Preventive Dentistry
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Learn About Preventive Dentistry
.jpg)
At Dental Care of Glen Ellyn, our goal is always to help patients keep their smiles whole and healthy for life. One way we achieve this goal is by preventing major oral health issues, by scheduling routine, preventive dentistry exams every six months. During these dental checkups, our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup, and Dr. Brian Shin carefully examines patients’ smiles while screening for any signs of oral health issues. Before you leave, we’ll create an ongoing dental care plan to help you keep your smile healthy.
Dental Exam and Cleaning
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
During a routine dental cleaning, our hygienist or dentist thoroughly removes all plaque and tartar from teeth above the gumline. During a regular exam, Dr. Brian Shin carefully reviews all the areas and structures of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and throat for any potential oral health issues or symptoms. He will also pay close attention to your bite alignment and jaw, as well as ask if you are experiencing any discomfort or sensitivity. After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Brian Shin can recommend a personalized treatment plan for your unique dental care needs.
Flossing & Brushing
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
The American Dental Association recommends cleaning your teeth daily by brushing twice a day, and with an interdental cleaner (like floss) once a day. Brushing and flossing daily helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing a sticky film called plaque, which is constantly developing on and between our teeth. Plaque contains bacteria, which feeds on leftover food or sugar in your mouth. The bacteria then releases acids, which can eat away at the outer shell of your teeth and result in cavities.
Plaque that is not removed by brushing and cleaning between your teeth will eventually harden into a cement-like substance called tartar (or dental calculus). Tartar collects along your gum line and can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, only a dentist can remove it with specialized tools. Using an interdental cleaner like floss is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.
Oral Cancer Screenings
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Dentists like Dr. Brian Shin are in a unique position to catch early signs of oral cancer, in part because routine dental visits are conducted more often than doctor’s visits. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art oral cancer screening technology, such as VELscope, which helps us see problematic or concerning areas of oral tissue with ease. If you have oral sores that simply will not go away, or have noticed red or white patches in your mouth, please contact us immediately. Early detection is key to successfully treating oral cancer. If we suspect the presence of oral cancer, we will connect you with a doctor so that they can administer diagnosis and treatment.
Fluoride Treatment
PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods, public drinking water, and in most oral care products. Decades of research has found that the application and ingestion of appropriate amounts of fluoride drastically reduces the risk of dental cavities. Routine fluoride application is essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy, which is why we provide fluoride treatments following your regular dental cleaning. In most cases, a fluoride application once every six months is enough to keep decay and cavities at bay. Fluoride applications are particularly beneficial for children with developing teeth who are still learning the habit of daily brushing and flossing.
