Cleanings & Exams

Comprehensive Oral Examinations

Regular dental exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining your oral health. They are a very important part of preventative health care. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental exams be completed every six months. In the absence of periodontal disease (bone loss), your dental professional will clean your teeth by removing plaque and calculus (tartar) that cannot be removed during your daily oral hygiene routine. If plaque and calculus are left untreated, they can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.

Fluoride Treatment

In addition to hygiene treatment and maintenance during your regular oral examinations, Dr. Tan offers fluoride treatment to help fight tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in water and other foods; it makes teeth more resistant to acid from oral bacteria and sugars. It can also reverse the effect of early tooth decay. Your dentist can prescribe fluoride supplements, or apply it directly to the teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish. Fluoride treatment may be necessary for people who suffer from chronic dry mouth, the early stages of gum disease, or a history of frequent cavities.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventative procedure used to protect permanent molars just after they have fully erupted (around ages 6 and 12). The sealant procedure involves brushing a tooth-colored material into the deep grooves and pits of your child’s back teeth, creating an environment that helps repel tooth decay and is easier to keep clean.