Preventive Dentistry San Marcos
The Key to a
Healthy, Attractive Smile
Cavities and gum disease are all too common; even if you brush and floss thoroughly every day, there’s still a risk of suffering from these potentially devastating oral health issues. The preventive services we offer at our San Marcos dental office will go a long way towards avoiding these issues altogether so that you can keep your gums as healthy and beautiful as possible. If it has been a while since your last dental appointment, or if you are curious about our other options for preventive dentistry in San Marcos, CA, call us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Nelson Y. Howard.
Why Choose Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S. for Preventive Dentistry?
- Unmatched Level of Customer Service
- Reputable Dentist with Decades of Experience
- Advanced Technology for Accurate Diagnoses
Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
A good daily oral hygiene routine is important, but the routine teeth cleanings you receive from a dental professional are just as important. Our team recommends having at least two dental examinations and cleanings performed every year. We won’t just visually scan your teeth; we’ll also take a number of dental X-rays so that we can give ourselves a better idea of the state of your mouth and the scope of your oral health needs so that we can give you useful recommendations for self-care and treatment.
During your visits, we’ll take the time to teach you more about the various aspects of dental health and clear up any concerns or misconceptions you might have so that you can continue making the right decisions when it comes to your oral health. Our hygienists will carefully clean your teeth depending on your needs, and they’ll also check for early signs of dental problems so that we can address them right away. Afterward we’ll give you a few suggestions on how to improve overall periodontal and dental health. Our goal is to help you keep your smile looking bright for the rest of your life!
Oral Cancer Screenings
About 132 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer every day, and the disease will kill at least one person every hour. Finding oral cancer in its earliest stages is crucial if you want to give yourself the highest possible chance of survival. Every regular dental checkup includes an oral cancer screening, which involves a visual examination boosted with high power magnification to ensure we don’t miss a single detail. If we find discolored patches or unnatural lumps, we’ll let you know what you next steps should be.
Fluoride Treatment
Most of the tap water in America contains small amounts of fluoride. This important mineral is also found in most brands of toothpaste. Fluoride is essential for building strong teeth and preventing cavities. We can apply a high concentration of fluoride directly to your teeth during your checkup in order to give your smile a little extra protection until your next appointment. Fluoride treatment has been shown to help prevent cavities and slow the growth of bacteria, thus reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Nightguards for Bruxism
If you have a problem with grinding your teeth at night, we will recommend getting a night guard to protect your teeth from further damage. There are many different kinds of night guards, and Dr. Howard has plenty of experiencing in determining which one is best for each unique case. When properly fitted and worn every night, night guards will help reduce jaw pain and prevent the excessive wear and tear on your teeth that occurs while you sleep. If you’ve been suffering from a sore jaw, or if you notice that your teeth are looking flatter than they should, call us as soon as possible to see if a night guard might be a good option for you.
Learn More About TMJ/TMD Therapy
At-Home Dental Hygiene Products
If the dental products you’re using at home don’t seem to be getting the job done, we’re here to help! Dr. Howard is familiar with a wide variety of dental brands and can help you narrow down the best products for meeting your individual needs. For example, when it comes to toothpaste, few brands can compare to Fluoridex, which is ideal for those with an extremely high risk of cavities. Also, if you have constant trouble with bad breath, BreathRX mouthwash can help destroy oral bacteria and eliminate the smell instead of simply masking it.