HYGIENE APPOINTMENTS - THEY ARE IMPORTANT!
Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. At Alabama Smile Design, we enjoy having the opportunity to watch a family grow. We practice a comprehensive approach to dentistry that is designed to address the dental needs of the entire family. A hygiene appointment is not just a teeth cleaning. The best oral health investment you can make is a regular appointment with one of our highly skilled, knowledgeable and dedicated dental hygienists. We believe our dental hygienists play an essential role in our patient’s oral health and well-being. We are proud to provide top notch care for patients of all ages.
While brushing and flossing at home are important in maintaining optimal oral health, regular oral exams and routine cleanings are even more important. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, our office utilizes advanced technology to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly than you would at home. Our comprehensive oral exams also include oral cancer screenings. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer are critical aspects to raising the chances of survival.
DO I NEED FLUORIDE AS AN ADULT??
The answer is an astounding “YES“!
- Fluoride keeps the tooth enamel strong and solid by preventing the loss of important minerals.
- Regular use of fluoride helps to protect the permanent teeth from decay and sensitivity. Situations that may put adults at a greater risk of tooth decay are gum disease, history of frequent cavities, adult orthodontics, tooth sensitivity, dry mouth, recession and restorative treatments.
- Dry Mouth – Caused from reduced salivary flow due in part to age, certain diseases and most often a side effect of some medications such as antihistamines, allergy, anxiety and high blood pressure medication. Lack of saliva makes an individual more prone to tooth decay by not allowing food particles to be washed away or allowing acids to be neutralized.
- Recession – With people living longer and retaining more of their natural teeth, older individuals experience more problems with recession. The prevelance of root decay increases and results in the need for additional flouride to protect the surface.
- Restorative Treatments – Just because the natural tooth structure is covered up with a restoration, doesn’t mean the tooth doesn’t benefit from fluoride. The margins (where the restoration meets the natural tooth) of the fillings, onlays, crowns or veneers can act as a hiding place for bacteria which can lead to decay and weaken the restoration, resulting in the need for replacement. Proper fluoride treatment protects the area from decaying. Wouldn’t you like to protect your investment?
