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PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Learn about Preventive dentistry
Without consistent preventive care, both at home and at Dr. SmiLee, your mouth just will not be as healthy as it should be. Dr. Jong Lee is happy to offer many preventive services that keep you and your family’s smiles looking and feeling healthy. Whether you need a basic exam and cleaning every six months or protective oral appliances for teeth grinding habits, we can help ensure that your smile stays healthy for decades to come with preventive dentistry in Killeen, TX.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Flossing & Brushing
The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth daily with an interdental cleaner (like floss). Cleaning between your teeth may help prevent cavities and gum disease. Cleaning between your teeth helps remove a sticky film called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds on leftover food or sugar in your mouth. When that happens, it releases an acid that can eat away at the outer shell of your teeth and cause cavities.
Plaque that is not removed by brushing and cleaning between your teeth can eventually harden into a rough substance called tartar (or calculus). Tartar collects along your gum line and can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, only your dentist can remove it. Although some have questioned the benefits of cleaning between your teeth, using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
At Dr. SmiLee, our goal is always to help patients keep their smiles whole and healthy for life, and one way we achieve this goal is to prevent major oral health issues by scheduling preventive dentistry exams every six months. During these dental checkups, our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup, and the dentist carefully examines patients’ smiles screening for signs of common oral health issues. Before you leave, we’ll create an ongoing dental care plan to help you keep your smile healthy.
Through a routine cleaning, Dr. Jong Lee makes sure to remove all plaque and tartar, ensuring no cavities or decay develops in your teeth. During the exam, he carefully reviews all the areas of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue and throat for any concerning symptoms. He will also pay close attention to your bite and jaw as well as ask if you are experiencing any discomfort or sensitivity. From there, he can recommend a personalized treatment plan.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Oral Cancer Screenings
According to the American Cancer Society’s recent estimates, approximately 51,540 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral cancer and 10,030 people will die of these cancers each year. That is about 6 people diagnosed every hour, and one life is taken every hour. And according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, "Historically the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development."
When diagnosed in its early stages, oral cancer is highly treatable. A simple and painless oral cancer screening could literally save your life! You can expect an oral cancer screening to consist of a thorough visual and physical examination to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth, including abnormal patches of white or red, or certain lesions.
An oral cancer screening is not just a medical exam, but an opportunity for you to speak with your dentist about any fears or concerns, or ask for advice about reducing your risk. At Dr. SmiLee, we always encourage our patients to be open about any oral health concerns so that we can ensure that all your dental experiences with us are comfortable, pleasant, and beneficial to you and your oral health.
A dentist like Dr. Jong Lee is actually in a unique position to catch the early signs of oral cancer largely because routine dental visits are conducted more often than doctor’s visits. With the Velscope, problematic or concerning areas of oral tissue will light up with ease. If you have oral sores that simply will not go away or you have red or white patches of tissue in your mouth, we will connect you with a doctor so you can confirm the presence of oral cancer and get you treatment.
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is found in foods, your neighborhood’s public drinking water, and in most cases the oral care products you use. Routine fluoride application is essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy, which is why we provide treatments with it following your cleaning. In most cases, we will apply fluoride once every six months, which is typically often enough to keep decay and cavities at bay, especially for children who are still learning their brushing and flossing.
Professional fluoride treatments generally take just a few minutes. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam or varnish. Typically, it is applied with a cotton swab or brush, or it is used as a rinse or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes. After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic carious areas. Depending on your oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six or 12 months. Your dentist also may recommend additional preventive measures if you are at moderate or high risk of developing caries. These measures may include over-the-counter or prescription therapeutic products such as fluoride mouth rinses, gels or antibacterial mouth rinses. Look for products with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Products displaying the ADA Seal have been examined carefully by the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs and have met its criteria for safety and effectiveness.
