Prevention
Tooth Decay
Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they cay negatively impact your quality of life.
When your teeth and gum tissue are frequently exposed to “acidic food or liquids”, like soft drinks, athletic or energy drinks, juices, or candy it may start to eat away at the tooth enamel. Note that it is the increased frequency of sugar intake that puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay. Let us help you develop a plan to take proper care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily.
Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth can expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. For some people just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings.
Bad Breath
Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the build up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.
Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some caused of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents of developmental issues, such as finger of thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.
Sealants
The grooves of depression on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth can be very difficult (if not impossible) to keep clean of bacteria and food debris. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to prevent cavities in these areas. Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the groves and depressions, preventing bacterial and food particles from residing in these areas. A sealant material is a resin typically applied to the molar and premolars which are areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular dental visits.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Also, having professional fluoride treatments at your dental cleanings can help prevent cavities and also has some antimicrobial effects to help kill bacteria that cause gum disease.
Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children that persist with thumb sucking after the permanent teeth have erupted can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and /or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, let’s talk about possible solutions.
Dental Sterilization
Your safety and health is important to us, and our practice follows the most advanced guidelines for instrument sterilization and infection control from the CDC and the ADA. We utilize state-of –the-art sterilization equipment that destroys all contaminants. Each instrument is cleaned, sterilized and used on only one patient. Disposable instruments and instruments that cannot be sterilized are discarded after one use. You can be sure that our practice takes every step to ensure your safety.