Preventive Health Specialist
Rodney Park, DDS
General Dentist & Family Dentist located in San Jose, CA
The two most common dental issues, tooth decay and gum disease, are nearly always preventable. At his practice in San Jose, California, Rodney Park, DDS, offers the personalized preventive health care you need to prevent issues and enjoy great oral health. They use a one-on-one approach in which they treat patients like ohana (family). For expert preventive oral health care, call the office today to schedule an appointment.
Preventive Health Q&A
How often do I need preventive health dental visits?
Most patients need preventive health dental visits, including teeth cleaning and dental exams, every six months. Depending on your particular situation, the Rodney K. Park, DDS, team may advise more frequent preventive health appointments.
What happens in preventive health appointments?
Preventive oral health appointments often include one or more of the following:
Dental exams
Your preventive health dental exam includes a full check of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, and the areas you can’t see with the naked eye. Usually, preventive dental care includes periodic digital X-rays, and potentially 3D imaging using the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system Rodney K. Park, DDS, has onsite.
Oral cancer screenings
Oral cancer screenings are usually part of a regular dental visit, but can also occur independently based on your needs. The dental care team performs an oral cancer screening to check for signs of oral cancer like persistent mouth sores, red or white patches in your throat, and lumps in your neck or mouth.
Teeth cleanings
Teeth cleanings at Rodney K. Park, DDS, meticulously remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth. Your provider cleans between the teeth as well. A basic teeth cleaning covers the area down to your gums. If you have periodontal disease, you could need a more comprehensive cleaning that includes the pockets between your teeth and gums.
Sleep dentistry screenings
The Rodney K. Park, DDS, team performs obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism screenings, especially if you’re having symptoms like serious tooth wear, headaches, and restless sleep. By identifying the issue early, you can get the treatment you need to avoid further damage. An oral appliance corrects your airflow, while a night guard prevents bruxism.
For your convenience, you can often have your dental exams, cleanings, and other screenings during the same appointment at Rodney K. Park, DDS.
What preventive dentistry steps can I take at home?
Preventive care starts at home. Brush your teeth twice daily, using fluoride toothpaste. Each brushing session should cover every tooth equally, with a target duration of two minutes in total.
Swap your toothbrush out every couple of months, or as soon as you notice the bristles looking worn.
Floss between every tooth at least once a day, as well. Flossing is so important because it gets to the food particles that you can’t see.
Another component of preventive dentistry is your diet. Keep your sugar intake low and avoid frequent snacks between meals.
With some effort at home and regular appointments at Rodney K. Park, DDS, you can avoid serious oral health issues. Book your preventive health appointment by calling the office.