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By Village Dental –
Even though many of us might think that our teeth are in good shape, regular visits to the family dentist are very important. Regular care and prevention of disease in the mouth are the best possible care you can give your teeth. Tackling problems early on will save a lot of bother in the long run – it might save your tooth from extraction or root canal therapy. It is important to visit your dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth checked and cleaned.
Some non-dental conditions have symptoms that appear in the mouth. A dental examination can reveal signs of vitamin and iron deficiencies, osteoporosis, or more serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, HIV and glandular fever, to name but a few.
Dental Check-Ups for Children
By going to the family dentist, problems such as crowded, missing and crooked teeth as well as problems associated with diet, dental hygiene, and the jaws can be addressed. The earlier a dentist discovers these problems, the less difficult and expensive the treatment becomes. The dentist may also recommend a mouthguard for those children who play sports where a tooth can be damaged or knocked out.
Fissure sealants, which are small plastic fillings, can be placed in deep fissures (grooves) in the tooth. These are placed to prevent tooth decay in these deep fissures, which are often not easily cleaned by a toothbrush.
Dental Check-Ups for Seniors
In addition to the unique needs and challenges of senior adults, there is a vital connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth. If you want to feel good, stay healthy and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes. By adopting healthy oral habits at home, making smart choices about diet and lifestyle and seeking regular dental care, you can help your teeth last a lifetime. More information about this topic can be found at Mouth/Body Connection.
As you know, your teeth are important for speaking, smiling, chewing and appearance. With regular dental visits and overall healthy habits, you can take control of your oral health – whether you have your natural teeth, implants or wear dentures.
Brushing and Cleaning
Brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important now as it was when you were a youngster.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a product featuring the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. If you have limited ability to move your shoulders, arms or hands, you may benefit form using an electric toothbrush.
Clean between teeth daily with floss or other interdental cleaners such as picks or brushes.
Toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Dentures
Bacteria stick to your teeth and also to full or partial dentures. If you wear dentures, remember to clean them on a daily basis. Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every day. It’s best to remove your full or partial dentures at night. To stay healthy, the lining of your mouth needs to rejuvenate after prolonged contact with dentures. Your dentist will provide you with instructions about how long your dentures may be worn each day. Use denture cleaning products like denture cleansers and overnight soaking solutions to help keep dentures fresh and clean.
Water
Consuming optimally fluoridated water throughout life helps prevent tooth decay no matter your age. If you choose bottled water, check the label for fluoride content. Talk to your dentist about what is best for you.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. It also affects healing after dental procedures and the retention of dental implants. There are tobacco cessation programs, over-the-counter products and prescription medications that your dentist may prescribe or recommend that can help you quit smoking.
Visiting the Dentist
Visit your dentist regularly for a complete dental check up. Your dentist can help evaluate problems that medications may create for your mouth. To get the most out of your dental visit, please bring the following items to your dental check-up:
. An up-to-date list of your medications, including vitamin supplements
. An up-to-date list of your medical conditions and allergies
. Information about your health care providers
. Information about your emergency contacts
. Dental insurance or Medicaid cards
. Dentures or partials – even if you aren’t currently wearing them
Mouth/Body Connection
There is a connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Bleeding gums, visible root surfaces and loose teeth are not normal at any age. These are usually signs of an infection called periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal infections can be serious and can affect not only the mouth, but potentially your overall health. Likewise, increasing medical evidence suggests that an unhealthy mouth may worsen serious medical problems, like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Services for Optional Oral Health
At Village Dental, we take pride in providing you with the highest quality of care. Have you received all the benefits we have available? For optimal oral health, we offer the following services:
Radiographs: Taking radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth once a year allows us to detect infections that we cannot see with the eye alone. Early detection can allow us to treat the problems, cavity and/or abcess before you experience pain. Treating the infection early can also allow us to avoid treatments such as root canal therapy and/or surgery.
Oral Cancer Screening Test: OCST performed once a year allows the detection of oral cancer cells in the mouth that are not visible to the naked eye. Treating oral cancer in the early stages improves the chances for a successful recovery.
Fluoride Varnish: Once the fluoride is applied, it is absorbed by the teeth in approximately 4-6 hours and remains beneficial for months. This helps to reduce the risk of cavities and/or reduce sensitivity.
Sealants: Sealants are placed in the grooves of the teeth which help prevent cavities by eliminating bacteria’s
access to these surfaces. Sealants help to preserve tooth structure and prolong the life of the teeth.
Desensitizer: A material is applied to the exposed root surfaces which helps reduce and/or eliminate tooth sensitivity.
Localized Antibiotics: Antibiotics made specifically to kill bacteria that contribute to periodontal (gum) disease are placed in periodontal pocket(s) that do not respond completely to scaling (cleaning). Antibiotics aid in pocket reduction and thus improving oral health.
Oral Hygiene Products: We have many products to help aid you in maintaining optimal oral health. We have powered toothbrushes, antiseptic rinses, fluoride rinses, fluoride gels, and whitening gel. We also have manual toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, floss, flossers, floss threaders, sulcabrushes, proxabrushes, softpiks, denture brushes and more. We recommend oral care products that fit your needs.
It is our pleasure to discuss these services with you and answer any questions you may have.
Village Dental
352-205-7667 | 352-753-7507
