Here's what we're really doing when you're in that chair
Lowering your biofilm concentrations
Biofilm is the organized bacterial community that lives in your mouth. Some of it you can manage at home with brushing and flossing — but some hardens into tartar that only professional instruments can remove. Left unmanaged, biofilm buildup drives inflammation, infection, and disease that goes well beyond your mouth.
Screening for oral cancer
Every appointment, we do a soft tissue exam — checking your lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, and the floor and roof of your mouth for anything unusual. Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and this screening happens every single time, whether you're thinking about it or not.
Evaluating your jaw joint and the muscles around it
Your jaw does a remarkable amount of work — chewing, talking, and often clenching or grinding under stress. We check the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles to make sure everything is moving well. Catching early signs of dysfunction makes a real difference in how manageable it stays.
Pathology screening
We're also looking at bone levels and checking for cysts, unusual growths, or any changes worth a closer look. X-rays let us see what's happening beneath the surface. A lot of this work is quiet, but it's happening every visit.
Lowering your risk of infection and complications
Keeping bacterial concentrations in check reduces your risk of acute infections, abscesses, and painful flare-ups. For patients managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease, regular professional care isn't just nice to have — it genuinely matters for overall health outcomes.
When life gets busy and the cleaning feels skippable
Now you know what that appointment is doing for you behind the scenes. It's a full health visit. The polished teeth are just the bonus.
See you soon,
Dr. Chan 🦷🌸
