Preventive Dentistry

At Seguin Smiles, a regular dental examSurgery is a comfortable and thorough experience focused on your overall oral health. One of our skilled dental hygienists will begin by gently cleaning your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar buildup, and polishing your smile. They’ll also measure your gum health and discuss any concerns you may have. Next, the doctor will perform a detailed exam, checking each tooth for signs of decay, damage, or other issues. We’ll also evaluate your bite, screen for oral cancer, and review any necessary X-rays. Our goal is to catch small problems early and keep you smiling with confidence.

Dental X-rays are a valuable tool that help us see what’s happening below the surface of your teeth and gums. A full-mouth series of X-rays gives us a detailed look at each tooth from root to crown, allowing us to check for cavities, bone loss, infections, and other issues that can’t be seen with just a visual exam. This complete set of images helps our doctors make accurate diagnoses and create the best treatment plan for your smile. We take a full-mouth series every 3 to 5 years as part of your comprehensive dental care. 

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth and the sugars consumed in your diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, which causes the bacteria to produce acids. These acids break down the minerals in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists can remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings or cover the tooth with a crown. Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, diet control and fluoride treatment.

The teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups help minimize and avoid cavities and other dental problems. Consuming sugary and starchy foods should be limited, including candies, cookies, chips and crackers. Healthier foods, such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, help promote stronger teeth.

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth—where cavities are most likely to form. These grooves and pits can be hard to clean with a toothbrush, especially for kids. Sealants help by creating a smooth surface that keeps food and bacteria out. They’re quick, painless, and a great way to prevent cavities before they start. Sealants are especially helpful for children, but adults can benefit from them too!

Fluoride treatments are professional dental procedures where fluoride, a mineral, is applied to teeth to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. They can be done in a dental office using a gel, foam, varnish, or solution, or they may involve using a mouthwash or brush to apply fluoride. These treatments help to remineralize teeth, repair microscopic areas of decay, and prevent future tooth decay.

An oral cancer examination, performed in our office, is fast and painless. We have been specially trained to identify small changes in the tissue of the mouth, lips and tongue that may signify the early stages of this type of cancer. The screening is primarily a visual and tactile (touch) examination. If we note any abnormalities, a small tissue sample can be retrieved for further testing in a laboratory.