Preventive Dentistry for Downtown San Francisco, SOMA & East Cut

For a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Preventive dentistry focuses on properly caring for teeth and gums to keep them healthy for a lifetime. Brushing and flossing are essential aspects of preventive care, but they are insufficient to ensure long-term dental health.

Our preventive care focuses on preventing and treating cavities, enamel wear, gum disease, and other oral health issues affecting the teeth and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing a dentist twice yearly for a checkup and dental cleaning. Our downtown location makes it easy for our patients to schedule their preventive dental care conveniently.

Dental Exams & Checkups

Regularly scheduled dental checkups allow us to monitor your oral health, take X-rays as needed, and check for early signs of dental disease, oral cancer, and periodontal disease. During dental exams, we also review good oral hygiene habits and recommend any changes to improve our patients’ health. Many dental health issues can be successfully treated if they are diagnosed in their early stages. Dental checkups give us the opportunity to diagnose problems before they permanently damage your teeth and gums.

Dental Cleanings

The mouth harbors millions of bacteria that contribute to the formation of plaque, a sticky film on the teeth that hardens into tartar, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease. A professional dental cleaning, called prophylaxis, removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Following a dental cleaning, your teeth will feel smoother and healthier.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults over 35. That’s a sobering statistic. Fortunately, periodontal maintenance can help minimize the harmful effects of periodontal disease and prevent its progression when performed regularly. Although there is no cure for gum disease, periodontal maintenance can prevent tooth loss due to gum recession and jawbone deterioration. The ADA recommends periodontal maintenance every three months to keep plaque under control and clean bacteria from the gum pockets around the base of teeth affected by periodontal disease.

It is never too late to start caring for your teeth properly. One call to our office is all it takes to schedule a dental exam and teeth cleaning. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Michael J. Perona, D.D.S. Phone Number 415-546-7990 to schedule an appointment and learn how proper care can help preserve your smile and your health.