Practicing good oral hygiene means maintaining your smile by visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth and gums between checkups. Our practice wants to make sure that you get the most out of your office visits, and that your teeth stay healthy for life! We'll work with you to provide complete dental care, and show you how to maintain your smile at home with the right dental products for you and your family.
Dental Cleanings and Regular Checkups
Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular checkup, your hygienist will:
- Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
- Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
- Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
- Provide a thorough teeth cleaning, rinse, and polish
Visiting the dentist every six months gives you the chance to talk with your doctor and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Checkups are also a great way for you to find out about new treatments that may benefit your smile.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush
From toothpaste and mouthwash to toothbrushes and dental floss, it's important to choose the right products for your smile. Keep in mind that when you're looking for a new toothpaste or toothbrush, be sure to choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dentist can also help by recommending certain dental products for use at home.
Learn More
Did you know that at birth, people already have 20 primary (baby) teeth that begin erupting after six months, and that by age 21, there are no more primary teeth, and all 32 permanent teeth have erupted?
Getting to know your teeth can be fun and educational!
Anatomy of a Tooth
Tooth Eruption Chart
Inflammation and Whole Body Health
Many recent studies indicate that inflammation in the body leads to high risk for many systemic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimers and complications in pregnancy to name a few. There is evidence that points to gum disease as a causative factor for increasing inflammation in the body and putting people at risk for life-threatening illness.
There is further evidence that suggests that if an individual already has a systemic illness, having gum disease will exacerbate the illnesses complications. This means that if a person with a systemic illness also has gum disease (which we now know they are 8 times more likely to have), the complications will likely get worse. The good news is that if the same paitent has their gum disease treated properly, their medical complications may be reduced.