Amelia Dental Group

Preventative Dentistry

Schedule A Visit

Amelia Dental Group

Preventative Dentistry

Schedule A Visit

Preventative Dentistry

Our Fernandina dental office is devoted to providing the best general and family dentistry services. As your primary dental care provider, we are responsible for the general diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of a wide range of dental conditions, disorders, and diseases that affect the teeth, gums, jaw, and face. We provide the coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages, so everyone in your entire family can visit our practice in Fernandina.

Preventative Dentistry

Our Fernandina dental office is devoted to providing the best general and family dentistry services. As your primary dental care provider, we are responsible for the general diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of a wide range of dental conditions, disorders, and diseases that affect the teeth, gums, jaw, and face. We provide the coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages, so everyone in your entire family can visit our practice in Fernandina.

Preventative Dentistry

Our Fernandina dental office is devoted to providing the best general and family dentistry services. As your primary dental care provider, we are responsible for the general diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of a wide range of dental conditions, disorders, and diseases that affect the teeth, gums, jaw, and face. We provide the coordination of services related to the oral health needs for patients of all ages, so everyone in your entire family can visit our practice in Fernandina.

Dental Cleanings & Exams

Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque(a soft, sticky, bacteria-infested film) and tartar(calculus) from the teeth. Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth loss.  Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them.


The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth.  First, the dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. The ultrasonic device sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris and keep the area at a comfortable temperature. Next, hand instruments called scalers and curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished using a slow-speed hand, prophy jet, or air polisher. Your dental hygienist or dentist may also apply fluoride to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.

Dental Cleanings & Exams

Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque(a soft, sticky, bacteria-infested film) and tartar(calculus) from the teeth. Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth loss.  Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them.


The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized instruments to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth.  First, the dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. The ultrasonic device sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris and keep the area at a comfortable temperature. Next, hand instruments called scalers and curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished using a slow-speed hand, prophy jet, or air polisher. Your dental hygienist or dentist may also apply fluoride to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.

Dental Hygiene

Dental Home Care

No treatment will be effective unless you follow it up with routine and proper home care. This means you should brush twice a day for two minutes each brushing, and floss once daily.  The key is not only to do it regularly but also to do it right. Here’s how.

Flossing

To properly floss, you should wind the floss around both of your index fingers and push it between each of your teeth in your mouth. Make sure to freely move the floss upwards, downwards and even sideways to remove any food particles or plaque that may be lodged between your teeth or under the gums.

Brushing

Many people these days use an electric toothbrush, such as a Sonicare or Oral-B. Whether you use an electric or still prefer a manual brush, you should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Gently but thoroughly rotate the bristles across your teeth and under your gums with a backward and forward motion. Be sure to also get the top surfaces of your teeth where you bite or chew on food. Your tongue can also be cleaned with your toothbrush, which will help reduce bad breath. Lastly, it is important to brush the inside surfaces of your teeth with the same rotating motion.

Oral Cancer Screening

Did you know that every day, every hour, one American dies of oral cancer? With an estimated 30,000 Americans diagnosed each year, oral cancer has a higher mortality rate than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, liver cancer, and kidney cancer. When found early, oral cancer has a 90 percent cure rate. You are at increased risk for oral cancer if you use tobacco in any form, consume heavy amounts of alcohol combined with smoking, are over age 40, have had an HPV infection of the mouth and throat, and/or have prolonged exposure to the sun (lip cancer).


During an oral cancer exam, your dentist will carefully examine the tongue, inside of your mouth, and your lips to look for spots or sores that are flat, painless, white, or red. Many of these spots or sores are harmless, but some aren’t, so you will likely need a test to determine if a problem exists.

Oral Cancer Screening

Did you know that every day, every hour, one American dies of oral cancer? With an estimated 30,000 Americans diagnosed each year, oral cancer has a higher mortality rate than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, liver cancer, and kidney cancer. When found early, oral cancer has a 90 percent cure rate. You are at increased risk for oral cancer if you use tobacco in any form, consume heavy amounts of alcohol combined with smoking, are over age 40, have had an HPV infection of the mouth and throat, and/or have prolonged exposure to the sun (lip cancer).


During an oral cancer exam, your dentist will carefully examine the tongue, inside of your mouth, and your lips to look for spots or sores that are flat, painless, white, or red. Many of these spots or sores are harmless, but some aren’t, so you will likely need a test to determine if a problem exists.

Oral Cancer Screening

Did you know that every day, every hour, one American dies of oral cancer? With an estimated 30,000 Americans diagnosed each year, oral cancer has a higher mortality rate than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, liver cancer, and kidney cancer. When found early, oral cancer has a 90 percent cure rate. You are at increased risk for oral cancer if you use tobacco in any form, consume heavy amounts of alcohol combined with smoking, are over age 40, have had an HPV infection of the mouth and throat, and/or have prolonged exposure to the sun (lip cancer).


During an oral cancer exam, your dentist will carefully examine the tongue, inside of your mouth, and your lips to look for spots or sores that are flat, painless, white, or red. Many of these spots or sores are harmless, but some aren’t, so you will likely need a test to determine if a problem exists.

Early Detection is Key

Because 25 percent of the people diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors, an oral cancer screening should be a routine part of dental maintenance. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Common symptoms of oral cancer or pre-cancerous cells include:

  • A change in the way the teeth fit together
  • A color change in the oral tissues
  • A tiny white or red spot/sore anywhere in the mouth
  • Any sore that bleeds easily or refuses to heal
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
  • Lumps, thickenings, rough spots, or crusty areas
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips

Early Detection is Key

Because 25 percent of the people diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors, an oral cancer screening should be a routine part of dental maintenance. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Common symptoms of oral cancer or pre-cancerous cells include:

  • A change in the way the teeth fit together
  • Color changes, or tiny white or red spots/sores anywhere in the mouth
  • Any sore that bleeds easily or refuses to heal
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
  • Lumps, thickenings, rough spots, or crusty areas
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips

Preventative Dentistry FAQs

  • When should my child first visit the dentist?

    Although the American Dental Association recommends starting visits when children get teeth, usually at age one, we often find that kids do best around three years old. At this time, the doctor can take a look to make sure everything is on target, and we can start to create positive feelings for your child so that he or she will look forward to visiting the dentist.

  • I don’t drink or smoke. Why do I need an oral cancer screening?

    Even though certain elements, like lifestyle, age, and heredity, can play a role in your risk for developing oral cancer, people with no known factors can still develop oral cancer. Routine checkups and screenings allow your dentist to catch problems before they escalate.

  • Why do I need to visit every six months if I don’t have any problems?

    Preventive care is less expensive than repairing damage. Certain problems, like gum disease and early signs of decay, offer few warning signs. Regular visits allow us to monitor your oral health and catch any issues before they become big trouble.

  • Does an oral cancer screening hurt?

    No. During the initial exam, your dentist will look inside your mouth, checking the gums, lips, and other soft tissue for any strange spots or sores.

  • I noticed a few small sores in my mouth. Should I be worried?

    If you notice any unusual spots, sores, discolorations or bumps in your mouth, we encourage you to contact your dentist. Identifying the issue early with the appropriate treatment is key!

Ready To Protect Your Smile?

At Amelia Dental Group, we believe the best dental care prevents problems before they start. Our practice is dedicated to proactive family dentistry, focusing on the early diagnosis and long-term preservation of your natural smile. By providing comprehensive preventive services for patients of all ages, we offer a stable dental home where your entire family can achieve optimal oral health for life. Call us today at (904) 261-7181 or schedule your appointment online to get started.