Check-ups & Preventive Dentistry

Check-ups & Preventive Dentistry

Published Date

2024-12-22

Last Updated

2025-04-20

Preventive Dentistry Menu

Our clinic offers a variety of preventive dentistry menus tailored to each patient’s oral condition and lifestyle.

Regular Check-ups

During regular check-ups, we perform the following:

  • Consultation: We inquire in detail about the current condition of your teeth, lifestyle habits, concerns, etc.
  • Visual Inspection: We check the entire inside of your mouth for cavities, gum disease, mucosal abnormalities, etc.
  • X-ray Examination: If necessary, we take X-rays to check for cavities and gum disease in areas not visible to the eye, as well as the condition of the jawbone.
  • Periodontal Examination: Using an instrument called a probe, we measure the depth of periodontal pockets and check for gum inflammation, bleeding, and tooth mobility.
  • Cavity Check: We check for the presence and progression of cavities using specialized instruments and visual inspection.

Based on these examination results, we propose a preventive plan tailored to each individual patient. The frequency of regular check-ups varies depending on your oral condition, but generally, we recommend a visit about once every 3 to 6 months.

Professional Cleaning (PMTC)

PMTC stands for Professional Mechanical Tooth Cleaning, which is teeth cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized equipment. It thoroughly removes plaque, calculus (tartar), and stains that cannot be completely removed by daily brushing, polishing the tooth surfaces until smooth. “PMTC Mita” represents essential professional care for maintaining dental health.

PMTC has the following effects:

  • Prevention of cavities and gum disease
  • Prevention of bad breath
  • Removal of tooth staining (stain removal)
  • Strengthening of tooth structure

Airflow

Airflow is a cleaning method that removes plaque and stains adhering to the tooth surface by spraying fine powder particles onto it. It can effectively remove dirt from areas difficult to reach with toothbrushes or interdental brushes. “Airflow Mita” is a new cleaning method that removes stains without damaging the teeth.

Airflow has the following effects:

  • Removal of surface stains
  • Cleaning within periodontal pockets
  • Removal of biofilm
  • Gum massage effect

Fluoride Application

Fluoride application is a method to strengthen tooth structure and prevent cavities by applying high-concentration fluoride to the tooth surface. Fluoride application performed at a dental clinic uses a higher concentration than home-use toothpaste, etc., thus offering potentially higher cavity prevention effects.

Fluoride has the following effects:

  • Promotes remineralization of teeth
  • Strengthens tooth structure, making it more resistant to acid
  • Inhibits the activity of cavity-causing bacteria

Our clinic proposes the optimal fluoride application method based on age and condition, such as fluoride gel for children and fluoride mouth rinse for adults.

Brushing Instruction

Correct tooth brushing is fundamental to preventing cavities and gum disease. Our clinic provides detailed guidance on appropriate brushing methods tailored to each patient’s oral condition. We explain clearly how to choose a toothbrush, how to hold and move it, and how to use interdental brushes and dental floss.

Lifestyle Guidance

Dental health is closely related to daily lifestyle habits. Our clinic inquires in detail about lifestyle habits that affect dental health, such as diet, smoking habits, and stress, and provides advice for improvement.

Preventive Dentistry by Age

For preventive dentistry, it is important to provide appropriate care according to age and life stage.

Preventive Dentistry for Children

Baby teeth are more prone to cavities than permanent teeth, and decay progresses faster, making prevention from a young age extremely important. Our clinic provides the following preventive treatments tailored to the child’s developmental stage:

  • Fluoride Application: Strengthens tooth structure and prevents cavities.
  • Sealants: Prevents cavities by filling the grooves of back teeth with a special resin.
  • Brushing Instruction: Provides fun and thorough guidance on correct brushing methods.
  • Regular Check-ups: Early detection of cavities and alignment problems for appropriate treatment.

We also provide detailed advice to parents on home care, such as finishing brushing techniques and how to manage snacks.

Preventive Dentistry for Adults

In adult preventive dentistry, preventing gum disease is extremely important, in addition to preventing cavities. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and often progresses without noticeable symptoms, making regular check-ups and professional care essential. Our clinic provides the following preventive treatments:

  • Regular Check-ups: Detailed examination of oral conditions, including periodontal tests, cavity checks, and X-rays.
  • PMTC/Airflow: In addition to calculus removal, removes biofilm and stains from tooth surfaces to prevent gum disease and cavities.
  • Brushing Instruction: Guidance on appropriate brushing methods tailored to each patient’s oral condition.
  • Lifestyle Guidance: Advice on lifestyle habits that increase the risk of gum disease, such as diet and smoking.

Our clinic also focuses on bad breath prevention. We propose care methods to remove periodontal bacteria and tongue coating (zettai) that cause bad breath and maintain a clean oral environment. Achieve healthy teeth and fresh breath with “adult preventive dentistry.”

Preventive Dentistry for Seniors

As people age, saliva production decreases, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Oral problems can also become more common due to the effects of systemic diseases or side effects of medications. Our clinic considers the oral and systemic conditions of elderly patients and provides the following preventive treatments:

  • Regular Check-ups: Detailed confirmation of oral conditions and necessary treatments.
  • PMTC/Airflow: In addition to calculus removal, removes biofilm and stains from tooth surfaces to prevent gum disease and cavities.
  • Oral Function Training: Training to strengthen the muscles around the mouth to maintain/improve chewing and swallowing abilities.
  • Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention: Guidance and care to prevent aspiration (accidental inhalation) of saliva or food into the trachea.
  • Dry Mouth Countermeasures: Care to alleviate dry mouth symptoms, such as massage to stimulate saliva production or use of moisturizers.

Preventive dentistry for seniors aims not only to maintain oral health but also to maintain overall health and improve QOL (Quality of Life). Enjoy delicious meals and a healthy life indefinitely with “senior preventive dentistry.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I visit for preventive dentistry?
It depends on your oral condition, but generally, we recommend regular check-ups every 3 to 6 months. Those at high risk for cavities or gum disease, or those undergoing orthodontic treatment, may need check-ups every 1 to 2 months.
How much does preventive dentistry cost?
Preventive dentistry costs vary; some services are covered by insurance, while others are self-pay. For example, regular check-ups and calculus removal are typically covered by insurance, whereas PMTC and Airflow are self-pay. Please feel free to inquire at our clinic for details.
Is PMTC painful?
PMTC involves cleaning the tooth surfaces with specialized equipment, so there is usually minimal pain. However, if you have gum inflammation or sensitivity, you might feel temporary discomfort.
Does Airflow damage teeth?
Airflow removes stains by spraying fine powder particles onto the tooth surface, so there is no concern about damaging the teeth. In fact, it smooths the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque and stains to adhere.
From what age should children start brushing their teeth?
Start with gauze wiping when the first teeth erupt. Around age 1, begin practicing with an infant toothbrush. Please continue with finishing brushing until around the upper elementary school years.
Director, SACHI Dental Clinic / 2016 Graduated from Nippon Dental University, School of Life Dentistry / 2017 Completed clinical training at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (currently: Tokyo University of Science), Faculty of Dentistry / 2025 Opened SACHI Dental Clinic

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