How we prevent and protect oral and overall health with regular exams, a vital part of the dental check-up

Oral health exams and preventative dentistry go together like peas and carrots, peanut butter and jelly, day and night, soap and water … you get the idea. This step in the routine dental check-up process is fundamental to the early detection of problems and to protecting the teeth and gums from threats such as decay and periodontal disease. 

Furthermore, these comprehensive evaluations by one of our six talented dentists at Los Alamitos Dental Care support patients’ overall health and well-being across our corner of southern California. 

We can tell a lot about your general health by simply looking in your mouth. Likewise, we can screen for anomalies such as pre-cancers and cancerous lesions. This service is truly lifesaving; not unlike other cancers, oral and pharyngeal cancer has a high rate of successful treatment when detected and intervened with early – in its localized stage, before it has spread or metastasized. 

Making the most of your check-up

As noted, oral exams are part and parcel of the routine dental check-up. Dental check-ups are also the backbone of preventative dentistry, which avoids problems rather than reacting to them. The “standard” check-up is scheduled two times each calendar year or once every six months. 

Patients with the following conditions or risk factors should see us more frequently than every six months:

• Other health problems which make you more susceptible to oral infections (such as diabetes)
• Nutritional challenges
• Smoking, vaping, or the use of other tobacco or nicotine-containing products
• Challenges to consistent oral hygiene
• Active gum disease or other oral conditions (we need to track those and ensure treatment is working)
• Medications such as beta blockers and antihistamines, which have dry mouth as a side effect

Our skilled dentists will check for problems with your mouth by visual inspection and touch. We can detect what cannot be seen with the eyes or felt by touch with advanced and safe diagnostics. Accurate diagnostics are important because many oral conditions are asymptomatic until the disease has progressed to where damage must be resolved. Our technologies pinpoint progressive problems in their earliest stages before damage is done and when they are either “silent” or have subtle, easy-to-ignore symptoms. We also regularly conduct oral cancer screenings and can check for telltale signs of problems like TMJ dysfunction. 

During these visits, our dentists work hand in hand with our dental hygienists. Professional cleaning typically precedes a comprehensive oral evaluation; however, the dentist may be brought in early to further evaluate gingival inflammation and other issues identified by the hygienist. 

For our team as a whole, these regular visits also present opportunities to educate on things like tooth-friendly foods and habits. We can provide samples of a new toothpaste, floss threaders, or other products that can help to step up your brushing and flossing game. We may even apply topical fluoride, sealants, or other professional preventative products to maximize your time with us! 

Call (562) 539-0011 to schedule your appointment at our office in Los Alamitos, CA, today, and keep your vibrant and healthy smile!