Preventative care
Cleanings, exams, and the long game
Prevention is the cheapest, easiest, most comfortable dentistry there is. Twice a year, an hour each — and most of the rest takes care of itself.
Your six-month visit, step by step
- 1. Health update. Quick conversation about anything new — new medications, new diagnoses, new concerns since we saw you last.
- 2. X-rays as needed. Bitewings annually for most adults; a full series every 3–5 years. We follow your risk, not a calendar.
- 3. The cleaning. Your hygienist removes plaque (the soft, sticky stuff) and tartar (the hardened stuff brushing can't reach), then polishes the surfaces.
- 4. The doctor exam. Tooth-by-tooth check, gum measurements, bite check, and oral cancer screening.
- 5. The plan. Anything we found, anything to watch, anything you should do at home — explained in plain English before you leave.
Oral cancer screening
We include an oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam. Your dentist will inspect your lips, tongue, cheeks, the floor of your mouth, your throat, and your neck for anything unusual. Risk is higher for tobacco users, heavy drinkers, HPV-positive patients, and people with significant sun exposure on the lips — but oral cancer can show up in anyone, which is why we check everyone.
If any sore, lump, or discoloration in your mouth lasts longer than two weeks, come in for a look — don't wait for the six-month appointment.
Whole-body connection
Gum health and overall health are linked. Inflammation in the mouth has been associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, low birth weight in newborns, and other conditions. That's part of why we take periodontal screening seriously, and why we'll check in about your medical history at each visit.
Home care recommendations
- An electric toothbrush (Sonicare or Oral-B SmartSeries 5000) is the single highest-impact home upgrade for most patients.
- Floss once a day — picks, string, water flossers, whatever you'll actually use.
- Replace your toothbrush head every three to four months.
- Cut back on sipping sugary or acidic drinks throughout the day. (One Mountain Dew at lunch is way kinder to your teeth than the same Mountain Dew nursed over four hours.)
Common questions
Frequently asked
- How often should I get a cleaning?
- For most patients, every six months. Patients with gum disease, heavy plaque buildup, or certain medical conditions may benefit from every three to four months. Your hygienist will recommend a schedule based on what they actually see in your mouth.
- What's the difference between a cleaning and an exam?
- A cleaning (prophylaxis) is done by the hygienist — it removes plaque, tartar, and surface stain. An exam is done by your dentist — they check every tooth, your gums, your bite, your jaw joint, and screen for oral cancer. Most six-month visits include both.
- Do I really need X-rays at every cleaning?
- No — X-rays are based on your individual risk, not a calendar. For most adults, bitewings (the side-to-side images) once a year is enough. A full series (panoramic + full mouth) is typically every three to five years.
- What is an oral cancer screening?
- We check your lips, tongue, the floor of your mouth, your cheeks, your throat, and your neck for any unusual texture, color, or lump. It takes about two minutes and is included in every comprehensive exam. Early detection saves lives.
- Why is gum health linked to overall health?
- Periodontal (gum) disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, low birth weight in newborns, and several other systemic conditions. Inflammation in the gums doesn't stay in the gums.
- What can I do at home between visits?
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled (or electric) toothbrush, floss once a day, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If you have specific risk factors, your hygienist will recommend a fluoride rinse, a water flosser, or other targeted tools.
- Do you offer free toothbrushes and floss?
- Yes — at every routine cleaning visit.
We'd love to see you on Thomson Drive
Call, message, or schedule online — whichever's easiest for you.