Keep Your Smile Healthy for Life

The foundation for any long-term oral health, checkups and cleanings allow us to confirm if your at-home care is working as intended and remove harmful plaque and tartar that may have been missed during your at-home care. We’ll keep a close eye out for any concerns we may have and provide recommendations to address them should it be necessary. In most cases, patients should visit us once every six months for comprehensive exams and cleanings.

The early signs of oral cancer can appear in those who are at higher risk, but it can also appear in patients who have no risk factors whatsoever. For this reason, we perform an oral cancer screening during every routine exam and utilize the Velscope to do so. This device uses advanced bioluminescence to highlight oral tissue that may have early signs of oral cancer development. The earlier we catch symptoms, the sooner we can get you started on a treatment plan with a dedicated physician.

In some cases, certain patients need additional help protecting their most vulnerable teeth in between visits (especially children.) To reduce the risk of tooth decay in certain teeth, specifically the molars and premolars, we can apply a small amount of composite resin to the deep pits and cracks of your teeth. Once the sealant hardens, you can expect your teeth to be protected for up to 10 years. Whether you have a history of tooth decay in your family or your child just needs time to perfect their oral care routine, sealants are proven to be effective!

Most commonly used for patients 18 years and younger, fluoride treatments work to strengthen and protect teeth in between routine dental appointments. Fluoride is often found in the oral care products we use and most public drinking water systems, but our in-house fluoride is particularly strong and designed to last well until your next dental appointment. In just a few minutes, we can apply the fluoride following your cleaning and give you added confidence in your smile.

Staying active is important for your health, but not if it’s at the detriment of your teeth! When playing contact sports, such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, or another sport where the chance for high impact is significant, a mouthguard or sportsguard is necessary. Not only are our sportsguards more comfortable than store-bought options, but they offer better longevity and protection, meaning your child is sure to walk off the field with a healthy and undamaged smile for years to come.

If you find yourself waking up with headaches or tooth sensitivity, it could be due to an undiagnosed teeth grinding and clenching habit. This condition is known as bruxism and is far more common than you’d think. In order to control these symptoms and prevent erosion of your tooth enamel, we can create a customized nightguard that is worn while you sleep. Teeth grinding and clenching can be detrimental to your long-term oral health, so don’t wait to get your next oral appliance at our dental office!

Oral care matters at every age, but it’s especially important for those who are younger and still have developing mouths. At our dental office, we’ll make sure every child who visits feels welcome and comfortable. We’ll teach them how to practice proper brushing and flossing, discuss preventive treatments to them in great detail, and teach children and parents alike the best methods for maintaining long-term oral health. We offer many services in-house that specifically cater to children, including fluoride therapy, dental sealants, and more!

We understand that some children need special accommodations, either as a result of physical or mental limitations. At Anthem Dentistry, our team will always take the extra time to ensure their comfort, all without sacrificing the overall quality of their care. We ask that you give us a call ahead of time and we’ll do everything necessary to make them comfortable once they arrive. Should they need sedation to be prepared for their treatment, we’ll discuss your options before you arrive.

With so many oral care products available these days, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. At Anthem Dentistry, we recommend many products designed to give patients the best at-home oral care experience possible, especially those who need specific products to accommodate their needs. For example, we recommend Crest for consistent protection against cavity-causing bacteria as well as Sensodyne and Biotene for those with sensitive teeth and chronic dry mouth, respectively.