Preserve Your Smile
Your oral health is extremely important to your overall well-being. Problems that originate in your mouth can have an effect on your entire body, sometimes leading to cancer, stroke, or heart disease. Even problems that remain in the mouth, such as tooth loss or persistent bad breath, can have significant negative effects on your well-being and self-confidence.
At BLUSH Dental Studio, we offer several preventative dental services to help you preserve your smile, including:
- Routine Dental Check-ups & Cleanings
- Low Radiation Digital X-rays & Panoramic X-rays
- Oral Cancer Screenings
- Fluoride Treatments
- Dental Sealants
- Custom Fit Athletic Mouthguards & Nightguards
We encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our preventative dental services and continue preserving your beautiful smile.
Routine Dental Check-ups & Cleanings
Routine dental check-ups give us the opportunity to continually evaluate your oral health and get a quick jump on any potential problems. These visits also allow us to educate you and your family on the benefits of proper oral hygiene. Topics such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as nutrition, are covered by our knowledgeable team, as we believe educated patients make better oral health decisions. We recommend routine dental check-ups every six months.
During your routine dental check-up, our doctors will perform a comprehensive oral examination, including the following:
- Low Radiation Digital X-rays of your Mouth, Teeth & Jaw (as needed)
- Full Mouth Examination Of Your Teeth
- Periodontal (Gum) Examination
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Aesthetic Evaluation
- Professional Dental Cleaning (for healthy teeth and gums)
For patients with healthy teeth and gums, a routine professional dental cleaning usually involves two simple steps:
- Scaling: This procedure involves removing tartar deposits from the teeth.
- Polishing: This step helps remove minor stains on the enamel and gives teeth a smooth surface that is less likely to attract plaque and oral bacteria.
Most patients find the professional dental cleaning process refreshing and easy to tolerate. However, patients with receding or sensitive gums may feel a slight amount of discomfort. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, let our team know, and we can take measures to alleviate your discomfort, such as applying a topical numbing gel so that you do not feel the sensations of scaling and polishing. Taking these measures can help you feel at ease during the cleaning procedure.
Low Radiation Digital X-rays & Panoramic X-rays
Digital X-rays are a fast and comfortable tool we use to assess your oral health and dental needs.
They emit 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays, use small, smooth sensors instead of sharp pieces of X-ray film, and transmit the images directly to our computer screen and in-room monitors in seconds. With no lengthy chemical processing required, they’re a smart choice for your smile and our environment!
We also utilize digital panoramic X-rays, which help us visualize your entire mouth instead of isolating selected areas. This full view is especially helpful for complex and surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth removal. During your evaluation, if we discover you have an impacted wisdom tooth that needs removal, we may refer you to our trusted oral surgery partners for a wisdom tooth extraction. Learn more about X-rays.
Oral Cancer Screenings
According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, while more than 7,000 of these cases result in death. The good news is that oral cancer can be easily diagnosed during routine oral cancer screenings and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. We take a very proactive approach by conducting thorough oral cancer screenings during our comprehensive examinations.
During your oral cancer screening, Dr. Carter will discuss your health history and complete a full examination of your entire mouth, visually inspecting every area for signs of cancerous or pre-cancerous tissue. She will also palpate (examine by touch) the jaw and neck area to check for abnormalities which are often better felt than seen. If any abnormalities are found, you may be referred to a specialist for further examination and testing.
In between dental visits, it’s important to be aware of the following signs and symptoms and contact us if they do not disappear after two weeks.
The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer can include:
- a sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
- red or white patches
- pain, tenderness, or numbness in mouth or lips
- a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area
- difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Fluoride Treatments
Over time, plaque wears away tooth enamel. This process is known as “demineralization.” Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral, promotes remineralization of tooth enamel, strengthening the teeth and protecting them against decay. Fluoride has also been shown to help reverse tooth decay in its early stages. Children with newly-erupted teeth (especially permanent teeth) have the most to gain from fluoride treatments, but nearly everyone should make sure their teeth come in contact with fluoride. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use fluoride toothpaste. We also offer a number of gels, rinses, and in-office fluoride treatments to safely increase preventative fluoride exposure. Learn more about Fluoride Treatments.
Dental Sealants
Did you know that toothbrushes cannot always reach down into the deepest grooves of teeth? Dental sealants help solve this problem by filling in grooves on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. This is where food particles settle, which is a leading cause of cavities in the premolar and molar teeth. The dental sealant application is a fast and safe preventative measure that can effectively protect teeth for a number of years. Learn more about Dental Sealants.
Custom Fit Athletic Mouthguards & Nightguards
Losing or damaging teeth due to sports injuries can be avoided through the use of protective dental mouthguards. We can create a custom-fit soft plastic mouthguard to protect your teeth, gums, lips, and cheeks from sports-related injuries. Athletic mouthguards can even help prevent concussions and other serious injuries to the face, jaw, and head.
Have you been told, or do you suspect, that you grind your teeth at night? If so, you may be suffering from a condition called bruxism, which is not only harmful to your teeth but may also cause additional problems like jaw pain and headaches. Let us help you protect your teeth from the effects of teeth grinding with a custom-fit nightguard. This soft plastic guard is worn at night while you sleep, covering and protecting your teeth from grinding. Nightguards have also been shown to relieve jaw pain and headaches associated with grinding.
We offer our patients these custom-fit mouthguards because of their ability to best protect your teeth in a comfortable, minimally invasive way. Learn more about Mouthguards.
Preventative Dentistry FAQs
Why is preventive dentistry important?
The adage “prevention is better than cure” has never been true. Preventive dentistry helps you avoid problems before they start. That means you stop cavities, gum disease, and other problems before they cause damage. Preventive dental care saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Why do my gums bleed when brushing?
Healthy gums are pink, firm to the touch, and do not bleed. Bleeding, tender, or swollen gums are often a sign of infection. This can happen when plaque builds up along the gumline because of poor oral hygiene. If something doesn’t feel right with your gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. Prompt care prevents the infection from progressing into advanced stages that can lead to tooth loss.
Do children need preventive dentistry?
Everyone needs preventive dental care, including children. Routine dental visits help monitor the development of teeth and gums. Pediatric dental visits also help detect issues early on. At our office, we create positive experiences for children, setting a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Are dental sealants worth it?
For many patients, yes. Dental sealants create a protective barrier on the grooves of back teeth where cavities often form. Applying dental sealants is comfortable, takes only a few minutes, and protects your teeth for several years. Dental sealants are an effective solution for patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults.
How does diet affect my oral health?
What you eat has a significant role in your oral health. Sugary and acidic foods can weaken enamel and lead to cavities. Frequent snacking also gives bacteria more fuel to produce harmful acids. A balanced diet with plenty of water, fruits, and veggies supports strong teeth and healthy gums.
What is the link between oral and systemic health?
Several studies have established a direct link between your oral health and overall health. Dental issues like gum disease don’t remain localized in the mouth. Uncontrolled bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing an inflammatory overload. This unhealthy environment heightens the risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, dementia, and other systemic conditions.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes! We understand the concerns you may have about radiation exposure from X-rays. The truth? Modern X-rays are designed with your safety in mind. Unlike film-based X-rays, modern X-rays emit significantly less radiation, typically less than a daily dose of natural background radiation. Additionally, we use lead aprons and thyroid shields as a precaution to further minimize the exposure. That said, digital X-rays are very safe, even for children and pregnant women.
How can I maintain my oral health between visits?
While professional care is important, at-home oral hygiene is equally essential. Here are steps you can take at home to keep your smile healthy.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean the areas between teeth with dental floss or a water flosser
- Maintain a balanced diet and limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Quit smoking
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages
Does insurance cover preventive dentistry?
Many insurance plans cover preventive care, including dental check-ups and cleanings. However, it’s important to understand that every plan is unique. It’s important to verify the scope of your coverage before any treatment begins. Take advantage of your preventive benefits today and avoid bigger problems tomorrow.
Where can I learn more about preventive dentistry in East Point, GA?
Dentistry isn’t just about treating dental problems—it’s about stopping them in the first place. BLUSH Dental Studio focuses on early intervention and ongoing care to protect your smile from cavities, gum disease, enamel wear, and other problems. Want to learn more about preventive dental care? Dial (404) 595-5104 and talk to our team today!
Dr. Carter is a Licensed Dentist in the State of Georgia and a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, North Georgia Dental Society, Georgia Dental Society, Hinman Dental Society, and Honorary Society of Dental Volunteers.
Connect with Dr. Kisha Carter on Linkedin
Dr. Kim is a Licensed Dentist in the State of Georgia and a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Georgia Dental Association, Alabama Dental Association, and Hinman Dental Society. She loves being able to help her patients achieve their dental goals.
