Dental exams and teeth cleaning in Lauderhill, Florida

Even if it’s been awhile since your last trip to the dentist and you feel self-conscious about the condition of your teeth, our team at G&G Dental Associates is ready to help. 

We offer a comfortable environment in which there’s no need to feel anxious or embarrassed about the condition of your teeth. Our goal is to help you get your smile back on track. During your first dental exam at Towncare Dental of Lauderhill, your dentist will look for signs of:

• Tooth decay
• Teeth grinding
• Bone loss
• Oral cancer
• Periodontal (gum) disease

Many of our patients have been coming to us for years because they trust us to keep their mouth, teeth and gums healthy. We look forward to forging that same sense of trust with you.

Teeth Cleaning in Lauderhill

Most of the calls we receive at Towncare Dental of Lauderhill are from people requesting an appointment for a professional teeth cleaning. This procedure is more important to your dental health than you may think. Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and calculus that is loaded with bacteria and leads to tooth decay.

Plaque is a colorless coating of bacteria that adheres to your teeth every time you eat and drink. The bacteria in plaque and calculus convert the sugars in food and beverages into acids that erode the tooth enamel and cause cavities, which are literally holes in your teeth. That’s why dentists stress the importance of brushing and flossing after every meal. But a good oral hygiene routine won’t eliminate all of the plaque.

In less than 24 hours, plaque hardens into calculus, also known as tartar. This is even more difficult to remove with a toothbrush and dental floss. Only a professional teeth cleaning can remove all of the plaque and calculus from the surfaces of the teeth and in hard-to-reach places between the teeth. The bacteria in plaque and calculus also can attack the tooth below the gum line and cause a gum infection.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum (periodontal) disease. If your gums are red and swollen or bleed when you brush or floss, you may have bacteria below the gum line that is causing an infection. In this early stage, hygienist can treat the infection during your hygiene visit. If it’s more advanced, the dentist may recommend you see a gum specialist called a periodontist for treatment.

The type of teeth cleaning you need depends on the health of your teeth and gums. Here are some types of dental treatments for hygiene:

• Prophylaxis: This is for people who only need their teeth cleaned above the gum line to remove plaque, calculus and surface stains. This is also known as a “prophy” or a healthy-mouth cleaning. Dentists recommend you have a prophy twice a year. These cleanings are often covered by dental insurance.
• Gingivitis Therapy: Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and is the only stage that is reversible. The hygienist or dentist will provide additional services to remove plaque on the teeth and just below the gum line.
• Scaling & Root Planing: People who are diagnosed with more advanced cases of periodontal disease need treatment both above and below the gum line to remove the harmful bacteria. Scaling & root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical treatment that removes bacteria and smooths out exposed root surfaces. The treatment also may include the application of an antibiotic. SRP treatments may take more than one office visit to complete.

Afterward, your dentist may prescribe a periodontal maintenance routine to help manage the disease.

Cleaning Teeth Below the Gum Line

Periodontal disease is common. Half of Americans over the age of 30 and 70 percent over the age of 65.have some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Just as the bacteria in the mouth create acids that attack the teeth, it also can target the ligaments, tissue and bone that hold teeth in place under the gums. Eventually, the gum tissue will pull away from the tooth, creating “pockets” where more bacteria can hide.

Some people have no symptoms of periodontal disease. Others may notice their gums bleeding after brushing and flossing. As the infection progresses, it may cause bad breath, a receding gum line and shifting teeth. Scaling & root planing and other periodontal treatments can remove bacteria, but can’t repair the damage.

Like diabetes and heart disease, periodontal disease is a chronic, systemic disease. It’s only reversible in the earliest stage. Once it progresses, it can be managed but not reversed. Our dentist and hygienist at Towncare Dental of Lauderhill will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Bad Breath Management

If you habitually perform the “sniff test” before speaking with people to determine if you have bad breath, you’re in good company. Millions of people suffer from bad breath each year. The medical term is halitosis, and it affects 25 percent of the U.S. population. Bad breath can be caused by spicy foods. But your bad breath is more likely the result of germs in your mouth.

As bacteria decay the teeth, the damaged cells release a disagreeable odor. This can be rectified with professional teeth cleanings and gum treatments. A regular routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing with a mouthwash also can keep bad breath under control.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is especially dangerous because it often has no symptoms until it’s too late. During your first visit to our office, we will offer an oral cancer screening. This is a potentially life-saving screening recommended for everyone over the age of 18.

It is a quick and painless test that permits the dentist to see signs of oral cancer that are not visible to the naked eye. If it’s not detected early, oral cancer can quickly spread to other parts of the body. On average, one person in the U.S. will die from the disease every hour, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Early detection saves lives.

Teeth Grinding & Night Guards

If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, affects up to 40 million Americans. If it's severe enough, it can wear down the enamel of your teeth.

The most common cause is stress. However, it can also be the result of crooked teeth or a “bad bite.” Our dentist will look for signs of teeth grinding and may ask you if you have any of these symptoms:

• Morning headaches
• Wake with a sore jaw
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Tooth sensitivity

Afterward, you may be fitted with a mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Call Today to Schedule a Dental Exam

It’s never too late to get your dental health back on track. Call Towncare Dental of Lauderhill today at (954) 246-4835. We look forward to finding a convenient day and time for you to come in for a comprehensive dental exam.