Preventative Services

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Teeth cleaning (also known as prophylaxis, literally a preventative treatment of a disease) is a procedure for the removal of tartar (mineralized plaque) that can build up, even with careful brushing and flossing. Tartar build-up occurs especially in areas that are difficult to reach in routine toothbrushing, including crevices between teeth and along the gumline. Professional teeth cleaning is most often performed by a dental hygienist. Professional teeth cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing to remove the tartar accumulation. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.

Most dentists, including Dr. Stephen Cohen, recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned every six months. More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during treatment of dental and other oral disorders including the wearing of braces, dental bridges, and dental implants. Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least once a year. This can include dental X-rays.  Between professional teeth cleanings, good oral hygiene like flossing and regular brushing helps to prevent cavities, tartar build-up, and periodontal disease.

Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Stephen Cohen may perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Additional tests can also aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify cancer early on, when there is a greater chance of curing it before it goes any further. Should Dr. Cohen find that you are pre-cancerous, or indeed that there are malignant cells present, he may recommend that further oral examination or a special test is right for you based on your risk factors.

During an oral cancer exam, Dr. Cohen looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. He may also palpate the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities. Abnormal sores in the mouths- like canker sores- can be quite common, and the great majority are noncancerous. An oral examination can't always determine which sores are cancerous and which are not. If Dr. Cohen finds an unusual sore, you may go through further testing to determine its cause. The only way to definitively determine whether you have oral cancer is to remove some abnormal cells and test them for cancer in a procedure called a biopsy.
 

Oral Hygiene Instructions

Following every professional teeth cleaning appointment, Oral Hygiene Instructions are given to every patient at Beacon Hill Dental Associates. The instructions encourage a proper brushing technique by using a 45 degree angle at the gum line and brushing with a soft bristle brush in a circular motion. This sweeps the plaque out of your gingival pockets. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and an anti-cavity fluoride toothpaste while brushing your teeth. NEVER brush too hard or use a Medium or Hard toothbrush as it can cause the gums to recede, and wear permanent grooves into your teeth which will eventually require filling. Brush your teeth for a minimum of 3 minutes at least twice a day.

Second, proper flossing technique is key. You will need about a half of an arms length of floss, which is then wrapped around your fingers. When flossing your teeth, you will need to introduce each area with a clean part of your floss. And don't forget to reach those very back molars! Flossing removes the plaque from in between and towards the back of your teeth that brushing misses. Flossing helps prevent periodontal disease or gum disease by reducing ugly tartar build-up.

Third, is Health and Dietary habits. To help prevent dental caries or cavities you have to reduce your carbohydrate intake along with simple sugars, such as are found in sodas. Some fruits are more acidic than others, especially citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes, and oranges. The citric acid can wear down the tooth enamel. If you are going to eat those fruits, Dr. Cohen recommends that you do it in moderation and always brush and floss your teeth afterwards.

Finally, Routine Dental Hygiene Appointments are essential. Beacon Hill Dental Associates recommends that you come in every six months for your routine dental hygiene appointment. The hygienist will measure you gingival pockets, take dental x-rays, and debride your teeth. Then Dr. Cohen will be in to go over your dental  exam , x-rays, and your oral cancer screening with you, if that is part of the appointment that needs to be discussed. He will also discuss with you any treatment that you may need at that visit.
 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that strengthens teeth, in the form of a water additive or chewable tablet. In doing this, it can also help to prevent tooth decay. Experts say the best way to prevent tooth decay is to use several sources of fluoride. Fluoride is found naturally in water sources in small amounts. Some foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and tea, contain fluoride. It also is added to water in some areas. You have probably seen that many toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments contain fluoride. Prescription fluoride tablets are available for children who do not get adequate fluoride in their water.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by encouraging remineralization. It also helps to prevent bacteria from producing acids. Teeth can absorb fluoride through the small doses that are swallowed in food, supplements and fluoridated water. This fluoride enters the bloodstream and becomes part of the permanent teeth as they develop. The teeth become stronger, so it is harder for acids to destroy the enamel.

Before you have an in-office fluoride treatment, your teeth should be clean. Dr. Cohen may advise that he will polish away stains first. If you use fluoride rinses or gels at home, first make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and floss them. It's a good idea to use fluoride products at night before bedtime. When you are sleeping, they are less likely to be washed or rinsed away.  The fluoride treatments you receive in a dental office have more fluoride than over-the-counter fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste. They are used for both children and adults. Dental-office treatments also are different chemically and stay on the teeth longer.

Fluoride can be applied as a gel, foam or varnish during a dental appointment. The teeth will be dried so the fluoride doesn't become diluted. Fluoride can then be applied by using a tray that looks like a mouth guard for one to four minutes. Fluoride also can be painted directly on the teeth. It comes in a variety of flavors, but it should never be swallowed. It's imperative that you do not eat, drink or smoke for at least 30 minutes after a professional fluoride treatment. This helps to increase the fluoride's contact with the teeth.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay occurs on these surfaces. Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves. Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from dental sealants. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the teeth have erupted, before they have a chance to decay.

Applying dental sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth. Dr. Cohen may shine a light on the tooth to help harden the sealant. It only takes about a minute for the dental sealant to form a protective shield.

Many people worry that dental sealants will be noticeable, but dental sealants can only be seen up close. Dental sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted, and usually are not seen when a person talks or smiles. As with anything new that is placed in the mouth, you may feel the sealant with the tongue. Sealants, however, are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves of molar teeth. A sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years, and they should be checked at each regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.