Dental Hygiene

Our doctors have the skills and experience necessary to keep the delicate structures of your mouth healthy, functional, and attractive. When you come in for your cleanings and checkups, we will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and surrounding tissue.

Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Additionally, gingivitis has been linked to an increased risk of heart conditions, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. We take measures to catch periodontal disease in its early stages and prescribe timely, individualized treatment. We will also discuss how your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits can prevent the recurrence of gingivitis.

During your dental examination, your doctor will check any old dental fillings or crowns for structural damage that may compromise the health of your teeth and gums.

We will also evaluate the motion of your jaw to assess whether temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder is affecting your bite and determine whether a mouth guard may help with painful symptoms. Our doctors will also perform an in-depth evaluation of each tooth to identify any cavities or areas of decay that need to be addressed. Finally, we will take diagnostic x-rays to ensure the inner structures of your teeth and jaw remain healthy and free of infection.

Professional cleanings allow our hygienists to clean your teeth and gums in a way that far exceeds the limits of what you can do at home. This is why it is important to come in at least twice a year to have your teeth cleaned by a professional.

Plaque that is left over after brushing hardens and becomes tartar, which can harm and irritate the structures of your mouth. Your hygienist will carefully remove tartar that has built up in the areas between your teeth and gums.

We can also instruct you on proper techniques to use during at-home care, and discuss the importance of using products that contain fluoride. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you have sealants placed to protect your teeth from the formation of new cavities.

Oral cancer is a serious but treatable health condition. Our experienced specialists provide routine oral cancer screening as part of every six-month checkup at our Brighton, MA, practice.

In this way, they can detect signs of cancer as early as possible, when the condition is most treatable. When necessary, we will refer you to a specialist and work with your treatment team to provide potentially life-saving treatment.

Oral Cancer and Its Symptoms

Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer develops when cells begin to divide and multiply abnormally. As a result, growths appear on soft oral tissues. The disease can affect any part of the mouth. The most common areas include the gums, soft palate, tongue, throat, and floor of the mouth.

The most common indicators of oral cancer are sores that may be red, white, or mottled. They are often painful, and they can cause radiating discomfort. Other symptoms of oral cancer can include:

• Inflamed or bleeding gums
• Difficulty swallowing
• The feeling of a lump in your throat
• Sore throat
• Ear pain
• Numbness in your mouth or neck

It is important to understand that in the early stages, symptoms may not be visible to the untrained eye, making regular professional screenings crucial.