Preventative Dentisstry
Preventative Dentistry at Smile Daily Dentistry
Dental Cleanings / Dental Hygiene
Dental hygienists receive training in order to provide professional dental cleanings to patients. Dentists themselves can also provide cleanings to their patients. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent decay and gum disease.
In a routine cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will remove any plaque calculus on your teeth using ultrasonic vibratory instruments and hand instruments. You may also receive polishing of your teeth and may receive fluoride treatment. When patient skip their dental cleanings, they often develop dental problems that can be related to health problems.
Skipped dental cleanings can cause plaque build up, which causes decay bone loss and gum recession. Plaque and bacteria that forms in the mouth can lead to pain and even tooth loss.
During your cleaning, your hygienist or dentist may also provide you with regular dental examinations. During your exam, your doctor will check for irregular patches on your tongue, cheeks and gums. This process is an oral cancer screening. Your doctor or hygienist may also measure the space between your gums and teeth. This is called a probing. This will help them evaluate the condition of your gums. In the instance that you have gum disease, treatment will be recommended.
Dental Hygiene
Your dentist’s top priority is to provide you with the highest level of service and quality dental care. In order for you to maintain proper oral health, this level of quality needs to extend to your personal oral hygiene routine. Taking good care of your teeth at home can help you prevent periodontal disease, tooth decay and other oral health problems from developing.
It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and floss daily to prevent the build-up of plaque and tooth decay. If possible, use products containing fluoride to help strengthen teeth. It is important to keep up with regular professional cleanings from your dentist to prevent oral problems from occurring.
Also, keeping a balanced diet and reducing the number of snacks you eat can contribute to a healthy smile. Eating too many snacks filled with sugar can put you at a greater risk for tooth decay. If possible, drink a glass of water after every meal to wash down these sugars if brushing your teeth isn’t an option after food intake.
Your dental office can help you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white.
Gum Disease / Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease occurs when bacteria build up between your teeth and gums. As this disease progresses, it is not reversible, however it can be maintained with gum treatment, also called a “deep cleaning” or “Scaling and Root Planing”.
Your dentist will evaluate your gums and teeth during your regular examinations. He or she will measure any space that may exist between your teeth and gums. This space indicates the amount of bone loss that has occurred due to bacteria.
Regular brushing and flossing of your teeth can prevent gum disease. Home care is vital for gum disease prevention. Gum disease (or “periodontal disease”) can be prevented.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. As bone loss occurs and the space between your teeth and gums progress, your teeth can become loose and will eventually fall out.
Early signs of gum disease include bleeding while brushing and flossing. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your dentist right away and schedule and appointment for an exam and cleaning.
Maintaining gum disease may mean that you will need to see your dentist or hygienist every 3 months instead of 6. It will also be imperative to brush twice daily and floss daily. Gum disease has been linked to a variety of other health complications such as heart attack and diabetes.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards help prevent trauma to your teeth during high risk activities. Both professional and amateur athletes should wear mouth guards while participating in contact sports.
Certain mouth guards also protect patients from grinding or clenching their teeth in their sleep. These guards are often called “night guards”. This grinding habit is referred to as “bruxism” and can lead to headaches, jaw pain , cheek muscle ache or tiredness. It can be a result of TMJ temporomandibular joint disorder.
Your doctor can provide a custom fitting mouth guard or night guard to protect your smile. Often times, when a patient has had cosmetic dental procedures, the dentist will recommend a night guard to protect their smile.
There are many kinds of mouth guards made of a variety of materials. Some patients find certain brands fit better. Ask your doctor about your options if you are considering a night guard or mouth guard.