Preventive DentistryTaking good care of your mouth is important for maintaining the health of your teeth and your gums, and for preventing serious issues from arising. A big part of maintaining your oral health is done at home with daily brushing and flossing. However, even with proper brushing and flossing every day, issues can still develop. At Sunnyside Dentistry, we can provide you with the preventative care to help you maintain optimal oral health and the beauty of your smile. Cleanings and ExamsIn addition to daily brushing and flossing, it is recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. Cleanings are performed to help you prevent the formation of oral health issues like cavities and gum disease by removing all buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including plaque, bacteria, and stubborn tartar. We can access all areas of your teeth, including those you cannot easily access at home. Exams are performed to help detect the presence of oral health issues in their earliest stages before symptoms begin to appear. By detecting issues early, we can provide you with minimally invasive treatment to prevent more serious consequences later.Fluoride and SealantsFluoride and sealants are two treatments that we provide to help you prevent cavities. They are designed to work in conjunction with good oral hygiene practices. Fluoride is a topical treatment that we apply to the surfaces of your teeth. The fluoride absorbs into your tooth enamel, where it helps to remineralize your teeth, strengthening them and helping them to fight off acid attacks. Sealants are a treatment that is applied to the surfaces of your molars. They are meant to cover over the deep crevices on the surfaces of these teeth, preventing food particles and bacteria from getting trapped. They also help to make the molars easier to keep clean.Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a progressive oral health issue that affects your gums, your teeth, and their supporting structures. It begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate on your teeth. These substances irritate your gums, causing inflammation. Swollen gums pull away from your teeth, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets. Bacteria can get into these pockets, where they begin to attack your periodontal ligaments and jawbone. Advanced stages of periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. With preventative treatment, we can help to prevent the formation of periodontal disease. Should it form, however, we can provide you with the treatments you need to stop it in its tracks. Read more about Gum (Periodontal) Disease.Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and root planing is a common periodontal treatment performed to prevent periodontal disease from worsening. This particular treatment is a deep cleaning of all surfaces of your teeth both above and below the gum line. Scaling involves the cleaning of the visible surfaces of your teeth, with special attention paid around and just under the gum line. Root planing involves the smoothing of your root surfaces. By removing buildup, we help to eliminate gum irritation, which enables your tissues to begin healing.BruxismBruxism is a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth. This condition places excessive pressure on your teeth and your jawbone and can lead to uneven tooth wear, tooth damage, gum recession, and loose teeth. It can also cause significant pain in your jaw and temporomandibular joints, making basic movements difficult. We can provide treatment for bruxism, helping to protect your oral health, alleviate pain, and restore your quality of life.Children's DentistryOral hygiene is an important habit for everyone, adults and child alike. Just like you, your child needs to brush and floss their teeth every day. They also require professional dental care. However, the needs of your child are different from your own dental needs. Your child is still growing, and their mouth is undergoing a significant amount of growth and development. At Sunnyside Dentistry, we can provide your child with the dental care they need to maintain and develop a healthy, beautiful smile.With preventative dentistry, we can help you maintain the health of your mouth, preventing serious issues from occurring. Call Sunnyside Dentistry today at (503) 451-5104 to learn more and to schedule your appointment. |
