Consistent preventive dental care in Langley, BC, for a lifetime of smiles

Smiling comfortably and confidently 365 days a year requires consistent dental care. The earlier you can get into positive habits, the healthier your mouth will be. Preventive services at the Brookswood area office of Smile365 Dental in Langley, BC, for all patients, regardless of risk factors, including recalling professional hygiene appointments and exams. Dr. Harpreet Aulakh examines your teeth, gums, and other oral structures at least once every six months. She will schedule more frequent appointments if you have personal characteristics, medical conditions, and habits that increase the risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. These risks include:

• Poor diet.
• Inconsistent oral care at home.
• Smoking and use of other products that contain nicotine.
• Personal history of oral conditions, such as gum disease and cavities.
• Family history of conditions, such as gum disease and oral cancers.
• Pre-existing medical conditions that impair immunity.
• Medications with oral side effects; for instance, antihistamines, beta-blockers, anti-nausea, and some 400-plus drugs that list “dry mouth” as a side effect.
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) and other conditions that threaten the integrity of your teeth and other supportive tissues.

Your six-month recall visit is an opportunity to identify, discuss, and address habits such as teeth grinding. They also represent additional preventive services at the dentist’s office beyond check-ups and professional cleanings. We may discuss your suitability for oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances vary in their design. These devices are custom-made to fit your mouth. You slip them over your teeth. They may be worn during sleep if you gnash and clench your teeth at rest. Some light weight devices can also be worn if you tend to brux during the day, such as while working or concentrating. These appliances protect the teeth and dental work from damage. They also relieve stress on the jaw joints, potentially improving TMJ symptoms. Additional types of oral appliances may be recommended to prevent complications associated with:

• Sports-related dental injuries.
• Sleep-disordered breathing, including. Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
• Myofunctional disorders.
• Bite problems.

Discussing your options for orthodontics with Dr. Aulakh is a fantastic preventive measure; crooked and overcrowded teeth are generally harder to keep clean. The areas between crowded teeth may be breeding grounds for the harmful bacteria that produce tooth decay and gum disease. Once sticky plaque hardens, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush and floss. This is where professional instruments in trained hands come into play. Patients who are challenged to clean their back teeth may be great candidates for dental sealants. We can also supplement fluoride to strengthen the teeth and reverse tooth decay’s effects by promoting the remineralization process.

Do not delay scheduling your hygiene appointment today.