Healthy Teeth
How To Live A Long And "Toothful" Life
A lifetime of healthy teeth used to be considered the exception. Today this is not only feasible, but rapidly becoming the norm. Our recommended approach is one that has a strong emphasis on preventive dentistry. If we catch problems when they are small it is less painful, less complex, and there is less tooth loss. We can help you develop a simple and effective plan to maintain the integrity of your teeth for a lifetime. Together we can accomplish this goal through a variety of preventative techniques.
Healthy Foods, Healthy Beverages
A good diet will also protect your teeth and gums. As you reduce your
intake of sugar, you will dramatically reduce the decay-causing bacteria
plaque in your mouth. Reducing high sugar and acid containing soft
drinks will also help keep your teeth strong and healthy. Most everyone
knows that the sugar in soda pop is bad for your teeth, but it is not
commonly known that the acid content in both diet and non-diet pop
compounds cause trouble for your teeth. The acids directly attack tooth
enamel leading to cavities. Battery acid at 1.00 ph is an example of a
liquid that is extremely acidic. Soda pop profiles between 4.61 and 2.49
which is closer on the scale to battery acid than to water at 7. Water
is the best beverage for your teeth.
Periodic Care
Regular preventative appointments are essential for successful
preventative care. This appointment can be a positive experience. We
focus on your comfort level and base our dental recommendations on your
personal dental health goals and the condition of your teeth. During
this appointment you will receive a dental cleaning to remove all
plaque, stains, and calculus. Each preventative appointment also
includes an examination of the soft tissues in your mouth, the
periodontal tissues, and a thorough examination of the teeth. Help with
home care and plaque control techniques will assure that not only are
your teeth healthy, but you are looking your personal best.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride affects your teeth from the inside as well as from the outside. Along
with fluoride in the water supply, periodic fluoride treatments help
strengthen the enamel of the teeth making them more resistant to tooth
decay. This treatment is recommended for children, and select adults.
Sealants
Are your teeth prone to decay? If so, we can help in a big way! You may
need extra protection from plaque which causes tooth decay and reforms
every 24 hours after it is removed. Sealants are considered the most
effective preventative measure against pit and fissure decay. This
preventative technique involves applying a clear, hardened, adhesive
material to cover crevices in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth
where bacteria is easily trapped and where fluoride is less effective
in reducing decay.
Bonded Root Fillings
Exposed roots can result from bruxing, improper brushing, or
periodontal disease. When this happens, teeth become sensitive to hot
and cold substances and more prone to cavities. Bonded root fillings
involves placing a filling on the root after decay is removed.
Also, fillings can be placed to relieve sensitivity of the roots.