At Eric Batterton DDS, we’ve provided an in-depth explanation of the benefits you get when you schedule a regular dental exam and cleaning. We recommend two cleanings and exams per year for most patients. If we find severe periodontal disease, we may recommend more frequent deep cleanings, also called Periodontal Maintenance.
Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lips, tongue, throat, or gums. It is vital to catch it in its early stages, as it can be difficult to treat if it progresses.
During a dental exam, Dr. Batterton and our team will check for any signs of oral cancer. We may use a bright light and mirror to look inside your mouth. We may also feel around your neck for any lumps or bumps. If we detect anything suspicious, we will likely refer you to an oral surgeon, oral pathologist or ENT for further testing.
Good oral hygiene is important for overall health. When you come in for regular dental exams and cleanings, Dr. Batterton can help you maintain good oral hygiene.
Our team will give you tips on how to brush and floss properly. We can also recommend specific products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash, to help you maintain the best oral hygiene possible. As an experienced pediatric dentist, we work with your children to teach them proper oral hygiene habits.
Over time, your teeth can become stained from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco use, and certain foods. While there are at-home teeth whitening treatments, they are not as effective as professional dental cleanings.
During a professional cleaning, we will use special tools to remove any surface stains on your teeth. We will also polish your teeth so that they are brighter and smoother.
It’s essential to maintain good dental hygiene not only for oral health but for your overall health as well. Below are some tips from Dr. Eric Batterton on how to maintain good dental hygiene:
If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office. We welcome new families of all ages.
Just like the American Dental Association, we recommend that you visit the dentist twice yearly for your dental exams and cleanings. However, if you have serious periodontal or gum disease, we may recommend more frequent cleanings, including a periodontal therapy called scaling and root planing. If you notice any pain or sensitivity between dental visits, contact our office right away.
You should brush your teeth at least once a day for two minutes each time. Ideally, we also recommend that you brush after every meal.
As part of your routine dental exam, Dr. Batterton and our team will look for early signs of gum disease, cavities, and cracked teeth. In addition, our hygiene team will remove the tartar buildup that occurs from minerals sticking to the teeth in hard-to-reach places. To learn more, read about the 12 things a dentist can see when looking in your mouth.
Yes. As part of our comprehensive exam, we examine your mouth and neck for oral cancer. Our goal is to look for any precancerous or cancerous lesions that may lead to early-stage mouth cancer. The earlier we detect oral cancer sign, the more likely we can either remove the cancerous lesions or refer you to an oral cancer specialist. Factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, a history of oral cancer, and prolonged sun exposure, which could lead to lip cancer.
At Eric Batterton, DDS, we believe your routine dental exams and cleanings help your beautiful smile stay healthy. Contact our office today at [email protected] or 740-363-9741 to schedule your dental cleaning.