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Tooth decay and gum disease are all too common in the American population. This is especially disconcerting when you consider that they are easily preventable through the practice of a consistent oral hygiene routine and regular dental checkups with our dentist, Dr. Kaitilin Riley.

Each checkup starts with one of our dental hygienists cleaning and polishing your teeth. This will effectively remove any traces of calculus and mild dental stains. At that point, Dr. Riley will examine your mouth for any early signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems.

If an area of concern is found, she will help you understand your treatment options. These might include preventive measures such as installing dental sealants or administering a fluoride treatment. These simple treatments can be administered at the end of the checkup to help reduce your chances of suffering from tooth decay.

A fluoride treatment exposes your teeth to a strong concentration of fluoride gel which bolsters the mineral density of your tooth enamel. This will help prevent bacteria and plaque acids from causing active cavities.

Dental sealants are essentially simple dental resin shells painted over the occlusal surfaces of your back teeth to create a protective barrier between bacteria and tooth enamel.

If you live in the Paso Robles, California, area and you are concerned about cavity prevention, you should call 805-238-3880 to schedule a dental checkup at Kaitilin Riley DDS.