Preventive Dentistry – Brick Township, NJ

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

When you arrive at the office for a dental checkup, Dr. G will make sure to not only examine your mouth’s many oral structures very closely, but ask you questions about your oral health. If you have concerns about a specific tooth or symptom that’s been present, you’re always encouraged to mention it to our team so we can keep it in mind during the exam.

Ahead of examining your mouth, our team will capture detailed X-rays to get a better understanding of any potential issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. After reviewing your X-rays, he’ll examine your teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and other areas for anything that could be indicative of a dental problem. He’ll also use the VELscope to stay on the lookout for life-threatening conditions like oral cancer.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

At-home brushing and flossing is incredibly important to the long-term health of your smile, but they aren’t enough to prevent all dental disease. This is where professional cleanings come in. After examining your smile, a hygienist will begin gently, yet thoroughly cleaning plaque and tartar from all the areas of your mouth. This is done using a scaler, a dental instrument that can safely break down calcified material from all the services of your teeth. This includes the areas that often get missed during at-home care.

Following this, they will begin polishing your teeth to leave them looking whiter and brighter. We also floss your teeth and give additional advice on improving your at-home oral care if needed.

Why Routine Dental Visits Matter

While many people assume that they don’t have to visit the dentist if they don’t experience any noticeable problems, the fact is preventive care is the most effective way to avoid dental disease and emergencies in the long-term. After all, most dental issues don’t make themselves apparent until it’s already too late. This includes gum disease and cavities, two of the most common chronic diseases among adults.

Furthermore, there is a reason why dental insurance companies often provide up to 100% coverage for routine checkups in most cases. If you want to save money on healthcare costs, staying on top of your dental visits every six months is easily the simplest way to do so. Of course, you’ll also need to practice at-home brushing and flossing, and our office is happy to recommend products we think will best meet your needs and preferences.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and many foods. Because of its ability to strengthen tooth enamel, it's also added to public water supplies and dental hygiene products like toothpaste and mouthwash.

Enamel, the hard outer layer, protects the inside of your teeth from temperature changes, bacteria, and physical trauma. However, it can weaken over time due to acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Fluoride remineralizes softened enamel, making it more resistant to acid and helping your teeth defend themselves against the most common cause of cavities.

How Does Fluoride Treatment Work?

Professional fluoride treatment is one of the fastest and easiest parts of your dental visit. After your teeth are cleaned, our team applies a concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish directly to the surfaces of your teeth. It takes just a few minutes and requires no recovery time. All you’ll need to do is avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes afterward to let it fully absorb. Once set, the mineral gets to work strengthening your teeth and warding off cavities and decay for long-lasting protection.

Who Benefits from Fluoride Treatment?

While most associate fluoride treatment with children, adults can use it, too. For kids, it’s a great way to shield developing teeth from decay. Adults with a history of cavities, dry mouth, gum recession, or worn enamel can get the same great benefits, keeping their oral health strong between visits.

At Nu Dental Brick, we may recommend fluoride as part of your routine care for patients of all ages. It’s a simple, effective way we can keep every member of your household smiling.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

One of the reasons oral cancer is so insidious is because it can be subtle in its early stages, which is why regular oral cancer screenings are so important. When checking at home, look for signs like these:

• Sores that don’t seem to heal
• Red or white blotchy patches
• Unexplained lumps
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in your voice
• Unexplained numbness

Cancerous tissue isn’t always painful, so even small changes in your mouth should be taken seriously and evaluated.

What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?

During an oral cancer screening, our team examines all the soft tissues of your mouth from roof to floor, including your tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, and lips. During a visual inspection, we’re looking for abnormalities like discoloration, thickened areas, sores, or unusual textures.

Outside of your mouth, we’re looking for swelling or lumps along your jawline and neck that could indicate infected lymph nodes. A thorough sweep helps identify potentially cancerous or precancerous areas earlier when treatment is most effective.

However, even if we ask you to come back for a follow-up, or refer you to your physician, or another specialist, there’s no need to panic. Many times, issues we flag end up being benign—we just want to make sure for your health and safety.

What Can I Expect During My Screening?

An oral cancer screening is quick, comfortable, and completely noninvasive. Your dentist will begin with a visual exam, asking you to open wide and move your tongue. They’ll also lift your lips so every area can be inspected.

Once the visual check is finished, they’ll use the VELscope to shine a special light inside your mouth. Healthy tissue glows uniformly, while abnormal areas appear darker. This contrast is how we can quickly spot suspicious tissues and areas of concern early.

Next, your dentist may gently feel along your jawline, under your chin, and around your neck to check for swollen lymph nodes or unusual lumps.

The entire process takes only a few minutes and is typically included as part of your routine preventive visit. If anything looks concerning, your dentist will explain the next steps and help you get the follow?up care you need.

How Much Does Preventive Dentistry Cost?

If you have dental insurance, you may have to pay little to nothing for most preventive services. In fact, things like cleanings, checkups, and annual X-Rays are 100% covered by most dental plans. If you have to pay anything, it may be nothing more than a deductible.

If you do not have insurance, your care will still be affordable. Cleanings and checkups are typically low-priced. If you sign up for our in-house membership plan, which costs $250 - $500 per year, you can even enjoy these appointments at no additional charge.

Our team strives to go above and beyond to help patients afford their care. Give us a call to learn what we can do for you.

How Often Should I See My Dentist for Preventive Care?

Most people should schedule a preventive appointment with their dentist every six months or so. This allows our team to monitor your oral health, help you maintain a clean mouth, and coach you on how best to care for your smile at home.

Some people should visit us more than twice a year. For example, if you have periodontal disease, you may need to come in three or four times annually so we can help you manage your condition.

Why Do I Need to Have X-Rays Taken?

It is understandable if you are hesitant to consent to X-Rays, especially if you are concerned about radiation. However, please keep in mind that we use digital X-Rays, which emit roughly 90% less radiation than their traditional counterparts.

Moreover, X-Rays can play an essential role in your care. They allow us to see areas of the mouth that cannot be examined with the naked eye, including the roots of your teeth that are hidden beneath the gumline. They therefore allow us to diagnose dental problems as early and as accurately as possible. Most patients should have a full set of X-Rays taken at least once a year.

What Products Are Best for At-Home Dental Care?

When you come in for your appointment, we can give you personalized recommendations on which products will be most beneficial for your oral health. In the meantime, though, we can provide some generalized guidance on which products to use:

• Always favor a soft-bristled toothbrush over one with hard bristles. Most patients find that an electric toothbrush is easier to use and more effective than a manual one.
• Choose a non-abrasive or low-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride, preferably one with a Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association.
• Old-fashioned string floss is more effective than a water flosser in most cases. However, a water flosser may be the better option for those with mobility issues.