Prevention

Tooth Decay Prevention
Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting in the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Sugar causes a reaction in the bacteria, causing it to produce acids that break down the mineral in teeth, forming a cavity. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth using a variety of fillings, restoring the tooth to a healthy state. Nerve damage can result from severe decay and may require a crown (a crown is like a large filling that can cap a tooth, making it stronger or covering it). Avoiding unnecessary decay simply requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene regimen: brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, diet control and fluoride treatment. Practicing good hygiene avoids unhealthy teeth and costly treatment.

Sealants
The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth, molars and premolars and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.

Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root Planing removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line to help gums re-attach firmly to teeth and minimizes continual loss of bone support.

Fluoride
Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities. Dentists can evaluate the level of fluoride in a primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements (usually in tablets or drops), if necessary.

Professionally applied fluoride is in the form of a gel, foam or rinse, are more concentrated than the self-applied fluorides, thus they are not needed as frequently.

Tobacco counseling
We provide counseling on tobacco use and its dangers to your oral health and hygiene. Nicotine cessation methods are available.

Diet counseling
Our office provides counseling on diet habits, choices, and disorders that may affect your oral health and hygiene.

Oral hygiene instructions
Our doctors offer instructions on the best ways to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Weight loss Appliance
New innovations in diet utensils prevent the user from taking large bites or eating too quickly, which helps prevent overeating.

Halitosis control
Bad breath can be controlled. Ask our doctors on your next visit.

Oral Cancer screenings and diagnosis
The best defense against cancer is early awareness. Our doctors and hygienists screen for oral cancer.

Oral awareness (piercing, consumables, sipping, snacking)
Many habits and trends can affect your oral health. Our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions concerning these issues.

Thumb Sucking
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually cease thumb sucking when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.

Here are some ways to help your child outgrow thumb sucking:

• Don’t scold a child when they exhibit thumb -sucking behavior; instead, praise them when they don’t thumb suck.
• Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety—thumb sucking is a comfort device that helps children cope with stress or discomfort.
• Praise them when they refrain from the habit during difficult periods.
• Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock on their hand at night.