Preventative dental care can save you time and money.
With today’s busy schedule we often forget to take care of things until a large issue presents itself; and dental care can be the same way. Routine cleanings and examinations often fall to the “back burner” until a tooth ache presents discomfort that must be urgently taken care of. When you or your child’s teeth are maintained on a regular basis, then more painful and costly dental “surprises” can be avoided.
Some preventative measures that will help maintain your teeth are regular dental examinations, dental cleanings, x-rays, and topical fluoride every 6-7 months. In addition, sealants can be placed on the newly erupted permanent molars to prevent cavities in the chewing surface.
Dental Examinations
A child’s first examination should be when the first tooth has began erupting or no later than twelve months of age. During this examination the developing teeth and bite will be evaluated. Early diagnosis of developing bite problems can allow for helpful interventions that prevent a more challenging bite problem later. Early detection and treatment of dental problems or bite problems will improve a child’s oral health, general health, and well being.
Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings include the dentist or hygienist scaling and polishing the teeth. During the process plaque and tartar (hardened deposits) are removed which helps to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Even with proper at home brushing and flossing there is development of tartar. These tartar deposits cannot be removed without the proper dental instruments.
X-Rays
X-rays or radiographs are used for multiple reasons. There are instances that issues within the mouth cannot be seen with the naked eye. Some of these are hidden dental structures, malignant or benign masses, bone loss, or cavities. The ability to diagnosis and treat these issues within a timely manner is very important for maintaining good dental health and personal wellbeing. Fortunately, the dosage of radiation is very small, and is equivalent to a few days of everyday environmental radiation exposure which can be further reduced by the patient wearing a special lead apron.
Fluoride
Fluoride reduces the rate of tooth enamel demineralization and increases the rate of remineralization of teeth at early stages of cavities. Fluoride is placed on all surfaces of the teeth topically to assist in preventing tooth decay. In the office you will find fluoride in the form of a gel or a varnish.
Sealants
Sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. A sealant is a tooth colored material that forms a protective barrier covering the grooves and depressions of the chewing surfaces. Sealants tend to last for a number of years depending on your chewing pattern and diet. The sealants will need to be checked at all regular dental appointments to make sure they are intact. Sealants have been proven to be very effective at preventing cavities from forming on the biting surface of the molars resulting in a decreased chance of needing a cavity filled that will cost more than 3x the sealant!
*Coming Up At Reid and Reid*
We are proud to announce we are celebrating our tenth year serving Henderson County and the surrounding areas!!! It has been a pleasure and an honor to be apart of such a wonderful community!!! To celebrate we are giving our current patients a free ice cream coupon from Kilwin’s and a chance to win a hundred dollar Amazon giftcard. Thank you for your patronage and we look forward to ten more years!
In May…
Reid & Reid is sponsoring the PB&J 5K, the GNAR, and Family Mud Fun. All of these events will be fun for the entire family and a great way to get outside and be active. Let’s enjoy the sun, warm weather, and family with these great community events.
Later in May…
Reid & Reid is excited to be a part of a fundraiser to benefit the Children & Family Resource Center. The Marvelous Mom’s Night Our will be 5/29 at Burnshirt Vineyard and promises to be a great time for mom’s of all ages.
