Cleanings & Prevention

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Cleanings & Preventive Dental Care for Your Family in North Central San Antonio, TX

Professional cleanings and preventive services are essential for keeping your smile healthy. At the dental practice of Joseph P. Holmes, DDS, we provide these services and more. Our dedicated team offers the preventive care you need to help your entire family maintain optimal oral health.

Whatever your needs are for dental care, we have the knowledge and skill to deliver exceptional preventive dentistry through comprehensive services, education, and respectful communication. Contact us to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one today!

CALL US: (210) 314-4643 REQUEST APPOINTMENT


Comprehensive San Antonio Dental Services

family relaxing at the parkWhile it is always the goal of a general dentist to maintain strong oral health, as a family dentist, we take it one step further. Our extensive experience allows us to focus deeper into the unique needs of each age group as well as the developmental stages. We design treatment plans based on development. This makes procedures comfortable and safe while addressing specific oral health needs.

Our family-focused preventive care services include:

Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth every day is vital to your oral health. However, it is also important to understand that these habits are no substitute for regular visits to your dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning.


Why is Preventive Dental Care Important?

Even those with impeccable daily care routines are still susceptible to the threat of tooth decay and gum disease. As much as we all wish it were so, brushing and flossing simply can’t do it all. Once plaque breaches the enamel, the only option to repair the damage and prevent further decay is a filling. Most people are unlikely to realize the cavity is there until it develops into a more severe problem.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Dentist?

little girl with parents in dental officeFor young children, our team recommends bringing them into our office no later than their first birthday, or as soon as their first tooth erupts. Oral health care, however, should begin at birth. For teens, adults, and seniors, don’t wait until you’re experiencing dental pain or an injury to visit our office. Dental visits should be scheduled every six months for regular examinations and cleanings.

Biannual visits to our San Antonio, TX dental office are essential for our dentist to monitor oral health and detect complications early. In addition to first visits and a gentle exam, we also provide essential tips that help children develop healthy, strong teeth. We offer advice about proper nutrition, how to detect symptoms of infections, and how to deal with bad habits such as thumb sucking.

Fluoride & Sealant Treatments

Protecting baby teeth with fluoride and sealant treatments is often necessary. Young teeth have softer enamel, making them more prone to developing cavities. Dr. Holmes recommends fluoride to help strengthen and mineralize teeth.

Sealants are translucent coatings applied to the surfaces of teeth to help protect them against decay. Both fluoride and sealant treatments are effective ways to keep children’s teeth healthy and cavity-free and can be offered to teens and adults as well.


Dental Cleanings & Examinations

male patient getting a dental examinationDental exams are the most essential services you can receive. These examinations help our team detect problems early and allow Dr. Holmes to provide proper and effective treatment. Exams can reveal early signs of tooth decay, abnormal tissue growths, and noticeable symptoms of gum disease.

Thorough dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar buildup. These are the two primary culprits of decay and early gum disease. Professional cleanings are essential to eliminate the harmful bacteria and acidic plaque that can eat away at your enamel.

During cleanings, we also measure gum (periodontal) pockets to determine if active gum disease is present. Cleanings finish with flossing and polishing, so your smile can feel clean and fresh when you leave our office.


Patient Education

Evidence suggests that there is a clear connection between oral health and overall body health. While health awareness is on the rise, health issues such as gum disease and missing teeth are still prominent in American adults.

The good news is that our team provides helpful and vital information that can help you keep your oral and overall health in optimal condition. From the right oral care products to detecting symptoms of infections, proper education is a priority service we provide.


Digital & Panoramic X-rays

hand pointing at digital x-rayOur family-friendly office uses the latest technology to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and treatment. State-of-the-art imaging tools such as panoramic x-rays help us gain better visibility of your health. We use these detailed images to prepare customized treatment plans for all ages.

Our digital imaging creates clear, detailed x-rays, which tell us whether there are any bone defects or wisdom teeth problems. We also use a cavity detecting camera. This device photographs the teeth and highlights cavities we can treat quickly and preserve your health. We also include DIAGNOdent® laser technology to measure the depth of cavities and check the chewing surfaces. Early detection is critical to fast action and effective treatment.


Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer can affect the mouth, cheeks, tongue, and lips. Regular screenings with precise imaging can help our team detect signs of the disease early so you can receive prompt treatment. Our oral cancer screening checks for symptoms such as swelling, mouth sores, white patches, and inflammation.


Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment & Maintenance

family smiling inside department storePeriodontal disease is an oral infection that attacks the gum tissues holding teeth in place. Over time, the condition also attacks tooth roots and the underlying jawbone. While genetics, specific cancer treatments, and other factors can lead to developing gum disease, the most common cause is an overabundance of plaque and tartar due to poor oral hygiene.

Our family dentist can detect gum disease in its earliest stages, helping to treat it before it becomes worse. We measure gum pockets and performing deep cleanings, also known as tooth scaling and root planing. We also offer continued maintenance treatment to help lessen your chances of developing the disease again.


Your Comprehensive At-Home Dental Care Guide

To keep your smile in optimal condition takes effort and knowledge. We’ve created a handy guide you can use to verify you are doing all you can to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

One: Brush and floss twice a day, once after breakfast and once right before bed. This ensures your teeth are free from plaque for the most prolonged periods before needing a refreshment. Plaque hardens to tartar after 24 hours. This makes it incredibly important to maintain a dedicated routine as part of your dental hygiene every day.


Two: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day. This helps stall the growth of the bacteria in the mouth that can lead to decay and periodontal disease. Mouthwash can access the places that flossing and brushing fail to reach, making it a powerful supplement to your hygiene routine. Make sure that your mouthwash is non-alcoholic to avoid side effects such as dry mouth.


Three: Maintain a proper diet. Avoid added refined sugars and include fibrous fruits and vegetables into your menu. Bacteria feed off sugars to produce an acid that eats away at tooth enamel, causing cavities and advanced decay. Fibrous foods act as interim toothbrushes that whisk away plaque and bacteria as you eat. Additionally, these foods contain many vitamins and minerals essential in promoting healthy teeth.


Four: Avoid bad habits like chewing on ice, using teeth as tools, and smoking. The first two habits can damage teeth, leading to cracks, chips, and decay. Smoking produces plaque on teeth and changes the bacterial environment. This can result in dry mouth and other issues like decay.


Five: Visit our practice every six months for monitoring your dental health and maintaining tartar buildup. During routine visits, we will detect any problem areas that may show signs of degradation. We will also administer the right treatment to improve your defenses and restore damage.


Compassionate Family Dental Care in North Central San Antonio, TX

Whatever your needs are for dental care, Dr. Holmes and our caring team have the knowledge and skill to deliver exceptional preventive family dentistry. Contact our San Antonio, TX, office to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one today!

CALL US: (210) 314-4643 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

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