While smoking and alcohol put you at a higher risk of oral cancer, the warning signs can still appear in patients who don’t have any risk factors at all. That is why oral cancer screenings are routine part of every regular checkup. Using a special device, we can highlight the tissues in your mouth in order to detect possible symptoms of oral cancer such as discolored patches and unusual lumps. Finding these symptoms as early as possible means that you can consult a dedicated physician for treatment all the sooner.
To keep the teeth safe between appointments, we often recommend fluoride treatments for patients who are 18 years old or younger. Even though fluoride is already found in toothpaste, public drink water, and certain mouthwashes, the fluoride we provide greatly helps strengthen the teeth to increase their resistance to decay. The process only takes a few minutes, but the results are long-lasting; in fact, your child should enjoy the benefits well until their next appointment in six months.
Bruxism is a condition where you grind and clench your teeth at night, and you’re more likely to experience it than you think. Do you find yourself waking up with headaches, or are your teeth more sensitive than they used to be? These could both be signs of bruxism. We might also find that the enamel protecting your teeth is eroding at an alarmingly fast rate. To avoid the long-term consequences of bruxism, we can give you a customized nightguard that you can wear every night.
Is your bathroom cabinet stocked with the right oral care products? Choosing the best ones can be tricky, but our experts at Havasu Dentistry are happy to recommend various products that can keep your smile safe while also accommodating for your specific needs. For example, we often recommend Crest toothpaste for giving yourself the best protection against the bacteria that cause cavities. If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, we suggest trying Sensodyne. And for those who have trouble using traditional floss, you might want to try a Waterpik to clean between the teeth.