Tips for good dental health by Cary, NC family dentist
At Holistic Dental Centers in Cary and Cornelius, NC, our dentist provides a variety of preventative dental services for families. Dr. Carl McMillan is pleased to offer tips and information for patients who are interested in maintaining good oral health and wellness. With our providers, patients of all ages can learn about the many ways they can keep the smile beautiful, healthy, and fully functional!
Why is preventative dental care important?
Every patient needs to take good care of their smile. This includes preventative care to avoid the development of many harmful problems. Two common conditions that can develop due to poor oral hygiene include periodontal disease and tooth decay.
- Periodontal disease – periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease, is a condition that starts in the soft tissues. Bacteria can form when the smile is not properly cleaned after meals, and these bacteria can rest in the pockets that form between the gums and the teeth. Patients with periodontal disease will need to seek immediate treatment with their dentist to control the problem and address the infection before it becomes too damaging to the smile. Signs of periodontal disease include red, bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; and the loss of gum tissue, bone, and teeth. To treat the condition, it must be properly diagnosed to verify what stage it has reached. Then, our dentist can determine what solution is best for patients based on their specific needs.
- Tooth decay – also known as cavities, tooth decay can be detrimental to the health of a tooth. Decay is essentially a hole that develops on the tooth enamel from acids and sugars on the teeth. This hole can start out small, but when left untreated, can become large and deep. Tooth decay that goes deep into the tooth may result in infection of the dental pulp, the mass of tissues that reside inside the canals of the tooth and house the nerves and the blood supply. This can cause painful toothaches that may only be treated with root canal therapy. Tooth decay can be addressed with dental fillings as it is diagnosed, but over time, it can impact the overall health of the smile.
Tips for maintaining good oral care habits
Patients should take good care of their teeth and gums. This starts with brushing and flossing after every meal. Brushing and flossing removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can develop on the enamel, and can remove food particles that can become trapped between the teeth. Additionally, patients who have overcrowded or misaligned teeth may have more areas that are susceptible to problems, so those patients are advised to speak to their dentist about possibly undergoing orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and improve the appearance and health of the smile. Patients of all ages should visit their dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination to monitor the health of the smile over time. As soon as a problem develops, they are urged to make an appointment with Dr. Carl McMillan to seek immediate treatment. Children who visit our practice are always treated like family and will have the opportunity to ask their dental hygienist or their dentist about ways to maintain a healthy smile. We can walk children through the process of brushing their teeth properly and help them learn how to floss between the teeth after every meal. This education is key to building a foundation for oral health and wellness not only in children, but in their parents as well!
Ready to learn more about preventative care for keeping the smile healthy?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Carl McMillan and his team of professionals at one of the two conveniently located Holistic Dental Centers in Cornelius and Cary, NC. Our Cary, NC area practice is located at 1110 SE Cary Parkway, Ste. 206 and can be reached for an appointment by calling (919) 865-0700. We welcome new patients and families for comprehensive care.
