Dental Care Basics

At our dental practice, we take pride in helping our patients achieve the brightest smiles and the best dental health possible. We work with you at every step of the process to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible and to allow you to relax and to enjoy the benefits of good dental hygiene. Our goal is to help you to retain your natural teeth throughout your life.

Since the mouth serves as the entrance to the digestive and respiratory tracts, as explained by the Mayo Clinic, it’s vital to ensure you have good oral health to protect your physical health. The basics of dental care generally include the following tasks and activities:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily
• Flossing daily
• Scheduling regular dental cleaning and dental exams
• Eating healthy and nutritious foods without excessive sugar

Our dentists will work with you to create a customized plan that works for you and your entire family. We are committed to the highest standards in dentistry and will provide you with high-quality care and the right resolution for a wide range of dental issues.

Removing Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a film that sticks to your teeth. It is composed of bacteria, food particles and acidic materials produced by the combination of the two. Plaque naturally adheres to the teeth and tongue and can cause tooth decay if left in place. Brushing and flossing can remove most of the plaque. Regular cleanings are still required, however, to ensure that this sticky substance does not damage the surface of your tooth enamel.

The plaque that is not removed from your teeth can also harden into a substance that is called calculus or tartar. This substance can accumulate between teeth, behind teeth and along the gumline. It can also cause irritation that can lead to gingivitis and eventual gum disease. In most cases, tartar or calculus can only be removed by professional teeth cleaning.

Spotting the Warning Signs of Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the mildest and earlier stage of gum disease. It is caused by inflammation that may be caused by plaque or tartar. Gingivitis can produce the following symptoms:

• Bleeding of the gums
• Irritation or pain in the gums
• Gums that are red or purple in color
• Loose teeth and changes in the bite

Left untreated, gingivitis usually develops into gum disease. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease can cause the loss of teeth and can make it more difficult for you to receive dental implants in the future. Our dental team will work with you and your family to reduce the impact of gingivitis and gum disease on your teeth, gums and jaw and to help you retain your natural teeth for as long as is possible.
Avoiding Cavities and Tooth Decay

Plaque is also a risk factor for developing cavities, which are holes in your tooth enamel. Cavities and tooth decay can cause serious damage to your teeth and can result in toothaches, sensitivity to heat and cold, pain when pressure is applied to the tooth during biting and chewing and damage to your tooth that you can feel with your tongue or your finger or can see with your eyes.

Brushing, flossing and regular teeth cleaning can help to prevent most cavities from forming. If they do occur, however, you will probably need a filling and possibly a crown to stop the damage and to seal off the tooth. This will offer added protection for damaged teeth and will help you to manage issues caused by cavities. Our dental team will provide you with the most practical recommendations for caring for your teeth and avoiding issues with tooth decay for yourself, your children and your future.

Dental Hygiene Practices to Follow at Home

Creating the right dental hygiene plan for your family is essential to promote the healthiest teeth and the most brilliant smiles possible. Our dental office will assist you in establishing the right regimen for yourself and your family. Things to remember when planning your home dental care routine include the following:

Brushing
Brush your teeth after every meal and snack if possible and at least twice a day at minimum. Each time, you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes with a soft brush. You can use an electric toothbrush or a regular toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushing your tongue can remove bacteria that could otherwise form plaque to damage your teeth.

Flossing
Flossing carefully between teeth will typically remove food and plaque from between teeth. You should floss at least once per day and after meals if you can. This will help you reduce your risks of developing gingivitis and gum disease and can help your breath smell fresher and more appealing.

Healthy Diet
Proper diet is also important to ensure that your teeth are strong and healthy. Limiting sweets and brushing after snacks will protect your teeth against some of the dangerous effects of plaque.

Taking good care of your teeth will ensure that they last for a lifetime and that they allow you to enjoy the brightest smiles possible throughout your life.

Why You Should Build a Relationship With Your Dentist

Our dental practice will provide you with the care and the guidance needed to promote the healthiest teeth for you and your family. We work with you at every stage of your treatment to ensure that you receive the care you need. We can perform oral cancer screenings, run tests for TMJ issues, provide solutions for teeth grinding and deliver the best services for you and your family in the Indiana area.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy for Life

At our dental practice, we take pride in offering the best range of dental services in the Indiana area. We work with you and your family to perform exams that will give us an idea of your current dental conditions. Our dentists will then help you find the best solutions for managing your dental care at home and getting on the right schedule to resolve issues with tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and other conditions that could affect the health and longevity of your teeth. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment and to begin your journey to better dental health. We are here to serve you.