Family & General Dentistry
Patients often start seeing a dentist because they want to get routine dental services such as checkups and exams. This type of care will keep your teeth in optimal condition by preventing cavities, gingivitis, and other oral problems from developing.
It also benefits your general health because you may be able to stop receiving medical treatment for gum or tooth problems if you visit the dental office regularly for these kinds of preventative services.
Our home dental care is essential to maintaining good oral health. This can be accomplished with recommended professional care combined with a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and an active social life.
General dentistry also includes treatments for oral diseases, such as cavities or gum disease, which can develop even when patients pursue adequate preventive care. These interventions restore your oral health and protect your smile, as well.
To learn more about our general dentistry services or to schedule your next checkup, call Southern Utah Dental and speak to one of our knowledgeable, friendly team members today!
Routine Dental Care
The type of routine dental care you receive includes two components.
Dental Cleanings
A professional hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove any plaque and calculus that has accumulated on your teeth. Patients may still develop calculus buildup even if they brush and floss as directed.
Dental Exams
A thorough dental cleaning helps to keep your teeth clean, even in those areas that are difficult for you to reach on your own.
It is a vital part of oral health that should be performed at least twice a year. Cavities can be quite painful if left untreated and can lead to other diseases like gum disease. Gum disease also makes it hard to keep proper brushing and flossing habits, which results in more cavities being formed.
A complete exam allows you to receive an evaluation of your overall oral health as well as check for signs of potential problems like mouth cancer or tooth decay.
To ensure longevity we must do all we can in order to prevent any damage from occurring while the restorative procedures will repair poor oral hygiene and save our teeth, gums, jaws, wisdom teeth and lips many years later!
Getting The Most From Home Oral Hygiene
Between your two dental appointments, you need to be taking steps at home to minimize the presence of oral bacteria and reduce your risk of oral diseases. An ideal home oral hygiene routine consists of the following:
Brushing – twice each day, two minutes each session.
Flossing – daily, ideally immediately prior to brushing.
Some patients may also benefit from adding an antibacterial mouthwash to their routine. Ask your dentist if that would be helpful for you. Keep in mind that the tools and techniques that you use in your home oral hygiene routine are important. If you’re not holding your brush at an angle along your gum line, for example, you’re probably not removing the maximum amount of plaque possible. You should also be using a soft bristled brush that is no more than 3-4 months old. A harsh brush can actually damage your teeth, while an old one is likely to be ineffective.
Another tip about toothbrushes is just how important it is for people with periodontal disease or other health issues related to their mouths or gums (such as diabetes) to consult with their dentist before purchasing a specific type of toothbrush, as they may require special care during cleaning/flossing activities because these patients may have certain types of teeth/gums sensitive enough or have osteoporosis which makes them especially susceptible during brushing because they allow even minute abrasions on their teeth caused by normal brushing actions when there could otherwise have been minimal irritation thus.
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