The goal of preventive dentistry is to help you avoid cavities and gum disease that can damage your oral health.
At Causeway Dentistry, we follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association that recommend exams and teeth cleanings every six months.
If your goal is to spend as little time as possible in the dental chair, professional dental exams every six months are essential. Every routine dental exam with our Clearwater dentist includes the following:
If Dr. Santos finds a cavity, gum disease, or broken or worn teeth, he’ll use our intraoral camera to show you what he sees. We believe in honesty and transparency, and this technology lets you see the problem yourself and understand why we recommend treatment.
Each of our patients is unique, and we create treatment plans that cater to their individual needs. Dr. Santos considers your budget, timeline, and lifestyle needs to ensure that your treatment fits comfortably into your life.
The American Dental Association and your Clearwater dentist recommend scheduling an appointment every six months. This schedule has been shown to lower your risks for preventable issues like cavities and gum disease.
Every six months is for people with excellent oral health. However, your dentist will recommend an alternative schedule if you have gingivitis, gum disease, or other similar conditions.
Your six-month dental checkup is about more than looking at your teeth. It is a comprehensive checkup that includes an oral cancer screening and professional teeth cleaning.
Your professional teeth cleaning clears cavity-causing debris from hard-to-reach areas, including the back teeth. It also rids your teeth of stubborn plaque and tartar that at-home efforts can’t remove entirely. It is plaque and tartar that lead to tooth decay.
And finding oral health issues early, during your six-month dental checkup in Clearwater, FL usually means less invasive treatment. Early detection also saves you time and money on prolonged care to restore your oral health.
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even systemic health issues. Lower your risks with regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings near me. Reach out today if you have questions or are ready to arrange an exam.
This is a question we hear a lot, and the answer is that you need a professional cleaning because your brush and floss only do part of the job. It’s great that you’re proactive with oral hygiene at home, but your cleanest smile is only possible with the help of a dental hygienist.
No matter how well you brush and floss, you can’t remove every trace of cavity-causing plaque from all tooth surfaces, like between teeth. You also can’t remove tartar, which is hardened plaque that only your hygienist can remove using specialized instruments.
Another benefit of these preventive appointments is the opportunity to ask any questions you have about oral hygiene or dental care in general. Our hygienist is very knowledgeable and friendly and will be happy to provide the information you need.
Dental cleanings are also critical because they allow us to look for signs of gum disease. If your gums are swollen or bleed when you brush, you might have gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. At this stage, gum disease is reversible with a thorough teeth cleaning and improved brushing and flossing on your part.
We recommend teeth cleanings and exams every six months because seeing you routinely allows us to stay a step ahead of cavities and gum disease. If you’re due for your next cleaning, please call Causeway Dentistry to schedule an appointment.
Advanced gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in the US. Fortunately, seeing a dental hygienist for teeth cleaning every six months is easy and helps protect you against advanced gum disease called periodontitis.
During your cleaning appointments, our hygienist will look for signs of gum disease like bleeding, swollen, or inflamed gums. They measure the space between your teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets, to look for signs of infection.
If they find that you have gum disease, they will individualize a treatment plan to restore your gum health.
Fluoride applications are commonly recommended for children, but they can also benefit adults in some instances. We might recommend supplemental fluoride if you have dry mouth that makes you more prone to cavities, gum disease that exposes tooth roots, or a history of frequent cavities.
We use dental sealants to protect teeth like molars with deep grooves that attract bacteria and lead to cavities. However, you’re never too old to get a cavity, and sealants can also benefit adults in some cases. After reviewing your oral health needs, Dr. Santos will let you know if he thinks your smile could benefit from sealants.
If you or your child play sports, it’s wise to consider getting a custom sports mouthguard. Generic mouthguards are widely available, but one made using impressions of your teeth will be more comfortable and provide better protection.
Dr. Earl Santos was born in Tacloban City, Philippines, and grew up in northeast Pennsylvania. His career in Florida began when he graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Dental Medicine ..
If it’s been five years or even a decade since you visited my dental office for a checkup and dental
The American Dental Association and your Clearwater, FL dentist recommend regularly-scheduled teeth cleanings as part of a comprehensive dental checkup. This
So many parts go into achieving excellent oral health, but in the end, it is a collaboration between you and
If you’ve fallen behind with your dental visits, don’t worry; we will never lecture or judge you for past habits. Our goal is to start where you are and work together to restore your oral health and your beautiful smile.
Please call our Clearwater, FL dental office to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.
If you’ve ever wondered what your dentist is looking at as they perform an examination, now we can include you in the process, thanks to intraoral cameras. An intraoral camera is a small, handheld digital camera that fits comfortably inside your mouth. As Dr. Santos moves it over your teeth, you’ll see the images appear in real-time on your chairside monitor.
Seeing problems like cavities, gum disease, broken fillings, or worn teeth helps you understand your oral health needs. When you do, you’ll feel informed and better able to make confident decisions about your dental care.
