Every time you complete a routine checkup and cleaning, you’re doing so much more than simply getting your teeth and gums maintained by a professional. You’re also ensuring that no long-term issues are present and staying proactive against potential issues that you wouldn’t otherwise know about. The best offense against dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease is a great defense, and while this starts with brushing and flossing, it ends with routine checkups in Charlottesville with Dr. Lippard. You can schedule your first preventive dentistry appointment today by calling his office!
When you visit for your routine checkups, you can expect a comprehensive exam to catch any signs of tooth decay or gum disease as well as a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, the latter of which can only be safely removed by a dentist. We’ll make sure that you feel comfortable prior to treatment and answer any questions you have beforehand. We recommend that you come to our office for a checkup once every six months.
At Dr. Lippard’s practice, we always strive to make a good first impression for your child when they visit. After all, this makes future appointments even easier. Using a gentle touch, we’ll carefully examine their teeth, gums, and other oral structures for any issues or developmental concerns you should be aware of. Your child’s first visit should occur once their first baby tooth erupts or by their first birthday. The majority of the visit will be dedicated to informing you of oral health steps you should be taking for your child.
While at-home oral care is important, some patients are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities than others. If your child struggles with cavities or is having trouble learning their brushing and flossing, dental sealants can make a big difference. These thin plastic sealants are designed to adhere to vulnerable teeth, particularly molars and premolars, both of which have very deep pits and cracks for food to stick into. With routine care, these sealants should last for at least 10 years.
If you’ve visited the dentist in the past, they’ve likely talked about the importance of fluoride and making sure that you’re getting enough in your diet and when you practice at-home care. Fluoride can be found in the foods we eat, the public drinking water we consume, and the toothpastes and oral rinses we buy. Fluoride is essential to keeping tooth enamel strong and resistant to plaque acids, which is why we provide it as part of your routine cleaning regiment when you visit!
While you may not notice it, dentists are staying on the lookout for conditions like oral cancer for a number of reasons. For one, dentists like Dr. Lippard are in a unique position to catch it in the earlier stages, making it much easier to treat. Thousands of people are affected by oral cancer every year, and oral cancer screenings ensure you’re not left in the dark when it comes to your oral and overall health.