Teeth for Life

Practicing good oral hygiene is not just about brushing and flossing, it also means  visiting the dentist regularly.  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 education about dental diseases, proper maintenance techniques, and dental products.

Dental Cleanings and Regular Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health.  Often when we find a problem, a patient will say "but it doesn't hurt."  Unfortunately, when it comes to teeth and gums, pain is a delayed indicator of disease.  Waiting for oral pain before you fix something is like waiting for your car engine to start smoking before you change the oil!  Early detection of a dental problem is key to keeping teeth safe from pain, expensive treatments, or extraction.  During your regular checkup, your hygienist will:

  • Check for any problems that you may not see or feel, sometimes using our state of the art digital xrays and HD intraoral cameras
  • Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
  • Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal (gum) 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.  For detailed information about dental products, please go to our Home Care page, but for now here are two important tips:  1) always use a soft brush, never medium or hard, and 2) always choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride.  

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

anatomy of a tooth

 

Tooth Eruption Chart

tooth eruption graphic

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