Dental Care Basics

Our dentists offer a wide range of dental care services in order to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. We can provide comprehensive dental care for the entire family. If you are looking for practical solutions for caring for your teeth, our team will also offer recommendations on all the basics of dental care both in your own home and in our office.

Brushing and flossing on a regular basis can help you and your family maintain brighter smiles, fresher breath and healthier teeth. At our dental office, we can recommend the right dental hygiene regimen for managing issues with plaque, tartar, gingivitis, tooth decay and other serious issues that could affect the beauty and functionality of your teeth. We work with you at every stage of the process to promote the healthiest teeth and gums for the adults and children in your family.

Understanding Plaque and Tartar

Your mouth is home to a variety of bacteria. Some bacteria feed on the sugary and starchy foods you consume and create an acidic film that is known as plaque. This material is sticky and adheres to the surfaces of your teeth and, in some cases, to your tongue. Regular brushing is necessary to remove plaque, which is associated with gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Flossing properly can also remove plaque from between teeth to reduce the risks associated with this substance.

Tartar or calculus forms when not all plaque has been removed from the teeth during regular brushing and flossing. Tartar is a hardened white substance that usually collects along the gumline. It also plays a role in causing inflammation, which is directly associated with gum disease. Regular cleanings in our office are one of the best ways to remove tartar from your teeth and to reduce the risk of gingivitis and gum disease for you and your family members.

Warning Signs of Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, impacting around 75 percent of Americans. If treated promptly, gingivitis can usually be reversed and the risks of it developing into periodontal disease will be reduced. Our dental team can provide you with regular cleanings and the treatment plan needed to address gingivitis in its early stages. Some of the warning signs to watch out for include the following:

• Bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity of the gums
• Loosening of one or more teeth
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
• Discoloration of the gums
• Swelling and discomfort around the gums

Our dental team can provide you with treatment options and recommendations to slow the progress of gum disease and, in the case of gingivitis, to reverse some or all of the damage caused by this condition. For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, we will devise and implement a treatment regimen that will help you prevent bone loss and the loss of your natural teeth that can occur with this dental condition.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Plaque is often the most important contributing factor in causing cavities and issues with tooth decay. This substance is caused by the interaction of the foods you eat with bacteria that live in your mouth. These bacteria create acidic substances as they consume the food, which then creates a sticky film called plaque that attaches to teeth. Over time, plaque begins to break down the enamel of your teeth to create areas of decay and to make holes known as cavities.

Cavities are quite common among children. Adults can get them, too, and will require fillings or crowns to protect the tooth from further damage. One of the best things you and your family can do to prevent cavities and tooth decay is to brush and floss every day and to schedule regular dental cleanings to remove any food particles and bacteria from your teeth. This will reduce the number of cavities you experience and will help you to keep your natural teeth healthier over a longer period.

Understanding Best Practices for Caring for Your Teeth at Home

The best way to care for your teeth at home is to brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and to floss at least once a day. This will remove many of the particles that can cause tooth decay and can contribute to the development of gum disease. Some other hints for caring for your teeth are as follows:

Brushing:
Change your toothbrush at least every three months. If it begins to look worn or the bristles begin to stay bent, it is also time to replace it. You should also buy a new toothbrush after any illness, as some viruses and bacteria can remain on the toothbrush to reinfect you.

Flossing:
Our dental team can recommend the right dental floss to protect your gums and to produce the best cleaning for your teeth.

Mouthwash:
In some cases, we may also suggest that you use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the bacteria in your mouth even further. This is especially useful for patients with gingivitis and gum disease.

Regular Dental Appointments Are Essential

Making and keeping appointments for teeth cleaning and exams in our office will allow you to enjoy the benefits of early detection for a variety of issues. We can perform oral cancer screenings to protect you against the dangerous effects of this medical condition, making up over 3 percent of cancers diagnosed annually. Our team can also examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay or damage caused by grinding your teeth. If you are suffering from TMJ issues, we can also provide treatment options for managing these problems effectively.

Good Dental Care Will Take You Far

Our dental team will work with you and your family to provide the best and most practical care for your needs. Give us a call today to set up your first appointment with our team. We look forward to the opportunity to help you achieve a brighter future by improving your overall state of dental health.