PREVENTATIVE CARE
Good oral hygiene is the key to a healthy mouth. Three out of four adults are infected with gum diseases, but luckily this is preventable. It’s as simple as brushing your teeth daily and flossing. Our family-driven team is here to help you take care of your beautiful smiles.
Periodontal Disease & Treatment
Periodontal disease is an infection within the gums and the tissues that hold your teeth in place. This is caused by poor brushing and/or flossing habits in which plaque starts to build up. Smoking and diabetes are leading causes of periodontal diseases.
How to Prevent Gum Disease:
Stop smoking
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Floss regularly
Visit the dentist for routine checkups
Treatments
There are numerous treatments, including extremes such as Scaling and Root Planning, or something as simple as a thorough cleaning. These processes remove the plaque and other substances from the teeth and gums that are causing inflammation and disease.
Before performing scaling and root planning, the Mayfield Smiles team will conduct a thorough examination of the mouth. Depending on the severity, scaling and root planing may be recommended.
Step One: your dental professional will remove the plaque, bacteria, and tartar from the tooth's surface and around the gum lines.
Step Two: Root planning involves a deeper dive into the scaling of the root to smooth out any rough or uneven areas. These smooth areas are important, ensuring that no bacteria can slip in and cause an infection.
Successful scaling and root planning treatment can stop diseases in their tracks and increase the chances that you will not become affected. Additionally, this can prevent tooth loss and bad breath.
Oral Hygiene
Oral health is key to enjoying life and daily tasks such as eating, drinking, and speaking. By keeping after your dental hygiene: brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, and routinely visiting the dentist - you’re already ahead of the game.
Brushing your teeth
Brushing your teeth is an important part of your day. It helps remove plaque and other types of bacteria. Plaque building can eventually cause tooth decay or gum diseases if not taken care of properly. Disclosing tablets or toothpaste (found at your local drug store) is a great way to ensure you have brushed away all plaque off of your teeth.
Tips on brushing your teeth:
Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride protects your teeth from cavities and decay by strengthening the tooth’s enamel.
Angle the toothbrushes bristles toward the gumline
Go easy! Brush gently in small, circular motions
Brush all sides of your teeth, making sure you aren’t missing any spots
Brush your tongue!
Flossing
Another important step to daily hygiene that is often overlooked is cleaning between your teeth, or flossing. If plaque sits for too long between your teeth and begins to harden below the gum line, it can potentially irritate the gums and cause them to appear red, swollen, and potentially bleed. All of these are signs of gingivitis - a mild form of gum disease that is easily treatable (and reversible) with simple daily brushing and flossing.
Sensitive Teeth
Typically, after dental treatment, your teeth may feel very sensitive to hot and cold food/drinks. This generally does not last long as long as your mouth is kept clean. If the problem persists, call our office and consult with your dentist.
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning
A typical routine visit of our office consists of:
An examination of your teeth and gum lines.
Oral Cancer screening.
Tooth stability and bite examination.
Cleaning and polishing of teeth
Oral hygiene review
Patient concerns/questions
There are numerous benefits of professional teeth cleaning. Removal of plaque, fresh breath, and a refreshed smile are some of the most noticeable benefits of routine visits.
Preparation for your Dentist Appointment
It’s always important to practice good hygiene. Brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day is recommended by professionals. For best results, please come to your appointment with your teeth brushed to remove any remaining food or plaque. Before your visit, ensure that your medical records and forms are all up to date - don’t be embarrassed of any medical history, we’re here to help at Mayfield Smiles!
