First, one of our experienced dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums of the plaque and tartar that cause bad breath, yellow teeth, cavities, and infection. While cleaning, we will share important education tips to help you take better care of your teeth at home as needed.
After the cleaning, Dr. Townsend or Dr. Harth will perform your exam, going down the mouth tooth-by-tooth. Of course we are looking for cavities, but we will also watch for evidence of gum disease, broken or malfunctioning dental work, and other issues. Regular visits make it easier for us to notice the small changes that indicate a developing problem. As needed, we will put together a plan for prompt restoration to help you enjoy full oral health once again.
Children’s Dentistry
Checkups and cleanings are just as important for your child as they are for you — if not even more so. Young children are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, as their dental hygiene habits are still shaky and they have a particular love of sugary drinks and snacks. Cavity prevention is crucial for a child’s oral and overall health and wellbeing. We can help with additional preventive treatments like fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin coverings that prevent food particles and decay-causing bacteria from accumulating in the irregular surfaces of the molars and premolars. The nooks and crannies on these teeth put them at a higher risk of developing cavities, especially in children. Dental sealants are completed in a matter of minutes at the end of a checkup and cleaning, and they can provide years of cavity prevention for patients of all ages.
Night Guards for Bruxism
If you regularly wake up with a headache and/or sore jaw, you may be wondering what the problem is. It could be bruxism, otherwise known as nighttime teeth grinding. If so, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Bruxism is hard on your teeth and can cause severe wear and tear that may eventually lead to tooth loss. The Ponte Vedra Beach team can fit you with a nightguard to protect your tooth enamel.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is on the rise, and early detection can greatly improve survival rates. Your dentists will perform a visual and tactile oral cancer screening alongside a regular checkup and cleaning. It is a simple procedure in which Dr. Townsend or Dr. Harth examines the soft and hard tissues in and around your mouth, looking for irregularities that could indicate precancerous or cancerous cells. If a suspicious area is located, we will discuss your next steps to ensure you get the prompt follow-up attention you need.
Fluoride Treatment
Topical applications of fluoride strengthen tooth enamel, making your smile more resistant to the acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you and your family drink bottled or filtered water, you’re missing out on the benefits of fluoride that’s found in tap water. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment at the end of the checkup and cleaning. Just one quick application provides significant protection against cavities and infection.
Toothpastes
Our patients frequently ask us for a recommendation on toothpastes. Which one is best? Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry recommends and provides samples of PerioMed, alcohol-free oral rinse with fluoride, and Clinpro 5000, which is fluoridated, anti-cavity toothpaste. These formulas provide significant protection against decay and infection. If you run out or can’t find these options, anything with ADA (American Dental Association) approval will contain fluoride, which is the main concern for toothpastes and mouth rinses.