Preventive dental care is critical at any age to help maintain great oral health, and that's why Dr. Ghina Morad sees entire families for their routine dental cleanings. Dr. Morad is highly trained in a breadth of service, so you can feel confident she'll use her skills to keep your smile healthy.
Preventive dentistry is your foundation for a healthy smile. With regular cleanings and exams, small dental issues can be caught before they turn into large and costly problems. Preventive dental care along with a diligent at-home brushing and flossing routine can help prevent dental issues all together. It's these small investments in your oral hygiene that lead to a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule a consultation at the our Redwood City dental office today or stop by our office located at 2920 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94061.
Book a VisitDr. Morad and our staff are passionate about helping patients of all ages feel comfortable, safe and well-cared for. To give patients the best oral health care, Dr. Morad has received additional training in both advanced dental technology and advanced techniques. She continues to further her education, both in dentistry and orthodontics, which has earned her national recognition. As her patient, you will receive top-quality care and comprehensive treatment surrounded by staff who will make you feel at home.
For most new patients, we'll start by taking any necessary x-rays and examining the teeth, gums and mouth. Once we understand the state of your oral health, we can provide the cleaning that's right for you. Then we focus in on a treatment plan to address any issues you may have with your smile.
You need to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. While brushing, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums, and use small, circular strokes to clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. You should spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth.
In addition, remember to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months, and to use an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride.
First, unroll about 18-24 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around the index or middle finger of one of your hands. Then, wind the last few inches around the index or middle finger of your opposite hand.
Use your thumbs to pinch a 1-inch section of floss between your fingers. Gently move this section of floss between your teeth with a rocking motion. When the floss reaches your gumline, hug the floss against one of your teeth to create a "c" shape and move it up and down to dislodge plaque and bacteria. Do the same motion against the adjacent tooth to clear below both sides of the gum.
Next, gently remove the floss from between your teeth. Wind a new 1-inch section of floss between your fingers, move to the next tooth, and repeat.
Prophylactic cleanings are required for all patients. They are the regular cleanings you get every 6 months at your dental appointments. During most cleanings, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from your teeth, buff and polish them, and then floss your teeth to remove any residual debris.
Periodontal cleanings are different. They're only needed if you have periodontal or gum disease. This process, also known as a "deep cleaning" is done in two appointments, usually with half of your mouth cleaned at each appointment. Your Redwood City dentist will scrape away plaque and tartar from between your teeth and gums, and smooth the roots of your teeth to eliminate pockets that trap bacteria. Unless you have gum disease, you won't need a periodontal cleaning.
Most dental insurance policies will cover at least a portion of basic preventive care, and usually 100% is covered. Preventive care treatments include prophylactic teeth cleanings every 6 month, any necessary x-rays (usually once a year), and an annual or biannual dental exam performed by your Redwood City dentist. For children, dental insurance policies may also cover the cost of optional preventive treatments, like dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
However, insurance policies do differ and it's up to the patient to understand their coverage. Make sure you consult with your provider so you know exactly what's covered and what will likely be out-of-pocket.
The American Dental Association advises people to go to the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. That means visiting the dentist twice a year even if you practice good oral hygiene at home.
During these visits, we will remove plaque and tartar buildup that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. We will look for signs of oral cancer and biopsy any abnormalities to send off for lab testing. A checkup will help us detect signs of oral health problems that need to be treated and we will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and bacteria.
These routine dental visits are important because we can detect oral health problems early enough to reverse them and prevent the need for more costly and invasive treatment later on. Regular dental visits prevent infections and tooth loss.
Frequent dental cleanings will also keep your breath smelling fresh and your teeth looking white. If you have tooth restorations such as bridges, dentures, crowns, fillings, or dental implants, we can check on the condition of these prostheses to ensure they are in good shape or let you know if it’s time for a replacement. If you need a cleaning and checkup, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Morad.
To prevent enamel erosion, you should eat a nutritious diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated. Limit your consumption of sugar, acids, and try to eat less frequently throughout the day.
We recommend drinking fluoridated water if you can because the fluoride will remineralize your teeth and protect them from cavities. Otherwise, you should use fluoride-formulated products like mouth rinses and get fluoride treatments.
Everyone should be brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Only use soft bristle toothbrushes. Hard bristles are very abrasive and will cause enamel erosion. Don’t brush too hard which can also damage your enamel. Brushing the teeth gently is just as effective.
If you have Dry Mouth, try to stimulate saliva flow by chewing sugar-free gum. If you consume sugary or acidic drinks, try drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth out with water immediately afterward. Dental sealants can also protect your teeth from cavities and erosion.