Preventative Dental Care
In recent years, a growing amount of research has found surprising links that have connected our oral health with our overall health. Studies have discovered that individuals suffering from tooth decay and gum disease have a significantly higher risk for developing a range of chronic illnesses that include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, arthritis, and cancer. While researchers don't yet know what exactly links our oral and overall healths, it's become clear that patients can no longer afford to ignore their oral health.
Fortunately, you can greatly reduce your risk for dental decay and disease by following these simple steps:
- Brush twice a day. Brushing helps to remove food particles and plaque from the surface of our teeth and along the gum line. When allowed to buildup, plaque begins to produce a harmful substance that slowly erodes away our tooth enamel. Over time, this erosion contributes to the development of cavities, while also increasing our risk for gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends that everybody brush at least twice a day for two minutes to successfully protect their teeth from plaque and decay.
- Floss daily. Flossing works to remove plaque and food particles from areas of our mouth a toothbrush cannot adequately clean - between our teeth and below the gum line. While some people may question whether flossing actually benefits their oral health, consider this important fact - The most common places for cavities to develop is actually between our teeth! If you want to enjoy a healthy, great looking smile, then you need to take the time to floss at least once a day.
- Schedule regular visits to see your dentist in Corvallis. Regular dental exams provide Dr. Travelstead with the opportunity to spot the early signs of dental decay and disease while still easily treatable. Frequent cleanings offer our gentle dental hygienists the chance to remove plaque deposits from the surface of your teeth, thereby reducing your risk for gum disease and decay.
That's it! Follow these three steps listed above and you and your family will be well on the way to enjoying healthy, great looking smiles for a lifetime.
Dental Sealants
The surface of our teeth feature a lot of hard to clean grooves that can easily collect food particles and plaque if not adequately cleaned on a daily basis.
For younger patients who don't yet possess the attention to detail or manual dexterity needed to properly clean their teeth, certain areas of the mouth - such as the back molars - can become extremely susceptible to the effects of tooth decay.
Dental sealants work to protect these potentially vulnerable areas of the mouth by "sealing" tooth enamel away, preventing the damage caused by plaque buildup. A incredibly thin but durable resin, dental sealants are gently applied directly to the surface of a patients' teeth. Once dried, sealants provide an impenetrable barrier that prevents plaque and decay.
Dental sealants can be quickly applied during just one 10-minute session, and are so durable they can last years before a reapplication is required. Contact our office today to see if dental sealants are right for your family.
Mouth Guards
If you or a member of your family participate in sports, it's important that you take precautions to protect your long-term oral health by wearing a custom-made mouth guard. Unlike boil and bite mouth guards sold at retail stores, our mouth guards at Evergreen Dental are custom-made to the exact specifications of your smile. Not only does this provide better comfort, it also improves performance to help ensure your smile stays looking and feeling its best.
Don't take chances with the oral health of you or a family member by not taking precautions against the risk of oral trauma. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and fitting for your custom-made mouth guard.