Preventive Dental Care in North Dallas
Good preventive care really does prevent more extensive and more expensive dental problems later on. We recommend twice yearly visits to Watson Family Dentistry, coupled with a good at-home oral hygiene routine of twice daily brushing and flossing. Our preventive treatments can help ward off cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss.
Oral Exams & Professional Cleanings
Even with excellent brushing and flossing at home, some plaque and tartar can only be removed by a professional. Watson Family Dentistry is proud of our excellent dental hygiene staff. Every time you visit us for a cleaning and exam, we will carefully and thoroughly clean and polish up your teeth. There’s nothing quite like the feel of your mouth after a professional cleaning. Periodically we will also take X-rays so we can catch potential problems early on. Our dentists will finish off the exam to make sure your oral health remains tip-top.
Oral Cancer Screenings
The best way to spot oral cancer is by maintaining regular visits to Watson Family Dentistry for preventive care. Every time you come in for a cleaning and exam we check carefully for signs of oral cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer include mouth sores that won’t heal, a lump in the mouth, persistent throat pain and changes in the sound of your voice. If you notice any of these signs, contact us right away. Like all cancers, early detection is essential for successful treatment.
Fluoride Treatments & Dental Sealants
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants have proven to be highly effective in preventing decay and cavities. After a professional dental cleaning, we will apply a topical fluoride treatment to protect the teeth. Depending on your risk for cavities, we might recommend a fluoride treatment every three or six months. Sealants are another useful barrier to fight cavities. They fill the deep grooves in the teeth so that food particles don’t get stuck and they protect the enamel from plaque and acids that lead to decay. Both children and adults can benefit from fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums. It is caused when plaque—a clear, sticky film—builds up in your mouth. Good oral hygiene combined with regular professional cleanings can prevent gum disease. Some symptoms include bleeding, swollen or red gums, and bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing. When gum disease is caught early, it is easily treatable. If left untreated it can result in damaged bone and gum tissue which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Mouthguards & Sleep Apnea Appliances
Custom mouthguards can protect your teeth and sometimes even promote a better nights’ sleep. We can create custom mouthguards to protect athletes, both old and young, from experiencing tooth trauma while participating in their favorite sports. Mouthguards can also be used to prevent a condition known as bruxism. This is when unconscious teeth grinding can cause excessive wear to the teeth. There are many underlying reasons for unconscious teeth grinding including stress, dental abnormalities and sleep issues. Our dentists will work with you to help determine what might be causing the teeth grinding.
Sometimes the best solution to teeth grinding is a sleep apnea appliance that helps keep your airways open at night. If you consistently feel tired after a full nights’ sleep, you might have obstructive sleep apnea. This is a potentially serious condition characterized by repeated sleep disruptions which are caused when the air flow is temporarily blocked while sleeping. Symptoms of the disorder include loud or excessive snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability and gasping sounds during sleep.
