Dental Cleanings & Exams
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental visits at least twice per year. Regular exams and professional cleanings can help to ensure optimal oral health. At Gary Gibson Dental, our team consistently provides high-quality dental cleanings and thorough preventive exams in Orlando, FL.
Professional cleanings rid the teeth of harmful plaque and tartar build-up. This is important for preventing tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues. Additionally, a professional cleaning by our hygienist may remove some surface stains. This can help keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter.
During your examination, we will also:
- Evaluate your overall oral health
- Discuss oral hygiene practices and habits
- Check your bite and jaw for any issues
- Evaluate your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer
- Evaluate existing tooth restorations
- Take dental x-rays if necessary
Regular professional dental cleanings and exams are essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
Oral Cancer Screenings
In the United States alone, one adult dies every hour from oral cancers. When oral cancers are identified in the initial stages, treatment can begin more quickly. In initial stages, treatment has a higher rate of success and is less invasive. In more advanced stages, oral cancers are more likely to have spread to other areas and need complex treatment.
Dr. Gary Gibson recommends having an oral cancer screening at least once each year. Regular screenings can help ensure early detection of any potential cancers.
During your oral cancer screening, Dr. Gary Gibson will check for any abnormalities. We will closely examine your mouth, throat, lips, gums, and tongue. Let us know about any potential symptoms you have experienced, including:
- Pain or difficulty with speaking, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
- A sensation that something is caught in the back of your throat
- Sore throat with no other sinus symptoms
- Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
- Drastic weight loss
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Unexplained ear pain
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
If you have experienced any of these symptoms for more than a week without improvement, call us immediately for an appointment.
Anyone may develop oral cancer, but there are certain factors that can increase your risks. Some of the most common include:
- Being male (men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women)
- Use of tobacco in any form (6 times more likely)
- Genetic predisposition for oral cancers
- Excessive or prolonged exposure to sun
- Unhealthy diet
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Having gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Fluoride Treatment
At Gary Gibson Dental, we provide fluoride treatments to enhance oral health and prevent tooth decay for patients of all ages. Fluoride is essential not only during the developmental stages of children’s teeth but also throughout adulthood to combat and prevent oral health issues.
Fluoride is meticulously applied to the teeth in a varnish form using a brush, which helps fortify the teeth against decay-causing plaque and sugars. It also accelerates the re-mineralization process, which strengthens enamel, and disrupts the process of acid erosion in teeth. For those with exposed root surfaces—a common issue among older adults—fluoride can reduce the risk of decay in these vulnerable areas. It is also effective in alleviating sensitivity and can help halt the progression of incipient decay, which is the early stage of cavity formation before it becomes visible. Additionally, fluoride treatments can protect and prolong the life of existing dental work, such as fillings and crowns, by preventing decay from developing around the edges of these restorations.
While fluoride treatments are administered professionally in our office, Dr. Gary Gibson also recommends supplemental fluoride use at home through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Over-the-counter mouth rinses with fluoride are available in lower strengths, suitable for daily use to maintain optimal oral health. For patients with higher risk factors for decay or specific dental concerns, stronger, prescription-strength fluoride rinses may be recommended.
Sealants
Dental sealants offer a proactive approach to preventing tooth decay, particularly on the biting surfaces of the back teeth where most cavities are found. These thin, protective coatings are made from medical-grade plastic and are applied to the grooves of molars and premolars, effectively sealing out food particles and plaque that are otherwise hard to remove with brushing alone.
The application process is quick, painless, and non-invasive, making it an excellent preventive measure for both children and adults. Sealants are highly effective in reducing the risk of decay, often lasting for several years before a reapplication is necessary, thereby providing a simple yet powerful shield against cavities and the need for more extensive dental treatments.
Night Guards
Unconscious grinding of the teeth during sleep is a condition known as bruxism. If you are grinding your teeth in your sleep most nights, you should contact our office for a night guard.
A night guard is a removable dental appliance that is similar to an athletic mouth guard. It provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth to protect them while you sleep.
Dr. Gary Gibson will custom fit your night guard to ensure your comfort and safety. Night guards can protect your teeth from wear, gum irritation, enamel damage, and jaw pain.
At your appointment, Dr. Gary Gibson will discuss other ways to help reduce or eliminate night grinding. This may include avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and chewing gum, as these increase the risks of grinding.
If you suspect you may have issues with teeth grinding, contact our office for an appointment.
Athletic Mouth Guards
When you are preparing for sports or a game, you wouldn’t dream of going without your uniform. If you are playing a contact sport like football or hockey, you always have a helmet and pads on before going near the field or rink. However, if you aren’t using a sports mouth guard for your practices and matches, you are missing a vital piece of protective gear.
Each year, an estimated 13-39% of all dental injuries occur while playing sports. Since mouth guards were made a mandatory part of American football, about 200,000 injuries to the mouth and teeth have been prevented annually.
However, the dangers of tooth and mouth injury do not end with contact sports. In fact, recent studies have found that today’s basketball players are far more likely to suffer injury to the face, mouth, and teeth than football players. For these sports, contact comes from the ball, ground, hoop, or other surface rather than other players, so mouth guards are not currently required by most schools and many teams.
Protect your teeth with a sports mouth guard. Dr. Gary Gibson will custom-fit your mouth guard to keep you safe while you play.
Dental Hygiene
Professional dental cleanings are important for maintaining great oral health. However, it is vital that you continue good dental hygiene at home as well.
Dr. Gary Gibson recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss daily. This helps prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues.
There are additional ways to help keep teeth strong and healthy. Toothpastes and mouth rinses with fluoride are available over-the-counter. Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks can also contribute to good oral health.
When you can, drink a glass of water after meals. This can help wash away sugars from foods and drinks. If something you eat or drink contains acids, such as sodas or candies, wait 30 minutes before brushing. This will allow your saliva time to neutralize the acids and protect your teeth.
Healthy dental hygiene habits can help keep your teeth strong and beautiful. If you have any questions about your current dental hygiene routine, please contact us.