Maintaining Dental Health
Maintaining dental health has two main components — at-home dental hygiene and professional Cleanings and examinations. Simple maintenance of your dental health can prevent complications such as tooth loss, as well as the need for restorative or Cosmetic Dentistry in the future.
Regular dental visits
At every regularly-scheduled dental appointment at Weston Dental Design Group, one of our dentists will carefully check your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. A checkup at the Weston Dental Design Group includes:
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A head and neck examination: This includes a cancer exam, facial exam, palpation of chewing muscles, palpation of lymph nodes, and an exam of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. |
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A clinical dental examination: This includes a periodontal exam and examinations of the mobility of teeth, the mucous membranes, saliva, occlusion (bite), removable appliances, and contact between teeth. If we detect tooth decay or broken Fillings, we will discuss appropriate action with you. |
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A full set of X-Rays |
A dental cleaning (prophylaxis): This includes scaling plaque, polishing teeth, flossing, assessing your mouth’s cleanliness, and providing oral hygiene instructions. If you wish to learn more about proper brushing and flossing techniques, ask your dentist about it at this stage of the visit.
Following the clinical dental exam, your dentist will discuss a detailed treatment plan, if necessary. One of our friendly receptionists will schedule a follow-up visit for you.
Regular dental visits, along with a thorough home care regimen, are key to a lifetime of good oral health. General dentistry of this type can prevent the need for cosmetic or restorative dentistry later in life.
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How does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?
Fluoride helps reverse and prevent tooth decay in three ways:
What are the stages of gum disease? How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease has several stages. The initial stage is called gingivitis and is an infection of the gingival (gum tissue). In this stage, gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. The underlying bone is unaffected. In later stages, however, gum disease can lead to bone loss and the loosening or even loss of teeth.
Gum disease treatment varies according to the stage of the disease. At its mildest stages, gingivitis can be treated by clearing plaque and tartar deposits from the gum pockets. Severe gum disease, on the other hand, might require treatment that includes bone and gum grafts.
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What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth can be caused by a range of factors. The porous part of the tooth, called dentin, is the region that registers pain, and dentin can become exposed due to:
How can sensitive teeth be managed?
Pain from sensitive teeth often comes and goes, but if you experience constant pain, you may have a more serious problem. There are many effective treatments for sensitive teeth, including:
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A soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation |
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Toothpaste designed to insulate the nerve that registers pain |
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A fluoride rinse or gel, available at Weston Dental Design Group |
If you have sensitive teeth, visit Weston Dental Design Group to discuss your symptoms. We can help determine the cause of your pain and develop a course of treatment.
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What are the causes of bruxism (teeth grinding)?
Teeth grinding can be caused by a range of factors; often, both emotional and physical factors are involved. Causal factors can include stress, sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth.
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How can bruxism be treated?
Once the cause or causes of bruxism are determined, your dentist can develop a course of treatment. Treatment methods may include:
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Relaxation techniques if stress is at the root of the problem |
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Physical therapy |
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Muscle relaxants |
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A plastic tooth guard to wear at night during sleep |
Bruxism can cause serious pain and headaches, as well as dangerous wear on the teeth. In severe cases, restorative dentistry techniques such as inlays or porcelain Crowns are needed to rebuild teeth damaged by bruxism. Therefore, it is crucial to seek treatment for bruxism early to avoid waking up with headaches or jaw pain.
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How do I keep my child’s teeth healthy?
Following a few simple guidelines can help keep your child’s teeth strong and beautiful for life:
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Start oral care early
Oral care should start soon after your child is born. After feeding, clean your child’s gums using gauze or a clean, damp cloth. As soon as your child’s teeth appear — as soon as four months after birth — they should be brushed. Each day, brush your child’s teeth with a soft, wet toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of non fluoride toothpaste. |
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Prevent nursing-bottle mouth
Nursing-bottle mouth, also known as baby-bottle tooth decay or baby-bottle syndrome, can cause a baby’s front teeth to rapidly decay, which can lead to a lifetime of dental difficulties. Preventing nursing bottle mouth is easy. If you give your baby a bottle at nap or bed time, simply fill it with plain water rather than formula, milk, or juice. Never let your child fall asleep with a bottle filled with a liquid other than water. In addition, check your child for brown spots near the gums because they are a warning sign for tooth decay. |
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Take your child to the dentist
General, Preventative dentistry should start early. A child’s first dental visit should take place at 12 months after birth. Regular fluoride treatments, administered by a dentist, are especially helpful in strengthening enamel and arresting tooth decay for Children. Contact the Weston Dental Design Group today to schedule an appointment for your child. |
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