Minocqua Family Dental
Preventive Dentistry
Prevention Is the Key to Successful Smiles!

Preventive teeth cleanings and checkups are integral in achieving optimal dental health.

Preventive Dentistry | Dentist
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Preventive Dentistry

Many people wonder why semi-annual dental appointments are necessary if they are not experiencing any oral health issues.

The answer is that good preventive care can reduce your risk for certain illnesses and help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health that helps you look and feel your best.

Providing Your Medical History

Your routine visits are an excellent opportunity to talk to your dentist about any issues or discomfort you’ve been experiencing. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and come prepared with a list of any medications you take.

Knowing your medical history gives your dentist a more complete picture of your overall health. It has been established that what happens in the mouth doesn't stay in the mouth. Scientists have shown a systemic link exists between your oral health and the prevalence of many serious general health concerns. For example, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with heart disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight in babies born to mothers with the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since most of us don’t routinely analyze the insides of our mouths, you may wonder how you can detect the signs of oral cancer. In addition to oral cancer screenings with your oral surgery specialist, call the doctor’s office if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • Bleeding in your mouth that doesn’t stop or a sore that doesn’t heal
  • A lump or thickening in the lining of the mouth
  • Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
  • Red or white patches on the soft tissues in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing

Additional symptoms that may signal a problem include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and ear and/or jaw pain. Check your tongue, lips, gums, cheeks, teeth, face, and neck for changes, and call your oral surgery specialist if you have any concerns.

Factors that increase oral cancer risk:

  • Tobacco use
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Fair skin
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition
  • Gender (men are more prone to oral cancer than women)

Prevention is always the best way to avoid oral cancer. Discontinuing tobacco use may be the single most effective way to lower your risk, even if you’ve been using it for years.

Dental Exams

Symptoms of some dental conditions may be so subtle that only a dentist can identify them.

During your visit, we thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of tooth decay. Our dentist also evaluates risk factors associated with bone loss and periodontal disease illnesses. This way, we can identify potential problems in their early stages while easily treatable.

Your dentist will also check your dental bite and may take x-rays or other diagnostic measures.

Teeth Cleaning

We clean your teeth gently and meticulously during your visit to remove plaque in hard-to-reach locations like between teeth. At this time, your hygienist will also provide helpful tips for getting the most out of your brushing and flossing routine at home.

A thorough dental cleaning helps you maintain excellent oral health and lifts surface stains to brighten your smile and make your teeth look and feel great! 

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Don’t miss your semi-annual visit! Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.

Meet Our Doctors:

Dr. Adam Ross

Dr. Adam Ross grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He attended St. Ambrose University, where he played football and received his ...

Dr. Doug Johnston

Dr. Doug Johnston is a passionate and dedicated dentist with more than 25 years experience. Doug was born and raised in ...

Preventive Dentistry Technology

Digital X-Rays

Modern digital dental x-rays benefit patients in a number of ways: 

  • Digital x-rays expose patients to considerably less radiation than conventional film x-rays.
  • Digital x-rays require almost no time for development, reducing time spent waiting in the dental chair.
  • Digital x-rays allow for incredibly precise and accurate images for timely diagnoses.
  • Digital x-rays are securely stored in your digital file and can be securely sent to your insurance company or specialists, when necessary.

Because no chemicals are needed for developing and no space is needed for film storage, digital x-rays are better for the environment.

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