Your mouth is an important part of your body that performs many essential functions. For your mouth to perform optimally, it is necessary to take good care of it. Oral health care is much more than just brushing and flossing your teeth. Many patients often have questions about how to keep their mouths happy and healthy. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD, we are here to help.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, you still require routine dental visits. Dental cleanings are essential for eliminating all accumulation from the surfaces of your teeth, including calcified plaque, also called tartar. We can clean all areas of your teeth, including those regions that you cannot effectively clean on your own. Exams allow us to check over the condition of your teeth and gums, looking for signs of different oral health issues. We can spot issues in their earliest stages, enabling us to provide you with the treatment you need right away.
Even if you brush twice a day, it is essential that you floss your teeth at least once a day. No matter how well you brush, the bristles of your toothbrush cannot get the spaces between your teeth. Flossing allows you to reach these areas of your mouth, eliminating plaque, bacteria, and other debris from between your teeth to help prevent the formation of decay and cavities.
It is recommended that you use a soft bristled toothbrush. The head should be comfortable in your mouth and easy to handle. It is also recommended that you use a fluoridated toothpaste, which will help to keep your teeth strong and healthy. There are also toothpaste formulated to address certain issues such as surface stains and sensitivity.
There are several signs that there is something wrong, and that you should schedule an appointment. These signs include:
X-rays are an integral part of helping you to maintain optimal oral health. While there are many components of your mouth that can be examined with the naked eye, there are many components that we cannot see. X-rays allow us to see the spaces between your teeth and the areas below your gums, allowing us to diagnose cavities between teeth, root damage, impacted teeth, tooth infections and more. With these images, we can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Fluoride is an essential element in your teeth. It is important for keeping your teeth strong and enabling them to fight erosion caused by acids produced by plaque and bacteria. Every day, fluoride is lost. It can, and should, also be replaced. There are many sources of fluoride, including treated tap water and fluoridated oral care products. We can also provide fluoride treatments if necessary.
Your medical history is an important part of helping you to keep your mouth healthy. Certain medical conditions can affect your dental health, as well as the types of treatments you can receive. At the same time, dental issues can increase your risk of developing certain health issues or causing certain health issues to worsen. With your medical history, we can customize your dental care to meet your specific needs.
