Preventive Dentistry

Nutritional counseling

One of the most effective ways of keeping your teeth and gums healthy is through proper nutrition. We offer counseling to parents so they can give their children the best chance at a lifetime of good oral health.

Adults can benefit from our nutritional advice, too. Certain health maintenance medications cause dry mouth, which can leave adults more susceptible to tooth decay and periodontal disease. We offer guidance on how to help prevent the medicines you need to maintain systemic health from causing oral health problems.

Something we see a lot of in our practice is decay caused by sugar-filled drinks. Patients sometimes only consider the foods they eat and not the beverages they consume when thinking of what can harm their teeth. We remind patients of all ages to drink lots of water and to limit their consumption of sugary soft drinks, sports drinks and juices.

Home oral care counseling

Having routine dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings is important, but how you care for your teeth and gums between appointments plays a significant role in your oral health. We love to work with children to teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques at an early age. We also give adults refreshers on proper home care, and provide individualized home care counseling for patients who have special oral health needs.

Professional teeth cleaning

Even the most dedicated home care routine cannot prevent all plaque and tartar buildup. That is one reason why professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist are important. Teeth cleaning helps prevent the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. It also removes tartar and plaque accumulation from tooth surfaces and from beneath the gum line.

X-rays

These diagnostic tools are necessary so our dentists can see what’s going on in the areas of the teeth and gums that cannot be seen by the naked eye. They are helpful in identifying small cavities, often before they become uncomfortable. Identifying signs of decay early means we can provide more conservative treatment and preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Dental sealants

These thin plastic coatings are applied to the biting surfaces of children’s molars to seal away the teeth’s deep crevices from bacteria buildup and to prevent cavity formation. Sealants can last for several years. We inspect them at each dental checkup and can reapply when necessary.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, and it can even reverse damage in the earliest stages of decay. It also is helpful in reducing tooth sensitivity. We offer topical fluoride treatments for children and adults who are at moderate to high risk of developing tooth decay. The professional concentration offered in our office is much higher and more beneficial than what is found in over-the-counter toothpastes and rinses.

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Fearful Patients

A dentist’s office is an uncomfortable environment for some people due to unpleasant experiences they have had in the past. We help combat those fears by creating comfortable, favorable experiences for our patients. We also offer nitrous oxide for fearful patients, those who have anxiety when coming to the dentist, and for children.