Dental Exam & Cleanings
Maintaining a healthy smile starts with daily brushing and regular professional dental cleanings.
At Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL, we provide thorough teeth cleanings and oral exams to help prevent tooth decay, remove plaque and tartar, and keep your smile bright and healthy.
​
Every time you visit our Foley dental office, you’ll receive a comprehensive oral exam to identify early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues. Our friendly, experienced team is here to help you stay ahead of dental problems and maintain optimal oral health.
Call Townsley Family Dentistry today or book an appointment online to schedule your next professional teeth cleaning and exam!
Comprehensive Oral Exams in Foley, AL: Protect Your Smile at Townsley Family Dentistry
What to expect during an oral exam? What is the dentist looking for?
At Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL, your oral exam is more than just a quick check-up—it’s a key part of maintaining long-term oral health. During your visit, our dentists use advanced tools, including a small dental mirror, to carefully examine your teeth and gums for early signs of cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, root decay, and even bone loss.
​
Dr. Townsley will also assess your bite alignment and jaw health to identify potential issues before they become more serious. For a truly comprehensive dental exam, they may discuss important lifestyle factors such as your diet, oral hygiene routine, and your need for fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
​
If you use tobacco products or take regular medications, we’ll help you understand how these habits may impact your dental health, and what preventive steps you can take.
​
Schedule your comprehensive oral exam in Foley, AL today and let our experienced dental team help you protect your smile for years to come.
Why Regular Oral Exams Matter for Your Dental and Overall Health
Scheduling regular oral exams at Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL is essential for maintaining not only your dental health but also your overall well-being. Early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues allows your dentist to create an effective preventive treatment plan, avoiding more serious and costly procedures down the road.
​
Beyond the mouth, a comprehensive oral exam can reveal early signs of systemic health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. Our experienced dentists are trained to recognize these indicators and may recommend follow-up with your primary care physician for further evaluation—helping you catch potential health problems as early as possible.
How Often Should I Schedule a Dental Exam?
For most patients, dentists recommend dental exams every six months to maintain optimal oral health and catch issues like cavities or gum disease early. These routine six-month checkups help keep your teeth and gums healthy through preventive care.
​
However, if you have specific conditions—such as periodontal disease—your dentist or doctor may suggest more frequent visits to closely monitor your oral health and prevent further complications.
What to Expect During a Professional Dental Cleaning in Foley, AL
What Happens During Your Hygiene Appointment
A routine dental visit at Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL includes both a comprehensive oral exam and a professional dental cleaning (also called a hygiene treatment). These appointments are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
​
Here’s what you can expect during your dental cleaning:
​
-
Plaque and Tartar Removal – Using a scaler and small dental mirror, your hygienist will carefully remove built-up plaque and tartar from between your teeth and along the gum line.
-
Deep Cleaning with a High-Powered Brush – After scaling, your teeth will be polished with a specialized electric toothbrush to remove any remaining debris and leave your smile feeling fresh and clean.
-
Flossing and Rinsing – Your hygienist will floss between your teeth and have you rinse to clear away any loosened particles, ensuring a complete and thorough cleaning.
​​
Schedule your dental cleaning in Foley, AL today at Townsley Family Dentistry and keep your smile healthy, bright, and cavity-free!
Protect and Strengthen Your Smile with Professional Fluoride Treatment in Foley, AL
What is a fluoride treatment?
At Townsley Family Dentistry, we offer fluoride treatments as part of your routine dental cleaning to help prevent tooth decay, strengthen enamel, and reduce tooth sensitivity. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that bonds with the enamel on your teeth, helping to repair weakened enamel and reverse early signs of cavities.
​
This quick, painless treatment is typically performed at the end of your dental cleaning. Our dentists often recommend fluoride treatment during every regular checkup, especially for patients at higher risk for cavities.
​
Types of Fluoride Application:
-
Gel-filled mouth trays worn for one minute
-
Fluoride varnish, which hardens when exposed to saliva
-
Fluoride mouth rinse, depending on your dental needs
After treatment, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to fully absorb and protect your teeth.
​
Key Benefits of Fluoride Treatment:
-
Strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity
-
Helps rebuild early tooth decay
-
Acts as both a preventive and restorative solution for long-term oral health
​
Schedule your fluoride treatment in Foley, AL today at Townsley Family Dentistry and give your teeth the protection they deserve!
Is Fluoride Treatment Safe? Here's What You Should Know
If you’ve ever wondered whether fluoride treatment is safe, you’re not alone. At Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL, we understand the importance of making informed choices about your oral health. While it’s always best to discuss your specific concerns with Dr. Townsley, here are a few key facts to help you feel more confident:
​
-
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, plants, rocks, and even the air.
-
Most people consume fluoride naturally through food and drinking water.
-
Many public water supplies are fluoridated due to fluoride’s proven ability to prevent tooth decay.
​
What About Risks?
The primary concern associated with fluoride is dental fluorosis, a mild condition that typically affects young children. It’s caused by swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste and results in faint white spots on the teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride is safe and effective when used appropriately in dental treatments and daily oral care.
Have more questions? Schedule a visit at Townsley Family Dentistry and let our experienced team help you make the best decisions for your smile.
Oral Cancer Screenings in Foley, AL: Early Detection Saves Lives
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an in-office oral exam, Dr. Townsley will examine your face, neck, lips, tongue, and soft tissues inside your mouth for any signs of abnormalities, lesions, or unusual growths. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be used to detect precancerous or cancerous cells that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are recommended for adults over the age of 20, especially those with higher risk factors, including:
​
-
Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
-
Heavy alcohol consumption
-
Prolonged sun exposure (risk of lip cancer)
-
A previous oral cancer diagnosis
​
If any of these factors apply to you, our dental team may recommend more frequent oral cancer screenings to ensure early detection and peace of mind.
How Often Should I Be Screened?
Most patients benefit from an oral cancer screening every 1 to 3 years. However, high-risk individuals may need annual screenings. If you’ve never had one, or if it’s been a while, now is the time to prioritize this life-saving preventive service.
​
Contact Townsley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL, to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and oral cancer screening today. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.