Preventative Care

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

We all have teeth – and we all want to keep them for life! The purpose of Preventive Dentistry is to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy today and every day.

At Solace Dental Care, we keep your teeth and gums healthy. Preventive care includes cleaning of your teeth to remove accumulations of calculus (prophylaxis) at least twice a year. It includes examination of your gums for early signs of periodontal disease; timely X-rays to detect tooth decay; and even looking for changes in the soft tissue of the mouth that could lead to oral cancer.

PerioLogix Program

To help you improve the foundation of your smile and achieve pink healthy gums, our hygiene department has a great new program called PerioLogix. Eighty percent of the entire adult population is afflicted by periodontal disease. It is a silent, serious infection of the gums. There is currently no cure for this disease, but there are protocols that have been developed to gain control of the disease.

Our hygienists will work with you to create a step-by-step action plan for you to achieve and maintain excellent oral health. Good oral health is known to improve your overall health. Ask your hygienist for more information at your next visit.

You too can play an important role by following our at-home oral care recommendations. Some of the elements of proper dental hygiene include brushing twice a day, flossing, eating a balanced diet, limiting between-meal snacks, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam. Stop the use of all tobacco products.

Tooth Decay

How does Bacteria cause tooth decay?

Bacteria that live in dental plaque produce the acids that cause tooth demineralization. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches) to form acid within seconds. This acid is held on the surface of the teeth by plaque.

“Dental plaque provides a home for the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay.”

The acid dissolves the enamel and over a period of time, causes tooth decay. Early stages of tooth decay may cause pain. When decay reaches the nerves, or the pulp, the pain can be very severe and a root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.

Cavity prevention recommendations:

The less sugar you consume, the fewer number of times you eat sugary foods, or the shorter the duration dietary sugars are allowed to remain in your mouth the less exposure your teeth will have to the acids produced by oral bacteria.

  • Use artificial sweeteners rather than natural sugars.
  • Minimize the duration sugars are allowed to remain in your mouth. Brush and floss, or at least rinse with water after consuming sugary foods.
  • Don’t snack on or sip on sugary foods and beverages over a prolonged period of time. Eat or drink these items in fairly prompt order and then clean your teeth.

What happens during a root canal? Here is a video to help you understand why a root canal is the best alternative to save your tooth:

How do bacteria living in plaque or tartar cause Gum Disease?

Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. Bacteria in plaque or tartar cause inflammation of the gums, redness, swelling and gums that are prone to bleeding. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

No pain occurs at this stage but if it continues, the gums may become infected. This infection can destroy the periodontal membrane and the bone that holds the tooth in place. The tooth can become loose and may fall out. Periodontal gum treatments can reverse the progress of gum disease. Ask your dental hygienist for more information and view this video to understand the benefits any recommended gum treatment therapy.

Gum Disease Risk Factors:

  • Smoking. Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis.
  • Hormonal changes in girls/women. These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease.
  • Stress. Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease.
  • Medications. Some drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
  • Illnesses. Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also affect the health of gums.
  • Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others.

What can you do to prevent gum disease?

Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
  • Floss every day
  • Visit us routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning at least twice a year
  • Eat a well balanced diet
  • Don’t use tobacco products

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