University Dental Group

Preventative Dentistry

Our doctors strongly believe that the best way to keep your teeth healthy is to prevent dental decay and gum disease. Cavities can be easily prevented with good dental hygiene, proper nutrition, fluoride, and sealants. We recommend oral examinations and dental cleanings two times per year for our healthy patients.

Brushing removes food particles and plaque from your mouth, making teeth look cleaner and breath feel fresher. Brush at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles and replace it every three months.

Brushing keeps your teeth fairly clean. But it can’t reach plaque and food between teeth and under the gumline. Daily flossing will help keep plaque from building up in these hard-to-reach areas.

There are several types of floss: waxed, unwaxed, nylon, etc. Use whichever you prefer. To make sure you floss all your teeth, start behind the upper and lower molars at one side of your mouth and work toward the other side. (See illustrations.)

What causes periodontal (gum) diseases?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. Even if you brush and clean between your teeth every day, you may not completely remove plaque, especially around the gumline. The bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and underlying bone. Over time, these toxins can destroy gum and bone tissue.

See your dentist if you notice any of the following signs:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any changes in the fit of partial dentures

Prevention and Treatment
The first line of defense is prevention. This includes a good oral hygiene routine at home. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner helps prevent plaque from accumulating. The dental office staff may provide instructions on additional cleaning methods or oral hygiene products to use at home.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important in preventing periodontal diseases. If these measures are not taken, the likelihood of disease increases. In some cases, even with these measures, a certain percentage of patients experience some form of periodontal disease that must be treated.

Periodontal disease will not go away by itself. Left untreated, surgery may be needed to save affected teeth. Preventing and treating the disease in the early stages are the best ways to keep your smile healthy.

When should I bring my child in for his/her first dental visit?
At University Dental Group we begin seeing children at age 3.

How often should my child see the dentist?
While there is no set rule, it is generally recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. The frequency of dental visits will partly depend on your child’s eating habits, how clean his or her teeth are kept, and whether your child drinks fluorinated water. Taking your child to the dentist regularly can prevent serious dental disease. Preventive services such as fluoride treatments and sealants are less costly than the fillings, crowns, and other treatments that your child may need if the teeth are neglected. Regular dental visits can save time, money, and your child’s teeth.

Dental caries (tooth decay) often occurs in the chewing surfaces of back teeth. However, your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants.

What is a sealant?
A sealant is a clear shaded plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where decay occurs most often. This sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth from plaque and acid