Preventative Dental Care
Exams
Routine dental examinations and good oral hygiene are your best prevention of dental disease.
Cleanings
Professional cleaning helps remove stains, plaque, and tartar from your teeth to keep your smile bright. It also helps prevent periodontal (gum) disease.
Sealants
A sealant is a material that is applied to the teeth where decay occurs most often—the chewing surfaces of molars (posterior teeth). Molars have pits and grooves that may be harder to keep clean, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. A resin material is applied to the biting surface of the tooth to help prevent decay.
Applying sealants can save both time and money. More importantly, your child may avoid the anxiety associated with repairing a decayed tooth. Sealing a tooth is fast and painless and they can last several years before they need to be reapplied.
Fluoride Treatments
Research shows fluoride aids in the prevention of cavities in children and adults by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.
Mouthguards
If you’ve got an active child or teen, we want to let you know about the importance of mouthguards to protect their developing smiles. A mouthguard is a safety device that can help protect teeth during sports or recreational activities. It cushions impact that may otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts to the lip, tongue or face.
We can create a special mouthguard for your child for comfort and a proper fit. Since treating a sports-related dental injury can cost thousands of dollars, a custom mouthguard is money well spent. A custom-made mouthguard stays in the mouth and causes minimal interference with speech.
Mouthguards are not just for athletes. Any adult or child involved in a recreational activity that may cause injury to the mouth, such as rollerblading or skateboarding, should protect his or her smile with a mouthguard. The sooner we fit a mouthguard, the safer your child’s smile will be.
Basic Home Care
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, along with daily flossing, is the key to a healthy smile.
Your choice of foods and beverages also plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including sports drinks, can ruin teeth, especially if you snack throughout the day. When sugar is consumed regularly, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Once a tooth decays, the enamel does not grow back.
Smoking or using tobacco in any form also harms your oral health. Not only do smokers have a higher risk for cancer and other life-threatening diseases, but tobacco use can also cause periodontal (gum) disease. If you smoke and you want to quit, we can talk about treatment options and decide on the best course of action for you.
By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting the dentist regularly, you can have a healthy and beautiful smile for life!