Preventative Dentistry in Cresskill, New Jersey

 

Many patients at Cresskill Dental are worried about the appearance of their smile and their health. At Cresskill Dental, one of our primary goals is to help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. This goal begins with practicing good preventative dentistry. You can practice preventive dentistry at home with a few simple tips and in the Cresskill Dental office. To learn more about preventive dentistry and how it can help you, keep reading. 

 

In-Office Preventive Dentistry

There are several things that Dr. Lee and her team can promote preventative dentistry in the dental office. First, Dr. Lee recommends regular dental appointments. Regular appointments mean visiting the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. Your dentist will first ensure that your teeth are healthy enough for a dental cleaning during dental cleaning. Then your dental hygienist will clean your teeth with a unique technique called scaling. They will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, a process that cannot be done at home. Once your teeth have been brushed, flossed, and rinsed, Dr. Lee will examine your teeth. 

 

During the dental exam, Dr. Lee will look for any abnormalities in your teeth and gums. She will look for dental concerns such as decay or broken teeth. She will also complete an oral cancer screening by examining your neck and mouth. 

 

To help prevent dental concerns in the future, Dr. Lee may recommend fluoride treatment or sealants during the dental appointment. Fluoride treatment is a quick treatment that chemically strengthens your teeth through a process called remineralization. It reinforces the outside of the tooth, the enamel, which protects the tooth against the development of decay. The second treatment, sealants, also protects the tooth. Sealants protect the tooth by filling in the crevices on the top of the back molars. Food often gets stuck in the back molars, leading to tooth decay and bacteria buildup. Sealants can be made of two different materials: composite resin and glass ionomer. Ask Dr. Lee which material is suitable for you. 

 

Preventative Dental Care at Home

At Cresskill Dental, we recommend that our patients practice preventive dentistry at home in addition to participating in preventive dentistry in the office. Preventative dentistry at home includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day. To brush, we recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and moving in a ‘C’ motion on your gums and teeth. Brushing your gums is important because bacteria can build up on the gums and lead to periodontal disease. Call our office immediately if you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums because these are the first signs of gingivitis. After gingivitis progresses, periodontitis can occur, which is an irreversible part of periodontal disease. 

 

What Happens if I Don’t do Preventative Dentistry?

If patients neglect to participate in preventative dentistry, this could lead to bacteria development and tooth decay. If a patient does not brush their teeth, floss, or visit the dentist every six months, food and drink debris will start to accumulate on their teeth and gums. This debris will turn into bacteria that form acid, which will cause a hole in the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. There are three parts of the tooth: the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp. Once the pulp is exposed, it causes pain because the nerves and blood vessels are. When the pulp is exposed, you need a root canal to remove the bacteria and debris from the tooth. Overall, preventative dentistry at home and in the dental office can protect your teeth against decay and other dental concerns. 

 

Preventative dentistry is an essential part of a dental hygiene routine. It is necessary to practice good dental hygiene at home to prepare for dental hygiene appointments in the office. For more information about preventive dentistry or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.