General Dentistry
Preventive Services in Alexandria, VA
One of the best ways you can prevent decay is with a good at-home oral hygiene routine. This should include thorough brushing at least twice a day and nightly flossing. When this is accompanied by regular preventive care at our office, you can expect to maintain excellent oral health. That’s good news because your dental health is closely linked to your overall health. It’s also a lot easier and less expensive to keep your teeth healthy than it is to replace them. Regular dental visits also allow our dentist to spot any potential problems early on in their progression which can prevent more extensive treatments if these issues are ignored.
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Exams & Cleanings
A good at-home oral hygiene routine is important but even patients with really good oral care habits benefit from two annual preventive visits to Belle Haven Dental. And if you are one of the many individuals who are a little lackadaisical about flossing, then those semi-annual visits are even more essential! Dental professionals are able to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be removed with regular brushing and flossing.
Oral Cancer Screenings
The oral cancer screening is another reason to schedule preventive care twice a year. During your dental exam we use a special light to look for any precancerous spots or early signs of cancer that would be very difficult for you to see on your own. Like other cancers, this disease has a better outcome when caught in the early stages.
Fluoride Treatments & Protective Sealants
Fluoride and/or sealants can be applied topically to the teeth after they are cleaned. These procedures are painless and very effective in preventing cavities. Fluoride also strengthens developing teeth. Dental sealants are painted onto teeth most likely to develop cavities, like molars. The sealant flows into the crevices or ridges and protects them from decay. Although fluoride treatments and protective sealants are most often used by children and teenagers, even adults can benefit. Ask us during your exam if either of these treatments would benefit your fight against tooth decay.
Laser Gum Therapy
Prevention of gum disease is another reason that daily oral hygiene is important. When plaque builds up in your mouth it can spread under the gums and create pockets of bacteria. The resulting inflammation is known as gum disease. It is important to treat gum disease in its early stages because if it’s left untreated it can damage your teeth and overall health. We use lasers to kill the bacteria and stimulate cell growth which promotes healing.
Mouthguards for Bruxism & Athletics
Mouth injuries are common among athletes of all ages and are a frequent cause of dental emergencies. We can help you protect the teeth of the athletes in your family by creating a custom mouthguard. These are more comfortable than the generics available at the drugstore, thus they are more likely to be worn. We also offer another type of helpful mouthguard that is worn at night to prevent teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Nightguards can prevent headaches, jaw pain and worn down molars.
Sleep Apnea Appliances
Oral appliances are often enough to provide relief for patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance opens the airways so that you don’t wake up repeatedly gasping for air. Although breathing machines are necessary for some cases, dentists have been successfully treating sleep apnea for years. If you suffer from this debilitating condition, talk to our team to see if a sleep apnea appliance might work for you.
TMJ/TMD Therapy
TMJ is an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. These joints are located in front of each ear and they operate like hinges connecting the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, is a condition where the joint doesn’t always function properly. Symptoms range from clicking noises, headaches, lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth wide, to chewing problems. If you think you might suffer from TMD, talk to our team. We have therapies to provide relief.
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