During your exam, Dr. Parmar or Dr. Shah will thoroughly examine your gums and teeth for signs of oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and other health problems. They may also choose to take X-rays to see what is happening underneath the surface of your gums and teeth. These X-rays are digital with the least amount of radiation as compared to traditional X-rays, the images provided will help your dentist prevent or treat any dental concerns not visible to the naked eye.

Dental cleanings are usually last for an hour to ensure gentle and detailed cleaning by our doctors. They will not only clean your teeth, but she will also provide oral health education about what steps you need to take to prevent dental concerns and maintain a healthy smile.

Teeth cleanings at our Pacific Beach office help keep your gums healthy by removing any unwanted calculus commonly referred as tartar or dental plaque. They will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any dental decays and to examine the quality and seal of any existing fillings or crowns. They will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhered tightly to your teeth with no signs of pockets, periodontal disease, or bone loss.

They will then carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. They will floss your teeth, use a soft flavored polishing compound, and apply fluoride when needed.

Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let any member of our team know. We offer several anesthesias, sedation options to ensure you stay relaxed and comfortable.

If Dr. Parmar or Dr. Shah find dental decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about improving your brushing or flossing habits. In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, with no signs of dental decay or periodontal disease, then we will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.

Our office is not only committed to your smile but also to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your comprehensive dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

We have the skills and tools to ensure that the doctor uses to identify early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious conditions, it is of utmost importance to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Red or white spots or sores anywhere within the mouth
• An ulcer that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A lump, thickening, or rough spot within the oral cavity
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere inside the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your entire oral cavity, and not just your teeth or gums, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may recommend a biopsy.

• Prevention of oral cancer starts with avoidance of all tobacco products and only drinking alcohol in moderation.
• Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 
• Limit your exposure to the sun especially at our beautiful Pacific beaches by always wearing a UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.
• During your next dental exam, request your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.