The best way to avoid oral health problems is to be proactive. To us, that means keeping up with routine checkups and cleanings as well as identifying and treating habits before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your smile. We value each of our patients and hope to forge long-lasting, communication-forward relationships so we have the opportunity to treat multiple generations of families. To learn more about how we can protect and maintain you and your loved ones’ smiles, read below about preventive dentistry in Glendale, AZ.
Just like the American Dental Association, we recommend that patients visit us every six months for a checkup and cleaning to make sure that their teeth and gums stay healthy. At these appointments, we’ll collect any necessary X-rays and thoroughly examine your teeth and gums in search of any signs of common oral health problems. If we spot anything, we’ll let you know and walk you through all of your treatment options. To finish off your visit, our dental hygienist will help hit the refresh button on your smile by clearing all lingering plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. We’ll then floss and polish them before sending you on your way.
In addition to providing top-tier dental care for adults, we also see children! Whether your little one is due for a checkup and cleaning or their teeth need some extra protection from the lingering threat of cavities, our team can provide them with fun, educational, and comfortable care. We also love to collaborate with parents on new and different ways to encourage their children to keep up with their oral health at home.
At each checkup, we also conduct a thorough and fast oral cancer screening. This disease can have a deep effect on your life if it’s not caught and treated in its earliest stages, which is why routine screenings are so crucial. We’ll conduct a visual and tactile examination of your oral tissues, lips, tongue, and throat to see if there are any signs of oral cancer, like red and white rough patches on the inside of your mouth. If we do spot anything suspicious, we’ll refer you for additional testing.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s produced by rocks and has been shown to help prevent cavities by strengthening the outermost layer of teeth, called the enamel. If you’re not receiving enough of this mineral in your daily diet, Dr. Upton can place a fluoridated varnish onto your teeth to help protect them from the threat of decay. It’s a completely pain-free process that only takes a minute!
Do you wake up with jaw tension or a dull headache? Have you notice that your molars look flat and worn-down? These are some of the most common signs of bruxism, which is the clinical term for nightly teeth grinding. Without the proper protection, this habit can eventually lead to cracked and broken teeth. Dr. Upton offers custom-crafted, durable acrylic nightguards to protect your teeth and jaw joints, allowing you to rest easy knowing that you won’t have to urgently head to the emergency dentist the next morning due to dental damage.