Cleaning & Prevention
Preventative Dentistry in Renton, WA
Keeping a regular preventative maintenance schedule with Dr. Caldwell helps you prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, costly procedures, and extra time in the hygiene chair.
A regular home prevention routine usually consists of brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once per day. But did you know there are other tools to make taking care of your mouth a little easier?
Your Renton, WA dentist can help you find the best tools to enhance your daily hygiene routine making your professional cleaning appointments shorter and less stressful.
The secret is to prevent minor issues from becoming major procedures by:
See how Dr. Caldwell can safeguard your smile.
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While dental emergencies can strike anyone at any time, our patients who commit to regular preventive care appointments usually experience fewer problems over time.
Professional cleanings with our registered dental hygienist allow you to take a proactive approach to your dental health and address issues while they are small.
Despite your best efforts, deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to areas of your teeth. These deposits create a lovely home for millions of harmful bacteria. If left unchecked, they flood toxins into the gums resulting in devastating chronic problems and can even result in tooth loss.
We use professional instruments and prescription strength polishing paste that gently buffs away stain and plaque, leaving your teeth ultra-smooth and shiny. Since discoloration settles into your teeth’ enamel over time, this helps slow staining while creating a glassy surface for better cleaning.
Maintaining a healthy smile depends on what happens in between your visits with us. Good home care habits can be established by anyone committed to carving out a few minutes each day.
Like regular exercise, consistency is the key to building a healthy habit. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing once a day is a standard for excellent home care.
Will an electric toothbrush help you keep your mouth cleaner? Would a prescription toothpaste help reduce plaque? With so many products on the market today, it can be confusing to sort it out alone. Your hygienist can help you narrow down the endless options and form a home care plan that fits your personal needs.
Simple, inexpensive substitutions can dramatically reduce the risk and symptoms of periodontal disease. For example, when used in the right dosages, Xylitol can minimize cavities in children and adults
It is just as important to have regular soft tissue screenings as it is to have a professional dental cleaning. Therefore we examine all the tissues of your mouth during every hygiene visit, including gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and jaw.
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly increase your chances of a quick and complete recovery. If we suspect any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.
Many other non-cancerous changes can occur in your mouth’s tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions. Dr. Caldwell evaluates any abnormalities to determine if they should be monitored or removed.
Tobacco users put themselves at a significantly higher risk than non-users for oral cancer. We understand tobacco holds strong addictive powers over even the most health-conscious people. If you’re determined to quit, talk to your hygienist or Dr. Caldwell about the strategies and resources we have available so you can kick the habit.