Maintaining your oral health is a cooperative effort involving you, your dentist, and our dedicated dental team at Burien Dental. Preventing dental disease starts at home with consistent oral hygiene and a balanced diet and continues in our office through regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants.

Comprehensive Dental Exam

Regular dental exams at Burien Dental are essential for early detection and prevention of serious dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. During your exam, our experienced dentist and hygienist will:

Evaluate your oral hygiene and overall oral health.
Screen for oral cancer by examining your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, gums, and surrounding tissues for signs of abnormalities.
Check for periodontal (gum) disease by inspecting gums and bone structure.
Examine your teeth for cavities, fractures, or wear.
Take necessary dental X-rays to identify issues invisible to the naked eye.

Oral Cancer Screening

More than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, making annual oral cancer screenings crucial for early detection. During a painless visual examination, our dental team carefully checks for signs such as:

Red or white patches
Sores that heal slowly or bleed easily
Hardened lesions (leukoplakia)
Unusual lumps or tissue thickening

If potential signs of oral cancer are found, further diagnostics, including biopsy, may be performed to determine precise diagnosis and treatment, ensuring effective outcomes.

Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Regular professional cleanings are vital to maintaining optimal oral health, halting the progression of gum disease, and preventing tooth decay. Benefits of prophylaxis at Burien Dental include:

Tartar and Plaque Removal: Specialized dental tools thoroughly clean above and below the gum line, areas difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing.
Fresh Breath and Aesthetics: Removal of bacteria, tartar, and stains significantly improves breath and enhances the appearance of your teeth.
Health Issue Identification: Comprehensive oral exams during cleaning visits can help spot systemic health issues like diabetes and kidney problems.

For patients with periodontal disease, cleanings may also include deep subgingival cleaning, root planing, and antibacterial treatments.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is an essential mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, protecting against decay. Burien Dental offers professional fluoride treatments recommended twice a year, especially beneficial for patients with:

Deep pits and fissures in teeth
Sensitive or exposed root surfaces
History of frequent cavities
Poor oral hygiene or diets high in sugars

Our dental team can also advise on at-home fluoride products tailored to your needs.

Effective Home Care

Maintaining oral health depends significantly on your daily oral hygiene practices:

Brushing: Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled or ADA-approved electric toothbrush placed at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Clean all tooth surfaces gently, and don’t forget to brush your tongue.
Flossing: Floss daily, using gentle movements to clean between teeth and beneath the gum line, removing plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Rinsing: Rinse your mouth after meals and brushing. Consider using therapeutic mouth rinses recommended by your dental professional.

Recommended Oral Hygiene Aids

To enhance your oral health routine, our dental team at Burien Dental may suggest:

Interdental Brushes: Ideal for cleaning between teeth and gums, especially for those who struggle with traditional flossing.
Oral Irrigators: Effective tools like Waterpiks that flush debris from gum pockets.
Rubber Tip Stimulators: Improve gum health by stimulating blood flow and removing plaque.
Tongue Cleaners: Remove bacteria from the tongue to prevent bad breath and potential systemic diseases.
ADA-approved Electric Toothbrushes: Proven more effective at removing plaque compared to manual brushes.

Regular replacement of toothbrushes (every three months) and consistent use of these aids significantly enhance your oral hygiene.

The Importance of Preventive Dental Care

Preventive dental care at Burien Dental helps avoid serious and costly dental problems, ensuring a healthy, confident, beautiful smile. Regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and effective home care routines are the cornerstone of excellent oral health.

Schedule your dental exam and cleaning today at Burien Dental to keep your smile at its best!