PREVENTATIVE PROCEDURES

PREVENTATIVE ORAL
CARE & TREATMENTS

Davis & Beyer Dental Health Professionals highly encourage regular visits to our dental office for proper and efficient preventative oral care and treatment. Did you know 42% of adults visit the dentist less than once a year? Did you also know that 48% of adults are concerned about their smile when they get older. Regular visits to the dentists will help ease those worries. Schedule an appointment with our dental office today! We will be able to determine exactly what type of cleanings are needed for your specific health.

HEALTHY MOUTH CLEANING

Dental Prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Professional teeth cleaning is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Professional teeth cleaning is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include:

Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.

A healthier looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.

Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.

Teeth cleaning can be performed at our office. We recommend that dental prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventive measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontal patients. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but teeth cleaning is one of the tools we can use to effectively halt its progression.

Oral Hygiene & Periodontal TREATMENT

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

Smoking
Diabetes
Stress
Clenching and grinding teeth
Medication
Poor nutrition

Periodontal Disease
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.