Dental Exams & Cleanings for Gulf Shores
Brushing at home is important, but regular professional dental cleanings are key to maintaining a healthy, cavity-free smile. At Townsley Family Dentistry, we provide thorough cleanings and comprehensive oral exams to help prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth looking their best.​​ If you live in Gulf Shores, schedule your dental cleaning today with the trusted team at Townsley Family Dentistry.
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Oral Exams | Gulf Shores
What to Expect During Your Oral Exam
At Townsley Family Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. During your exam, your dentist will carefully check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues using a small mirror to view all angles of your teeth.
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Dr. Townsley or Dr. Richardson will also evaluate your risk for tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease. Your bite and jaw will be examined to identify any alignment or functional concerns.
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Our goal is to keep you informed and empowered to maintain a healthy, confident smile so we may also discuss your diet, oral hygiene habits, and whether a fluoride treatment could benefit you. Lifestyle factors—such as tobacco use or medications—can also impact your dental health and may be part of the conversation during your visit.
Why Regular Oral Exams Matter
Routine oral exams are a key part of maintaining your dental health. Early detection allows your dentist to identify issues like cavities or gum disease before they become more serious—making treatment simpler and more effective and cost efficient. Regular checkups also support your overall health by helping to prevent complications linked to untreated oral conditions.
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During a thorough exam, your dentist may also spot early signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a visit to your primary care physician to follow up—giving you the chance to address potential health concerns as early as possible.
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Prioritizing regular exams is an investment in both your smile and your overall well-being. If you live in or near Gulf Shores, we invite you to contact us to schedule your dental cleaning and exam today!
How often should I have a dental exam?
For most people, visiting the dentist every six months is enough to maintain good oral health. However, if you have certain conditions—such as periodontal disease—your dentist or doctor may recommend more frequent checkups to closely monitor your oral health and prevent complications.
Dental Cleanings | Gulf Shores
What to Expect During a Routine Dental Cleaning
At Townsley Family Dentistry, a routine dental visit typically includes both an oral exam and a professional dental cleaning—also known as a hygiene treatment. Here's what you can expect during your cleaning:
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Plaque and Tartar Removal: Your hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along the gum line using a scaler (a small, hook-shaped tool) and a mirror to access hard-to-see areas.
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Deep Cleaning with a Polishing Brush: Next, your teeth will be cleaned with a high-powered toothbrush. While you may hear a slight grinding sound, this step is painless and helps remove any remaining tartar while polishing your teeth.
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Flossing and Rinsing: To finish, your hygienist will floss between your teeth and have you rinse to clear away any leftover debris.
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These steps help keep your smile bright and your gums healthy. If you have any questions during your visit, our friendly team is always happy to help!
Fluoride Treatments | Gulf Shores
What is a fluoride treatment?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay. At Townsley Family Dentistry, we offer professional fluoride treatments as part of your regular dental care to keep your teeth healthy and resilient.
What to Expect
A fluoride treatment is a quick, painless process typically performed at the end of your cleaning (hygiene visit). For most patients, we recommend fluoride treatment at every routine cleaning.
Depending on the method used, fluoride may be applied as:
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A gel-filled mouthpiece worn for about one minute
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A varnish that hardens on contact with saliva
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A rinse or mouthwash solution
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After treatment, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb.
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Benefits of a Fluoride Treatment
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Strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities
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Reduces tooth sensitivity
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Can reverse early signs of tooth decay
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Supports long-term oral health
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In short, fluoride acts as both a protective shield and a repair agent for your teeth—making it a simple yet powerful part of your preventive dental care.
Is fluoride safe?
If you have questions or concerns about fluoride, Dr. Townsley is always happy to discuss your treatment options and help you make informed decisions. In the meantime, here are a few key facts about fluoride:
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Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, air, plants, and rocks.
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Most people receive fluoride naturally through food and drinking water.
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Many public water systems add fluoride because of its proven ability to reduce tooth decay.
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The primary risk associated with fluoride is dental fluorosis, a condition that can develop in young children who consume too much fluoride while their teeth are forming—usually from swallowing toothpaste. This results in faint white spots on the teeth, which are harmless and often barely noticeable.
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According to the CDC, fluoride is both safe and effective when used properly in dental care. It remains one of the most important tools for protecting and strengthening teeth across all ages.
Oral Cancer Screenings | Gulf Shores
Oral Cancer Screenings During Your Exam
As part of your routine in-office oral exam, your dentist may perform an oral cancer screening to check for any signs of concern. This typically involves a visual examination of your face, neck, lips, and mouth to identify any unusual growths, lesions, or other abnormalities that could indicate early signs of oral cancer.
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In some cases, additional tests may be used to detect abnormal cells that are not visible to the naked eye. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and regular screenings are an important part of maintaining your overall oral and general health.
Who Should Get An Oral Cancer Screening?
Regular oral cancer screenings are recommended for adults over the age of 20. However, determining how often screenings are needed depends on individual risk factors. Some common lifestyle and health-related risk factors include:
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Tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco)
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Heavy alcohol consumption
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Significant sun exposure, especially affecting the lips
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A previous diagnosis of oral cancer
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If any of these factors apply to you, you may be at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. When reviewing your medical and dental history, Dr. Richardson or Dr. Townsley may recommend more frequent screenings to ensure early detection and timely care.
How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are typically recommended every 1 to 3 years, depending on your age and risk factors. If you're over the age of 20 or have never had an oral cancer screening, we encourage you to schedule your first screening at our Foley, AL dental office as soon as possible.
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After your initial exam, your dentist will recommend how often you should be screened moving forward. For patients with higher risk factors, such as tobacco or alcohol use, annual screenings may be advised to support early detection and timely treatment.