Preventative Dental Care

Preventative Dental Care services include regular dental exams and promoting good oral hygiene practices. These are both important in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Preventative Dental Care promotes good oral health and general well-being. Good oral hygiene helps patients avoid cavities, gingivitis (inflammation of gum tissue), periodontal disease (gum disease), and enamel loss.

Good oral health also reduces your risk of developing secondary health problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer) due to poor oral health. Since the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, you are at increased risk of developing these secondary health conditions.

Optimal oral health requires daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year for adults, children, and adolescents. Maintaining this regimen ensures that teeth remain clean, healthy, and strong.

Having good oral hygiene is important for good oral health. Follow these tips for caring for your teeth: 

• Brush your teeth daily.
• Replace your toothbrush three to four times a year.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria from your mouth and help freshen your breath.
• Floss daily.
• Limit your sugar intake.
• Visit your dentist.

Sugar is harmful to the teeth, so you should limit your sugar intake. When you eat sugary snacks, cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Eating a well-balanced diet and limiting the number of snacks between meals is important for a healthy mouth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends selecting a toothpaste with an ADA Seal of Acceptance. The seal confirms that you are choosing the best toothpaste for your teeth, that the toothpaste has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness, and that it does what it claims.

At Mt. Angel Dental, we offer comprehensive Preventative Dental Care services for patients of all age groups, including a complete review of medical and dental history and regular dental exams.

During your visit, your dental hygienist will examine and clean your teeth, identify any gum inflammation or bone loss, and evaluate your risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health problems.

After your teeth cleaning, Dr. Weishoff will discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits, including proper brushing and flossing techniques and the effects of any current medication or tobacco use on your oral health. 

Dr. Weishoff will also address any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health, including issues such as tooth loss, the benefits of crowns, bridges, or dental implants, or even your interest in cosmetic dental procedures. Additionally, she will discuss treatment options with you and help you develop an oral health plan that suits your needs.

Exams for children and adolescents are pretty much the same as for adults, but our hygienists will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to make sure your child or adolescent is getting the most out of at-home cleanings. The hygienist may also discuss other age-appropriate topics, such as preventing oral injuries and the health risks of tobacco use, substance abuse, and oral piercings.

Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in the mouth and, if left untreated, can escalate to tooth loss. In the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), patients experience red and swollen gums and occasional bleeding. In advanced stages of gum disease (periodontitis), the gums pull away from the tooth, there may be bone loss, and teeth may loosen or fall out.

An occlusal analysis is performed to ensure that all the parts of a patient’s bite work together. The way your teeth align when the lower jaw (mandible) and upper jaw (maxilla) meet (in a bite) is called occlusion. It defines the way your teeth move against each other.

Preventative Dental Services include more than just routine oral exams, x-rays, and cleanings. They also include fluoride treatments, sealants, nightguards, and custom sports guards. At Mt. Angel Dental, Dr. Weishoff offers these services to identify and stop early dental issues before they become problems.

At Mt. Angel Dental, we offer comprehensive Preventative Dental Care services for the entire family. We are currently accepting new dental patients. To schedule an appointment, call Mt. Angel Dental at (503) 845-2273 or request an appointment online.