Preventative Care

Preventative Care in Tecumseh, MI

Good Dental Care Keeps Your Mouth Healthy!

Dr. Hourani giving patient a dental exam at Tecumseh Family Dental Care

Healthy Smiles with Dental Exams and Cleanings

Both natural teeth and teeth with restorations survive best in an oral environment that is clean and where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our preventative dental care program is designed to protect against new cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored, and manage periodontal disease.

Procedure

In-office preventative care centers around examination and dental cleanings to identify potential risks and keep your mouth free of plaque, cavities and other major concerns.

A dental exam can include:

X-rays
Dentist examination
Oral cancer screening
Charting

A hygienist will also perform a dental cleaning which may include:

Scaling and root planing of your teeth
Flossing
Rinsing
Polishing
Fluoride treatment

Regular preventative exams are necessary even if you don’t think you have cavities or other dental concerns. Tooth decay, bite and jaw problems or signs of poor dental care are all things that can be easily missed without the examination of a professional with equipment like X-rays. Even if you think you have perfect dental health, make sure you stay up to date on your hygiene appointments and exams!

FAQ

What Can I Do for Preventative Care?

• Brush your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush aimed at the gum.
• Floss every night in an up-and-down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid sticky sugary foods.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed.
Do I Need Dental Sealants?

Sealants are a great way to help reduce cavities and decay in children or teens who are most prone to dental issues, around ages 7 to 13. Sealants help keep bacteria and acidic substances from wearing away at your enamel when your new teeth may be vulnerable due to diet or lack of dental care routines.

Adults can also receive sealants to help protect the back of the teeth. If you think sealants would help you, let us know and we can discuss your options!
How Often Should I See the Dentist?

For regular preventative care, it’s typically recommended that you visit your dentist a minimum of two times per year, approximately every six months. Depending on your individual dental care needs, you may be recommended to come more frequently than that – so always listen to our recommendations to help reduce future cavities and periodontal disease.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Exams?

The biggest benefit of a dental exam is to identify small issues before they begin to cause pain, develop into serious periodontal disease or cause you to lose a permanent tooth. The earlier we can catch a potential problem, the easier and less costly the solution will be!
Are X-Rays Safe?

As part of your preventative care exams, dentists often use x-rays. They’re a critical part of identifying issues or symptoms of decay that may lie underneath the visible surface. It is true that x-rays expose you to radiation, but the amount of radiation is negligible. Compared to other medical x-rays, dental x-rays have the lowest amount of radiation exposure. It’s even less incidental radiation you encounter that exists in the atmosphere each year!