Keeping your smile healthy means routine care, both at home and when you visit our Dallas, TX, office. Unfortunately, we often find that people underestimate the importance of regular care, such as checkups and cleanings or brushing and flossing. In today’s blog, we’re looking at how these seemingly minor actions help protect teeth and gums from serious oral health problems.
Preventive and Family Dentistry
- Checkups: Patients ages two and up should see the dentist about once every six months for a checkup. Employing advanced technology, such as digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, allow us to obtain detailed pictures of your teeth, gums, oral structures, and jaw. We identify any problem areas and recommend treatment before discomfort arises. We look for cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and oral cancer. We also watch for the indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism.
- Cleanings: Along with a checkup, we will also clean your teeth in the same visit. A cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth. Bacterial byproducts, plaque and tartar often weaken outer tooth enamel and increase the risk of gum inflammation, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. A cleaning improves oral health while also offering fresher breath and a brighter smile.
- Dental Sealants: Children often have trouble reaching the rear teeth when brushing and flossing, which mean food can become trapped between the teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Too protect little smiles, we may place a special plastic coating over the rear teeth. The dental cleaning prevents food from becoming stuck between the teeth and will eventually wear away with time.
- Brushing and Flossing: At home, you need to brush and floss daily to limit the amount of plaque that forms in between your cleaning visits. These actions reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and more. You should brush for two minutes each session and always use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You also need to floss every night before going to bed to remove the bits of food a toothbrush alone cannot.
- Healthy Snack Habits: Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and other starches means a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, try to enjoy more fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and dairy products.
Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry Offers Preventive Dentistry
At Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry, we offer care to help safeguard your smile’s health and beauty. Contact us today to discuss our general care by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE). We strive to offer our patients of all ages compassionate, effective, and individualized care. At Gentle Smiles, we are proud to serve families from Dallas, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.