At Putnam dental, families can find excellent care for their teeth and oral health. Here is what your Brewster, NY dentist can do for your family.
Though they're largely preventable, about
3.5 billion people worldwide have oral diseases. These include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers. With regular visits to your Putnam Dental team, you can protect your family's smiles.
How exactly can a dentist in Brewster help your family improve their oral health? Read on to find out!
Teeth Cleaning
Teeth cleaning appointments involve removing bacteria and plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It's a clear, tacky substance that clings onto and between teeth.
When you don't brush and floss, plaque can harden into tartar. You'll need to visit a dentist in Brewster for a professional cleaning.
When plaque and tartar linger, they can release acid. A cavity could form if you neglect to schedule regular cleanings.
About
87% of children (ages 2 to 17) have visited a dentist in the past year. Only 64.1% of adults have scheduled a dental exam or cleaning in the past year. As a result, more adults have cavities than children.
Your dental team may recommend other preventive dental services during your appointment. These can include fluoride treatments or dental sealants.
There are different types of dental cleanings, including:
- Prophylaxis (routine, preventative cleanings)
- Gross debridement (for extensive plaque buildup)
- Scaling and root planing (for deep cleaning)
You should schedule teeth cleanings every six months. For more extensive oral health issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments.
Routine teeth cleanings can reduce your risk of serious health issues. This includes gum disease and cavities. It can also prevent bad breath.
Protecting your smile can benefit your overall health. Professional cleanings could reduce your risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke.
Regular appointments will help you treat minor issues before they become extensive. This could save you money in the long run. You won't have to pay for additional oral health care services.
Cavity Detection
A cavity (tooth decay) is a hole that's formed in a tooth. They begin as small holes before growing gradually over time. Neglecting to seek immediate treatment could lead to complications.
Symptoms of tooth decay include:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- A visible hole in a tooth
- White or black staining
Cavities can develop due to plaque formation. After eating or drinking something with sugar, bacteria will turn the sugar into acid.
It's important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. This can minimize plaque formation. Otherwise, plaque will erode your tooth enamel, leaving you more susceptible to decay.
Visiting your dentist in Brewster will ensure immediate cavity detection. They can begin treatment before the decay spreads.
For minor decay, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to restore your tooth enamel. Other treatments include tooth filling, crowns, and tooth canals.
Delaying treatment can cause a tooth abscess to form. It can become infected, leading to life-threatening issues.
Avoid Gum Disease
A bacterial infection due to plaque can cause your gums to become inflamed. This early form of gum disease is called gingivitis. Without treatment, it can progress into a serious infection, periodontitis.
Some patients have gum disease without experiencing symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Foul-smelling breath
- Loose teeth
- Tender, red, or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- A change to your bite
- Pain when chewing
Visit your dentist in Brewster right away if you develop these symptoms. With an early diagnosis, you'll receive a deep cleaning. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotic medication.
If the gingivitis is severe, they may recommend surgery. You can avoid gum disease and surgery with regular visits to the dentist. They'll spot signs of gingivitis before it can progress.
Otherwise, gum disease can compromise your overall health. It could increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer can affect your palates, cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue. Early detection is important. Your dentist may spot signs during a routine appointment.
Scheduling appointments every six months will allow the dentist to assess these areas. Symptoms of oral cancer can include:
- Loose teeth
- Pain when swallowing
- Tongue pain
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Dramatic weight loss
- A lump in the neck
- A sore that won't heal
- Bleeding from the mouth
Visit your dentist in Brewster right away if you experience these symptoms. They'll schedule a PET or CT scan. They can look for lesions, growths, or tumors and schedule a biopsy.
Fresh Breath
Remember, oral health problems like gum disease can cause bad breath. If brushing your teeth doesn't resolve the problem, consult your dentist.
They may realize you have excess plaque buildup. Your bad breath won't resolve itself on its own. Your dentist can make customized recommendations to keep it from worsening.
Improved Oral Health
Your dentist can help you improve and maintain your oral health. They can recommend changes to your routine. For example, perhaps your family needs to follow a different diet.
Maybe you're not brushing properly. You should brush your teeth in small circles, not side to side. Make sure to replace your brush every three months or when the bristles fray.
These recommendations will help you maintain better
oral hygiene at home. It could help you avoid needing extensive treatments.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
Schedule a consultation with your dentist in Brewster. You may want to discuss concerns you have about your teeth. They can recommend treatments to accomplish your goals.
For example, perhaps you're a heavy coffee drinker. Coffee, wine, and tea can stain your smile. If your teeth are discolored, consider teeth whitening treatment.
Whitening your teeth can improve your self-confidence. It can also remove bacteria, improving your oral health.
Visit Your Putnam Dental Team Today
Protect your family from oral health issues. Visit your Putnam Dental team to discuss these treatment options. With help, you can design a treatment plan for the entire family.
Our team at Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry is dedicated to providing the people of Brewster with the best possible dental care. We can improve your oral health and provide you with the smile you've always wanted.
Trust our experienced team, full line of dental services, and customized care plans.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
