Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry involves diagnosis and procedures that prevent diseases of your teeth, gums and related structures of your mouth.
EVALUATION FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE
- Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the supportive tissues surrounding the teeth.
- Periodontal disease attacks just below the gum line where it causes the attachment of the tooth and supporting gum and bone to break down. As this happens, a pocket forms. The more severe the disease, the greater the pocket. The teeth eventually become loose and an abscess may develop.
- Early warning signs include:
• Red, puffy, swollen gums (gingivitis)
• Bleeding gums
•Teeth that are loose or shifting
• Tooth sensitivity
• Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Changes in your bite
• Gums pulling away from the teeth - It is possible to have periodontal disease and not have warning signs. That is one reason to have regular dental checkups and periodontal exams. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious.
- 80% of the U.S. population has some form of periodontal disease.
- A comprehensive exam is crucial in diagnosing periodontal disease. It is an easy and painless exam. Included are films to determine bone level and the measurement of pocket depths.
- Periodontal (gum) disease is treated by carefully removing bacteria, toxins and calculus (sometimes called tartar) that form in the pocket areas. Several appointments to treat sections of the mouth and local anesthesia may be required.
- Periodontal disease cannot be eliminated but it can be controlled. After the disease process is under control, you will be placed on a recall schedule called “periodontal maintenance” to keep your mouth healthy.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants have been used for more than two decades and benefit both children and adults. The likelihood of developing tooth decay on the chewing surfaces begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates for sealants. Sealants protect vulnerable areas, such as pits and fissures, by sealing out plaque and food.
A dental sealant is plastic material that is applied to a chewing surface of a back tooth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acid. Dental sealants are a simple and quick procedure. First, the teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned. Then the sealant material is placed on the chewing surface where it bonds with the enamel. A special curing light is used to harden the sealant.
When it comes to your health, prevention is always better than treatment. Properly applied and maintained sealants are extremely helpful in preventing pit-and-fissure decay and are cost effective.
FLUORIDE FACTS
- While teeth are forming, fluoride works by making tooth enamel more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay. Fluoride helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before they become visible in the mouth.
- Studies indicate that people who drink optimally fluoridated water from birth will experience approximately 35% less decay over their lifetimes.
- Fluoride has been effective in decreasing root caries (decay along the gum line) in older adults.
- Fluoride is safe and effective when used appropriately. More than 50 years of research and experience have shown that fluoridation at optimal levels does not harm people or the environment.
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.com has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Fluoride supplements are recommended for children ages 6 months to 16 years living in non-fluoridated areas. If your water supply is not fluoridated or you mainly drink water processed from a home water treatment system or plastic bottles you may want to send in a water sample to the University of Minnesota. Testing kits are available at our office and with the results we can get a prescription fluoride supplement specifically for your child.
Dr. Garry and staff recommend using toothpaste and mouth rinses accepted by the American Dental Association, www.ada.org. The ADA seal of acceptance is your assurance that the product has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.
Oral Hygiene Instructions
Our dental professionals will review and demonstrate oral hygiene instructions at your hygiene appointments and at other treatment appointments when the need arises.
Proper brushing and flossing techniques helps to minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Other dental cleaning aids that help reduce interproximal “in-between” decay and bone loss may be recommended and demonstrated. Special toothpastes and mouth rinses are beneficial in attaining optimal oral health.
