Preventive Dentistry: The Route to Healthy Teeth and Gums

Moorestown Dental Professionals – Dentists in Moorestown, NJ

It’s essential to brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth once a day, at a minimum, but these at-home efforts are not enough preventive care to keep your smile healthy and strong forever. Preventive dentistry is an integral part of your overall healthcare needs, and maintaining regular appointments with your Moorestown dental team is what will help protect your teeth and gums from disease, decay, disorders, or aesthetic problems that can prevent you from having a confident and attractive smile.

Protect Your Smile with Preventive Dentistry

The most basic of all preventive dental care, dental check-ups and teeth cleanings should occur at least once every six months. You know how amazing your teeth feel after a professional cleaning from your dentist or hygienist – they’re smooth, shiny, and feel brand new. This feeling can never be duplicated in your own personal efforts at oral health care. There are simply some spots that your toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach. A professional dental cleaning is necessary to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup to protect against cavity development and gum disease.

Another enormous benefit of regular dental visits is the thoroughness of the exam you receive. Not only are you walking away from a preventive care appointment with clean teeth, but your dentist will also be on the lookout for anything untoward that is going on in your mouth. Early signs of gingivitis, cavities, low saliva production, or even oral cancer will be far more obvious to your dentist, and early detection and treatment of these problems can help prevent painful side effects and lengthy treatment down the road. An oral cancer screening in particular, done painlessly with the Velscope, provides a thorough examination that every person should undergo. Oral cancer is not reserved for tobacco users alone.

Undergo Gum Disease Treatment Before Teeth Are Lost

Gum disease is an incredibly common dental problem, affecting nearly 50 percent of all American adults in some way, shape, or form, from the early stages of gingivitis to full-blown periodontal disease. In adults over the age of 65, the number of people with gum disease increases to 70 percent.

There is no reason to be ashamed of having gum disease – some people are predisposed to the condition, while others may have less than ideal oral health which contributes to the development of the disease. What is important is that treatment is sought before gum disease is permitted to grow out of control. You know when something is wrong with your oral health – swollen, red, inflamed, or bleeding gums as well as loose and shifting teeth could all be signs that periodontal gum disease treatment is indeed necessary.

Opt for Special Preventive Dentistry Treatment to Protect Teeth from Decay

There are plenty of over-the-counter “cures” that promise to fix your teeth and improve the look of your smile, but nothing can replace the expertise and experience of your dentist. Many people worry about barring their teeth from the possibilities of cavities. If this is your greatest oral health concern, consult with your dentist about tooth sealants. Sealants can be applied to the enamel after a thorough cleaning and special exam that includes cleaning the grooves of your teeth, checking for decay, and applying the sealant material. The goal of sealants is to act as a barrier against bacteria and the development of decay.

Dr. Rush, Dr. Esmail, and their highly trained oral healthcare team are also happy to provide customized recommendations to every patient identifying the preventive care dental products that are a good match for your specific dental needs. Some of the most effective suggestions often include baking soda tooth cleaner, a Sonicare™ electric toothbrush, a Waterpik® water flosser, and fluoride treatments, but every recommendation is customized to a patient’s individual oral health.

Seek Customized Preventive Care for Your Unique Oral Health Needs

You want a dentist who is well-rounded, experienced, and prepared to handle any oral health-related concern you may have. A dentist with extensive orthodontic experience is a rare find. Being able to see the same person for your preventive dentistry care as for orthodontic treatment is incredibly valuable because this oral health professional knows and understands your oral health history as a whole.

Dental braces may be your best option. Braces are a reliable and proven way to achieve a perfectly aligned smile. Modern braces are smaller, flatter, and more comfortable than they have ever been. Tooth and jaw alignment are easier than ever thanks to orthodontic innovations. As you may or may not know, a straight smile is not only more pleasing to the eyes, it is easier to clean, aids in digestion, and reduces your chances of developing cavities.

For individuals who need something slightly more in-depth than traditional metal braces, orthodontics are a two-phase orthodontic treatment system that corrects the jaw and mouth arches while avoiding surgery or tooth extraction. Phase 1 focuses on correcting any jaw or skeletal issues, like airway obstructions, TMJ concerns, or bad habits such as tongue thrusting. Phase 2 then focuses on aligning the teeth for an aesthetically beautiful smile.

Emergency Dentistry – If you’ve got a dental emergency, we’re here to help. Broken teeth due to an accident or sports injury can be painful. Don’t wait to relieve your pain, call our office for fast service.

Pinhole gum procedure – The Pinhole Surgical Technique™, is a scalpel-free, suture-free way to correct gum recession. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, the patients experience less discomfort, a shorter recovery time, and instant improvement.

Sleep apnea treatment can also be helpful for airway obstructions. Many patients are unaware that they have sleep apnea, but this potentially serious condition contributes to difficulty sleeping and a feeling of not being rested. Nearly one in every 15 Americans loses sleep every night because of this disorder where breathing periodically stops and starts. Treatment by a dentist can help correct sleep apnea and restore restful – and safe – nights.

We also provide the following preventive dentistry services:

• Periodontal Treatment
• Tooth Extractions
• Scaling and Root Planing

Whatever your oral health question or concern, Moorestown Dental Professionals can help. Preventive care is just a phone call away.