• Exam and cleaning: plaque and tartar removed from every surface, with a full check of teeth and gums
• Digital x-rays: a fraction of the radiation of traditional film, usually one or two full sets a year
• Oral cancer screening: gums, tongue and soft tissue checked for lesions, lumps and discoloration
• Periodontal assessment: gum pockets measured, with scaling and root planing where needed
• Airway screening: an assessment most practices do not include, covered below

Most patients are seen every six months. Some need a shorter interval, usually because of gum disease history or a high decay rate.

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Kinard Family Dental screens for airway and breathing issues as part of preventive care, not as a separate appointment. Dr. Sarah Kinard is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

A dental exam is well-placed to catch the early signs. Those include worn or flattened teeth from clenching, a scalloped tongue, a narrow palate, mouth breathing, and a child who snores.

These findings matter because the mouth shows the evidence early. A parent who has not connected restless sleep with dental development often learns about it first in a dental chair, which is why airway dentistry starts here.

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Fluoride varnish restores calcium and phosphate to enamel through remineralization, and patients wait 30 minutes before eating afterward. Sealants fill the deep grooves in molars where bacteria collect, cured with a light into a hard barrier. Both are associated with children but work at any age.

Night guards protect teeth from grinding, and sports guards protect them from impact in football, basketball, soccer, hockey and similar sports. A custom-fitted guard is more comfortable and more protective than an over-the-counter version, which matters mostly because a guard that is uncomfortable does not get worn.

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Brush twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and floss once a day, ideally before bed. Home care does most of the work. Professional cleaning handles what brushing cannot reach.

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Cavities announce themselves. Gum disease often does not, which is why it is the most common reason adults lose teeth. Inflamed or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, sensitivity or a bite that feels different are the signs worth acting on. Left alone it progresses to recession, bone loss and tooth loss, and the bone does not grow back. Scaling and root planing treats it at the stage where treating it still works.

Sedation is available for patients who find dental visits difficult. Dental emergencies are seen promptly, and anyone unsure whether a situation qualifies should call rather than wait. The Kinard Wellness Plan is a membership option for families without insurance, covering preventive care at a set annual cost.

Request an appointment or learn more about the practice.

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