|
|
Preventive Dentistry
Woodland, CA  Modern dentistry has come a long way regarding diagnosing and treating certain teeth issues. With that said, it is important to remember that prevention is always better than playing catch up. To live a healthy life, you need to keep your oral health in great shape. That means that you should do your very best to avoid common issues by following a few basic guidelines and coming into our office for exams regularly. This is known as preventative dentistry, and it is an important part of keeping your teeth strong and your mouth free from issues like gum disease and oral cancer.
At Beautiful Smiles in Woodland, we can help you with your oral health goals. Whether your teeth are already in great shape or might need a little help before we can start preventative appointments, our office is ready and able to make sure that your teeth are in the best shape possible. Take a look below to learn more about some of the services that we provide and how they can help you keep track of your oral health.
Oral Hygiene
One of the most important things you can do to ensure the health of your mouth and teeth is to maintain good oral hygiene. Your mouth is full of bacteria as well as dissolving food particles and any other remnants left behind of your food and drink. That means that it is regularly exposed to things that can quickly create issues with tooth decay or even gum and bone loss. To help keep the environment in your mouth conducive to good health, there are a few basic steps you should take.
First of all, make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Some individuals like to brush more often, however, it is important that you do not make the mistake of actually brushing too often. Excessive brushing can lead to tooth enamel loss, so make sure to use a soft-bristled tooth brush and be gentle with the brushing. You should also floss daily to help remove food particles that might be stuck between your teeth. Mouthwash might be something else to consider adding to your routine – some of them even include things like fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay. Finally, remember to visit us regularly for cleanings and exams.
Following a basic oral hygiene routine, every day will help dramatically lessen the number of dental issues you encounter. It is one of the best forms of preventative care out there.
When you come in to visit us at our Woodland, CA dental office, sometimes we might recommend that we take some dental X-rays of your mouth, teeth, and jaw. These X-rays are a valuable tool to help ensure the overall health of your teeth as well as the structures supporting them. It might sound like a scary process, but we promise that it is quick and painless! Our X-rays will help us take a look at the “big picture” regarding your teeth, as well as aid us in locating any cavities or problem areas. This, in turn, means that we can treat any issues before they become serious.
Read More About Digital X-Rays >>
In addition to following a good oral hygiene routine, keeping your teeth and mouth in good condition requires undergoing dental exams. During a dental exam, our dentist will take a closer look at your teeth and gums to ensure that everything seems to be in order. This is an incredibly important step to take when it comes to maintaining your oral health! Dental exams help us detect any problems as quickly as possible. We can keep small cavities from turning into big ones, for example, and take steps to avoid further tooth decay in the future.
If your teeth are in good condition and you have no known dental disorders, then coming in two times a year might be sufficient. We can help you determine the optimal schedule.
Read More About Dental Checkups >>
Dental cleaning is necessary for all patients, regardless of how well you brush and floss. There will always be at least a few traces of tartar on your teeth, and it is important for us to remove them as soon as possible. Failing to do so can lead to other issues like gum disease, which is why we recommend that you come in for a dental cleaning at least twice a year. Note that cleanings and dental exams can often be done during the same appointment at our Woodland office, which means that you don’t have to worry about making separate trips.
During a dental cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth. This ensures that your teeth and their surrounding areas are clean and free of debris and other bacteria that could cause health issues.
Read More About Dental Checkups >>
Gum disease is a chronic oral condition that can cause varying degrees of difficulty for patients. Some individuals present with inflamed gums while others might have extensive infection and decay. Prevention is the best “treatment” for this particular issue, and it’s a particularly simple thing to do. If you regularly visit us for cleanings and exams, we should be able to help you note any signs as quickly as possible and take steps to prevent the issue from worsening. Should you already have gum disease or end up developing it, we can help. There are treatment options available that can help restore gum tissue and even bone material – you have options, in other words, so don’t despair.
Read More About Your Periodontal Health >>
Oral cancer is incredibly dangerous. In fact, it is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. This is largely because there are no early warning signs, so by the time the cancer is discovered it is already in its advanced stages. Oral cancer is also incredibly treatable when discovered early – so come in for oral cancer screenings at least once a year so that we can detect any issues right away, and take the steps necessary to get you healthy again.
Read More About Oral Cancer >>
When you wake up from a full night sleeping and still feel tired, there is a good chance that you are experiencing sleep apnea while you sleep. Has your significant other ever told you that you snore? Both of these issues can be treated at Beautiful Smiles with a simple sleep appliance that can change your life.
Read More About Sleep Apnea >>
There are very few ways to damage teeth as fast and as completely as with clenching and grinding. The worst part is that most people who grind their teeth do it at night when they have no control over the matter. At Beautiful Smiles, we have brux guards that can preserve the health of your teeth.
Read More About Teeth Grinding >>
The terms "mouth guard" and "night guard" refer to the same basic appliance, a plastic covering that is worn over the teeth for protection. There are three major types of mouth guards: stock protectors, boil and bite protectors, and custom-fit protectors. The first two options are store-bought and inexpensive. However, they are usually bulky, uncomfortable, and less effective than the custom-fit alternative. At Beautiful Smiles, we specialize in custom-fit mouth guards because we believe they are the ideal solution, whether you need one for physical activities or to combat bruxism.
Read More About Mouth Guards & Night Guards >>
Do you feel pain in your jaw? Does it frequently click or cause you headaches or bad sleep? If you answered “yes”, there is a good chance that you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder and should see us as soon as possible so that we can get you symptoms under control.
Read More About TMJ and TMD >>
Schedule Your Preventive Dental Appointment
For more information about preventive dentistry and how it can help you, please give us a call today at (530) 206-9211! We are looking forward to seeing you at our Woodland dental office! |
