Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Miami

Where Can I Go for a Dental Exam in Miami?

If you've neglected seeing a dentist for a while, we can make you feel comfortable visiting us. You will have an initial dental exam to gauge the state of your oral health and we'll go from there. We'll ask for a complete medial and dental history if you are a new patient so please bring a list of your current medications with you. During your initial exam, your dentist will look for:

• Decayed teeth
• Loose or cracked fillings
• Gum disease
• Evidence you grind your teeth at night
• Issues with your bite
• Early signs of oral cancer

After your dental exam, your dentist will go over his or her findings with you. If there are any issues, the dentist will discuss your treatment options with you. Feel free to ask your dentist questions. Our staff is also ready to help with questions, including questions about your dental insurance or payment options. We prefer to have our patients come in every six months for a checkup so we can catch any problems early, before they become painful emergencies. Please call our office today to schedule your initial exam.

Who Should I See for a Professional Cleaning or Treatment for Gum Disease?

At our dental practice, we offer both services. It's usually our dental hygienist who will give you a teeth cleaning. We recommend you have one twice a year to prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque can cause cavities and gum disease, both of which are the main reasons why adults lose teeth. Having a professional cleaning twice a year is a preventative measure which can help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. Additionally, one of our hygienists can polish your teeth with a gritty paste to remove stains on the surface of your teeth so they look bright and sparkly. After your teeth are clean, your dental hygienist may point out areas where you need improvement in your oral hygiene. He or she may go over proper brushing techniques or make suggestions for products which will make your oral care easier and more effective. A dental cleaning is also a gum disease treatment for gingivitis. Gingivitis is when plaque and tartar at the gumline irritate your gums. You may notice your gums are puffy, red and bleed easily. It's essential to treat gingivitis as it sometimes turns into periodontal disease. If this happens, you would need more aggressive periodontal treatment. Without treatment, periodontitis can eat away at a tooth's support structure until it becomes loose and eventually falls out. If you notice any gingivitis symptoms, please call our office to make an appointment.

Do Dentists Have Bad Breath Remedies?

Yes, dentists have bad breath remedies. First, your dentist will determine what is causing your bad breath so he or she can treat it. It could be a simple case of poor oral hygiene. Bacteria left in your mouth will begin to smell and cause chronic bad breath. Brushing twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash that kills bacteria will help. Your dentist may suggest using a tongue scraper or brushing your tongue as well. There are other reasons you could have bad breath, including dental decay or gum disease, which your dentist will also check for. If you have a dry mouth, saliva isn't flowing and carrying the bacteria and food particles. Your dentist may suggest chewing sugarless gum or artificial saliva. Please call us if you would like to find the reason for your bad breath so you can get rid of it.

Do I Need an Oral Cancer Screening If I Don't Smoke?

While people over 40 who smoke and drink to excess have the highest risk of developing oral cancer, no one is immune. Individuals with no risk factors are being diagnosed as well. Our dentists routinely screen all adults who come in for their six-month checkup because oral cancer is highly treatable if it is caught in its early stages. In its latter stages, oral cancer can be a disfiguring and life-threatening disease. The screening is a simple matter; you may have had a screening before and not known it. Your dentist will visually examine your oral cavity and feel for lumps. If he or she finds anything abnormal, a biopsy may be recommended. Please let your dentist know if you have any sores that have not healed in several weeks, have difficulty swallowing, or notice there is a change in your bite. For a thorough dental exam in Miami which includes a screening for oral cancer, please contact our office.