How Preventive Dentistry Can Help You in the Long Run

We all want the best teeth and gums possible--no cavities, no restorations, no extractions, no bleeding gums. Those are laudable goals, but they only are achievable through consistent preventive care. Dr. Louis Myers, Dr. Alexander Cho, Dr. Jun Park and Dr. Jocelyn Ocampo of Eldersburg Dental Group join with their patients in attaining their smile goals. These family dentists in Eldersburg, MD, offer preventive services that augment what families do at home. Together, we can all have bright, beautiful smiles that last.

Preventive dentistry is for a lifetime

Good oral hygiene habits begin in infancy when Mom or Dad brush a little one's teeth, and as the child grows, help him or her floss, brush and eat a tooth-friendly diet. Additionally, parents should bring their youngsters to the dental office as soon as the first baby tooth erupts so the family dentists in Eldersburg can watch for proper tooth and jaw development, gum disease and tooth decay.

Hygienic cleanings start early and continue through the adult years. Every six months, with your comprehensive dental exam, your friendly hygienist scales your teeth to remove harmful plaque and tartar, the main causes of tooth decay, gum disease and ultimately, tooth loss.

They also measure gum pocket depth (the space between the tooth surfaces and gum tissue). This measure can be diagnostic for gum disease which is deleterious to oral health and adversely affects systemic health. The American Academy of Periodontology says advanced gum disease is linked to problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, arthritis and more. So gum care is vital.

After the cleaning, the dentist performs a complete oral exam, inspecting for decay, gum disease and signs of oral cancer. The dentist also looks at bite and tooth alignment and checks the condition of fillings, veneers, crowns or other previous dental work.

The doctor explains his or her findings and devises a treatment plan to keep oral health at its best. The dentist often recommends plastic sealants and fluoride varnishes to protect deeply grooved teeth from decay. Both children and adults can benefit from these easily applied and long-lasting preventive treatments.

Your lifestyle is important

Dr. Cho, Dr. Myers, Dr. Park and Dr. Ocampo urge their patients to follow other tooth-friendly guidelines as part of their daily routines:

1. Consume a nutrient-rich diet low in carbs and high in calcium, fiber and lean protein.
2. Wear a mouth guard when playing sports and if you grind or clench your teeth.
3. Stop smoking and using smokeless tobacco. Both stain teeth and degrade enamel and gum tissue. Smoking also puts you at risk for oral cancer.
4. Call Eldersburg Dental Group right away if you have any questions or concerns about your family's oral health.

In the long run...

Preventive dentistry will keep you and your smile strong. For more information or to set-up your routine exam and cleaning, call Eldersburg Dental Group in Eldersburg, MD, at (410) 795-8040.