We believe in a preventive approach to dental care. After all, what better way to keep your smile healthy than to avoid the onset of oral health concerns completely? Do you have questions about preventive dentistry? How do we protect your smile from tooth decay, gum disease, and other common oral health problems?
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dentistry
Question: Why do we need checkups?
Answer: You need checkups to allow a dentist to examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. The dentist looks for potential signs of trouble, such as tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorder, and more. Identifying these problems early allows the doctor to offer treatment before the problems can progress and require more extensive treatment. You should have your smile examined once every six months.
Question: When should our teeth be cleaned?
Answer: As with a checkup, you should have your teeth cleaned once every six months. This will typically be done in the same visit as your checkup. A cleaning is the only way to completely remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. Doing so actually reduces the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. The procedure also helps you achieve fresher breath and a brighter smile.
Question: Can TMD cause headaches?
Answer: Yes. TMJ disorder occurs when the jaw joints under excessive amounts of strain, often as a result of injury, teeth grinding, tooth loss, or misalignment. The results can be difficulty opening and closing your mouth completely, a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw, and even chronic headaches. Fortunately, we can treat TMD issues with a comfortable and minimally invasive oral appliance.
Question: Does my child need dental sealants?
Answer: If a child has a high risk of developing tooth decay then we may coat the hard-to-reach back teeth in a plastic coating. The sealants prevent food from becoming stuck between these teeth, reducing the chances of cavities occurring.