Preventive Dentistry Houston
Where Healthy Smiles Get Their Start
Patients who invest in preventive care can expect to see a dramatic difference in the health and longevity of their smile. At Smiles of Memorial, Dr. Tran makes every effort to reduce the potential of cavities and gum disease while also safeguarding teeth from potential damage. In doing so, you can expect your smile to remain in better shape year after year, lowering your chances of needing restorative care in the future. Call us today if you’re ready to see us for preventive dental services.
Why Choose Smiles of Memorial for Preventive Dentistry??
- Innovative Dental Technologies Used
- Patients of All Ages Welcome
- Comfort Amenities Available
Dental Cleaning & Exams
It's not always possible to brush your teeth after every meal. But even meticulous brushing can't remove every bit of sticky plaque. This is why comprehensive dental exams and cleanings are necessary for better oral healthcare. By seeing our dental team every six months, we can use intraoral cameras and other high-end technologies to pinpoint early signs of decay, infection, and disease. We’ll also remove hardened plaque and tartar before discussing a proposed treatment plan to improve the health of your smile.
Oral Cancer Screenings
We conduct routine visual inspections for oral cancer. Why? For the last 40 years, oral cancer has caused an American death every hour. Early detection is essential, which is why our team at Smiles of Memorial is trained to look for the smallest signs of possible cancer. During a screening, we’ll look at your mouth and throat to determine if there are any oral sores or lesions as well as discolored patches of tissues that may warrant additional testing.
Night Guards
At night, your jaw can experience a lot of trauma. Sometimes, the natural tendency is to clench and grind your teeth while sleeping. Unfortunately, this continual habit can lead to worn-down tooth enamel and chronic jaw pain. With a customized night guard, though, we can alleviate the tension placed on your jaw joints as well as minimize the contact between your upper and lower rows of teeth. The uniquely designed oral appliance is worn on the top row of teeth and creates a barrier for a more restful and pain-free night’s sleep.
Children’s Dentistry
Children’s dentistry is arguably one of the most important jobs for a preventative dentist. When bringing your child to our office, you can expect that we will offer kid-friendly services and amenities to create positive and enjoyable visits. Not only will we thoroughly explain what kind of care is being provided, but we’ll also ensure the comfort and safety of your little one while we aim to treat early signs of decay and better protect their growing smile.
Dental Sealants
Molars and premolars are common targets for bad bacteria and food particles, both of which can cause cavities. This is especially true for younger patients with newly erupted permanent teeth. Often difficult to clean because of their location, these teeth can be neglected, resulting in the pits and grooves catching harmful debris. By applying dental sealants, the clear coating can help prevent tooth decay by creating a shield that can last up to 10 years.
Gum Disease Treatment
Many people assume that decay is the cause of most tooth loss, but gum disease is the main culprit, and it can go completely unrecognized because of many of the subtle symptoms. However, if you notice bleeding, swelling, or tenderness along your gumline, it’s likely that you are experiencing the early stages of gingivitis. Without timely care, you will notice gum pocket formation as well as bone and tooth loss. With gum disease treatment, we can target plaque and tartar to eliminate the infection and improve proper gum health.
TMJ/TMD Treatment
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jawbone to your skull and naturally functions without issue when opening and closing your mouth. Should these joints become damaged or inflamed for any reason, though, it can mean increased pain over time. If you notice that your jaw clicks or pops, you develop morning headaches, your teeth no longer align properly, or you struggle to chew certain foods, we’ll need to administer TMJ/TMD treatment – an effective method of care that reduces pressure on the jaw and improves the overall function of the oral and facial structures over time.
Athletic Mouthguards
You play to win, and that means playing hard, which increases your risk of accidentally damaging a tooth. To avoid missing the game because of an urgent visit to your emergency dentist’s office, you’ll want to wear a customized athletic mouthguard. Dr. Tran and our team can take impressions of your smile and have a comfortable oral appliance crafted to fit snugly inside your mouth and protect your smile from excessive pressure. When worn during games, you can reduce your chances of a dental emergency and continue to enjoy time on the field, court, or track.
Xylitol
It might sound disturbing, but there are potentially over 700 different types of bacteria that can live in your mouth. While many aim to do harm and create cavities, others offer valuable benefits. But if you want to improve the number of good bacteria and reduce your chances of tooth decay, you can enjoy a stick of sugar-free gum or various fruits and vegetables that contain Xylitol. Bad bacteria cannot feed on this type of sugar, thus reducing its ability to cause cavities and decay.
Senior Dental Care
Just as our bodies slow and show the unmistakable signs of age, so do our teeth. Even your fillings, crowns, and bridge work can weaken or crack. As a senior, you’ll need to make sure that your oral health is in optimal shape, so we are here to deliver appropriate treatment and solutions to improve the state of your smile as you get older. We’ll even offer tips on various products you can use and techniques to make regular oral hygiene easier with each passing year.