Today’s advanced dental techniques used by our experienced dentists and hygienists provide you with different options for improving or enhancing your smile and oral health. Preventative dentistry covers…
At Kelly Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our primary goal is simple: to prevent your need for extensive restorative or cosmetic dental procedures. Through regular maintenance, our dental professionals can help you prevent poor oral health due to decay and disease — problems that can negatively affect your overall health and well-being.
Maintaining good oral hygiene remains one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth and gums help you to not only look and feel good, but they allow you to eat and speak properly. Our caring and professional staff stresses daily preventative care — such as proper brushing and flossing — to prevent more serious problems from developing. Between regular visits to our full-service Brighton dental office, there are simple steps you can take to greatly decrease your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental or medical problems.
- Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals
- Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
- Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist advises you to
- Make sure that children under 12 drink fluoridated water
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Professional Cleanings
The best way to prevent excessive plaque and tartar buildup and prevent tooth decay or gum disease is to schedule a professional cleaning with one of our hygienists every six months. Plaque that is left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning lasts about one hour and will usually include scaling and polishing.
Our professional cleanings will help you to preserve your teeth and gums. While having a cavity filled may seem uncomfortable, compared to root canal therapy or tooth extractions, it is much less painful (both physically and financially!) If you have not scheduled your next professional cleaning, contact us today and avoid the cost and discomfort of extensive dental restorations.
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Gum Disease Treatments (Periodontal)
The gums, ligaments and bone around the teeth form the foundation for your teeth. These structures as a whole are also called the periodontum. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house.
Some signs of an unhealthy periodontium include gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. If gum disease is not treated at the first sign of a problem and becomes too severe, it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction.
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Comprehensive Examinations
In order to maintain a healthy smile, it is important that one of our dentists performs comprehensive examinations of your overall oral health. Using advanced dental technology, such as digital x-rays, we can effectively monitor the condition of your teeth and identify early signs of decay.
Comprehensive exams allow our professional staff to assess the condition of your gums and their position along your teeth. Early detection of periodontal disease can save your smile. Our knowledgeable staff will work with you to develop an examination schedule that matches your oral health requirements.
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Oral Cancer Screenings
In America, oral cancer kills more people each year than skin and cervical cancers combined. Discovering soft tissue abnormalities is particularly important in the fight against oral cancer. Most general practitioners do not do an oral cancer screen during a typical annual physical, so it is incredibly important that all patients see their dental professional bi-annually for a regular oral cancer screening.
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Occlusal (Bite) Guards
Occlusal guards, also known as “bite guards” or “night guards,” are dental devices designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching, a condition known as “bruxism.” Made from durable, high-quality materials, these custom-fitted guards cushion the teeth and absorb grinding/clenching pressure, preventing wear and tear, fractures, and other dental issues. They are typically worn during sleeping when unconscious grinding and clenching are most likely to occur. In addition to safeguarding teeth, occlusal guards can help alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with bruxism, promoting oral health and well-being.
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To learn more about our dentists, any of our preventative dental services or to make an appointment, please contact our office or call us directly at 810.227.4111.