| Preventative Care | |
|---|---|
| First visit (exam, polish, and up to 4 x-rays) |
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| Second visit (dental exam and up to 4 x-rays) |
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Our adult teeth have to last our entire lives. That means we have to take good care of them, with the help of our dentist and preventative dental care. Preventative dental care ranges from brushing and flossing to oral exams. Spending time on preventative care can save you money in the future by preventing small dental problems from becoming bigger.
You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, preferably each time you eat. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too. You should floss between your teeth daily, because he spaces between your teeth are where the most bacteria grow. In addition, drinking fluoridated water will also provide a daily dose of protection from dental decay. You should use a fluoride mouthwash every night after brushing and flossing to prevent bacteria and germs from growing in your mouth while you’re sleeping. Remember that foods high in carbohydrates tend to stick to the teeth (after all, they’re full of sugar!) so brushing after snacks is also a good idea. The final step is to call us and schedule cleanings and comprehensive oral examinations twice a year for you and your family.
By going to twice-yearly dental exams, you will ensure the health of your teeth. Keep in mind, we may recommend more than two exams for some patients. We will carefully clean, brush, floss and examine all of your teeth. We may also take x-rays to look more closely at any teeth causing you sensitivity or pain. We’ll look each tooth over, carefully searching for any signs of developing decay, loss or thinning of tooth enamel, gum disease, oral cancer, or structural problems.
Dental Sealants for Adults and Kids
We may recommend dental sealants, one of the easiest and most affordable preventative treatments available. Dental sealants are great for those who have many grooves in their teeth and for preventing cavities in kids. Dental sealants can reduce caries (cavities) by 80%. Dental sealants are a very thin coating that is painted right onto the surfaces of your teeth to prevent decay. They’re great for hard to brush areas such as the backs of your premolars and molars.
Since the sealant adheres so closely to the surface it fills in any pits or grooves, reducing the chance of developing cavities. Dental sealants are an easy application and do not require anesthesia. The hygienist will polish and dry the tooth to remove debris and prepare a clean surface for the sealant to bond. Next, the sealant will be applied and cured for about 30 seconds with a light. The dentist will inspect the sealant to make sure that it is adequately and securely covering your tooth. Voila! You now have a dental sealant. On average dental sealants last about 3 to 10 years. During your checkups, your dentist will inspect the sealant and re-apply another layer if necessary. The dental sealant application process can take anywhere from 5-45 minutes depending on how many sealants the patient needs.
Preserving Your Teeth
Preserving your smile and oral health for years to come isn’t hard, but it does require diligence. Call us today to schedule a comprehensive oral exam and cleaning. Be sure to ask about proper brushing and to schedule your next exam and cleaning on your way out!