Preventative dentistry

PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY:

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth A Pound of Cure!

Good oral health is vital to overall good health. Your commitment to an excellent home care regimen combined with regular visits to your dentist can ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. It has been estimated that preventive dentistry can add ten years to one’s lifespan!

Fluoride

Fluoride is a nutrient which our bodies need for growth and development. However, it also helps to reduce the incidence of tooth decay and is effective in decreasing tooth sensitivity. If fluoride is taken internally during childhood when teeth are being formed, it is incorporated throughout the enamel of the teeth helping to make them less prone to decay. Once teeth are erupted into the mouth fluoride taken internally has little effect on the structure of the tooth. For that reason use of fluoridated toothpastes and/or mouth rinses are recommended. The fluoride works with your saliva on the enamel of the teeth helping to re-mineralize the enamel and fight decay. At Southern Dental we may recommend fluoride in a stronger form for patients with high rates of tooth decay, extensive dental work, or sensitive teeth.

Bad Breath

Nothing ruins a good first impression more quickly than bad breath. Oftentimes you do not even realize that you have a problem until someone tells you. It is an embarrassing problem that can signal an underlying dental problem. Most people think that using a mouthwash will solve their problem. Generally speaking, a mouthwash will only freshen your breath for a very short time. Mouth rinses containing alcohol may actually make your breath worse because they dry your mouth. In the majority of cases bad breath is caused by the presence of bacteria on the teeth, tongue and soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and sinuses. Proper dental home care including regular brushing and flossing will usually help remedy the problem. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss it could be an indication of gum disease.

Sensitive teeth

Do you sometimes experience discomfort if you eat or drink hot or cold foods? When you inhale cold air do your teeth ache? Those symptoms may indicate a dental problem. Share your concerns with our highly skilled oral care specialists at Southern Dental and let us determine whether or not you have a dental problem. In many cases we can recommend treatment to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Sealants

An important part of maintaining a healthy mouth is preventing tooth decay. Sealants can help you do that by offering major protection against cavities. A sealant is a plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Made of plastic resin, the sealant bonds to grooves of the teeth and acts as a barrier which protects the tooth's enamel from plaque and acids. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth but toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the deep grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by “sealing out” plaque and food.  Sealants are easily applied and may be recommended as part of you or your child’s overall treatment plan.

Mouthguards