Preventive Dentistry 

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The focus of you and your dentist is to care for your teeth that so that they remain completely healthy. We want to help you avoid problems like cavities, enamel wear, gum disease and more so that you retain your teeth and attractive smile for a lifetime. 

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There are quite a few types of preventive dentistry, like dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing. To ensure optimal oral health, we recommend that you visit us periodically to have your mouth, teeth and gums examined, and for dental cleanings. Regular visits allow us to catch any small problems before they grow into larger, more expensive ones. 

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Although there are many ways that we can help you maintain your oral health, there is no replacement for basic brushing and flossing at home. Brush your teeth daily and after every meal, if possible. Be sure to replace your toothbrush about every three or four months, as its bristles start to fray.

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It also helps to periodically brush your tongue. This will remove any bacteria adhering to its surface and help keep your breath fresh.

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You should also floss your teeth regularly to remove any food stuck between the spaces between your teeth. Special floss threaders can be used for those with braces.

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"Cancer" is a scary word for most people; however, oral cancer is quite treatable when detected early. Your dentist has the needed expertise to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. By maintaining regular dental checkups, we can spot any abnormalities in the early stages.

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You already know about brushing and flossing to prevent cavities, but cleaning the entire surface area of your teeth isn't always easy, particularly the molars in the back of your mouth. These teeth are uneven, rough and can provide safe harbor for food and bacteria.

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The good news is that there is another way to keep these teeth clean. Known as a sealant, this protective coating sticks to the outer surface of your back teeth. Studies show that sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay by almost 80 percent. Sealants are made from plastic or other materials. You will still need to brush and floss normally, but sealants can prevent the formation of cavities and even halt early tooth decay before it becomes a full-blown cavity.

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Getting a sealant is a fast and painless process. We begin by thoroughly cleaning and drying your tooth. Next, we apply a special gel to your teeth that roughens up its surface to allow for a strong bond between the sealant and your tooth. A few seconds later, we rinse away the gel, drying your tooth before we apply the sealant onto it. Finally, we use a special curing light to harden the sealant material.

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In addition to causing tooth decay, the buildup of plaque and tartar can damage the gum tissues of your mouth. This occurs because of an infection where your gums meet your teeth, leading to the gums pulling away from the teeth. Known as gingivitis, this type of progressive infection breaks down the tissues attaching the gums to your teeth.

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Gum disease can reach a serious point before you notice any symptoms like swelling, soreness or bleeding in your mouth. It can progress to the point that the bone holding your teeth in place begins breaking down. This is when patients typically notice signs like teeth loosening.

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Treating gum disease can involve many appointments and great expense. Depending upon the stage of the gum disease, surgery may be needed, along with deep cleaning and medication. Regular dental cleanings are vital to detecting and treating gingivitis before it reaches an advanced stage.

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Reach Out Today

Have you been putting off your regular dental checkups? As we have outlined here, having regular checkups allows us to catch any problems in the early stages before complex and expensive procedures are required down the road. Please contact the office of Glenmore Park Dental to schedule your next checkup.