PREVENTATIVE CARE

HELPING YOU MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HEALTH IN YORKTOWN, VA

WHY IS PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE IMPORTANT?

Preventative dental care is a vital part of dentistry that aims to prevent dental problems such as decay and gum disease. Did you know the majority of preventative dental care is done at home by brushing twice a day and flossing daily? These important steps in your daily oral hygiene routine help to prevent cavities as well as gum disease. Maintaining regular dental visits for cleanings and health checks is an equally important component of preventative dental care. At regular hygiene visits, you will receive x-rays, periodontal checks and an oral cancer screening. During routine dental visits, your dentist can detect any changes in your oral health early and provide treatment before it becomes a bigger problem. Practicing good dental hygiene habits and scheduling regular checkups will help your smile stay healthy & beautiful.

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KEEPING YOUR GUMS HEALTHY

It is approximated that more than 64 million Americans have some form of periodontal disease by the age of 30. Gingivitis most often caused by bacteria, is the more commonly known term that refers to the beginning stages of periodontal disease. Some symptoms of gingivitis include slightly red or inflamed gum tissue and bleeding during brushing and/or flossing. If you have noticed or experienced any of these symptoms, Anthony Martin Dentistry wants you to know that gum disease is manageable and even reversible. At your normal routine dental checks, we will measure the depth of the pockets around your gums. Significant pocket depth may indicate that you have gum disease and, in some cases, may need to see a periodontal specialist.

To help combat gum disease, one of the most important habits you can start (or continue) is daily flossing. Daily flossing cleans between teeth where most of the bacteria are left after brushing. Getting rid of this bacteria daily, will reduce the inflammation in the gum tissue and decrease the pocket depth around your teeth. Flossing every day will make a significant impact on your overall oral health and the health of your gums.

TIPS FOR GOOD DENTAL HYGIENE:

When you practice preventative oral health care at home, your dentist will notice! Here are a few ways to maintain good oral health at home between visits:

  • Eat a balanced diet, and avoid sugary foods

  • Eating nutritious foods like raw veggies, plain yogurt, cheese or fruit, will aid in keeping teeth healthy

  • Schedule professional cleanings every 6 months

  • Ask how sealants can help to protect your teeth from decay

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush

  • Replace your toothbrush every three or four months

  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride

  • Brush the top of your tongue to remove extra food & bacteria

  • Floss your teeth at least once a day

ROUTINE DENTAL CHECKUPS

WHY REGULAR DENTAL EXAMS ARE IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY

The American Dental Association recommends all people see the dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and oral health checks. At Martin Dentistry, we want to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.

During your check-up, the team at Anthony Martin Dentistry will cover all aspects of your dental health, including:

  • Which toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and other products we recommend for your teeth.
  • We will assess your dental history and current oral health, and recommend how many cleanings a year are best for you.
  • We will assess your risk for any dental diseases and recommend any changes you should implement to lower your risk.
  • We will perform the following routine measures to help you maintain your best oral health including:
  • Take any necessary x-rays
  • Update medical health history to include any new medications
  • Thoroughly clean and polish teeth
  • Perform an oral examination to identify any decay if present
  • Oral cancer screening to identify precancerous or cancerous growths inside the mouth, throat or neck. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves health outcomes
  • Offer sealants for children and teens
  • Refer patients to an orthodontist if necessary
  • Provide education on proper brushing and flossing techniques to improve oral health

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental check-up, it’s time to contact our office at (757)886-0300 and schedule your appointment!

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HELPING YOUR CHILD PREVENT CAVITIES

HEALTHY DENTAL HABITS START AT HOME

At Anthony Martin Dentistry, we believe excellent preventative care, performed at home, is the foundation of a lifelong, healthy smile. At each stage in your child’s development, we will discuss the proper way to clean teeth and gums and what foods or drinks to avoid to reduce the likelihood of decay. Keeping your child’s regular dental visits every 6 months is essential to maintaining good oral health.

Cavities are no fun and they are also preventable, that’s why Anthony Martin Dentistry goes above and beyond to help your child avoid decay and the treatment (a filling). Our tools to help prevent decay include: regular dental visits for routine cleanings and exams, good oral hygiene education, fluoride and dental sealants.

The “home” part of preventative care means brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Making healthy snack choices such as fresh fruit and vegetables as well as limiting sugary drinks will also help reduce the risk of decay.

If your child does happen to get a cavity, Dr. Martin and his dental team will guide your child through every step of the treatment. If you are new to the Hampton Roads area and are looking for a dental home, please don’t hesitate to call us at (757)886-0300.

Family, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry

REQUEST YOUR APPOINTMENT

We can’t wait to meet you and your family. Thank you for trusting us with your dental care.