It is important to brush your teeth at least twice daily to help remove plaque and food particles that get stuck to your teeth. It is recommended that you brush your teeth for two minutes (or longer), though most people rush through this time. You need to make sure that you reach every side of each tooth, including the inside and outside. To help keep your breath fresh, you should also brush your tongue. Then, you can begin flossing.
Exams
Regular dental examinations can help detect problems early-on. At Mountain Loop Dental, we use the latest digital technology to identify disease before it becomes hazardous to your health.
Your dental examination will include a head, neck, and oral cancer screening utilizing VELscope technology, periodontal evaluation of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, visual examination of the teeth and current restorations, and examination of x-rays to diagnose decay and other problems as early as possible.
VELscope Oral Cancer Screenings
When it comes to cancer, early detection can save your life. Nearly 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. While most oral cancers are very treatable, delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications. VELscope offers an easy, painless, non-invasive way to identify oral cancers and other abnormalities. The VELscope system uses a harmless blue light to help spot abnormal tissue before it's visible to the naked eye.
Cleanings
Regular, professional cleanings (prophylaxis) will help prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental problems. During this procedure we will remove plaque (biofilm) from your teeth, remove calculus (tartar) above the gum line, and polish to remove stains from the teeth.
Sealants
Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs in the grooves of molar teeth (the back teeth). Dental sealants are thin composite coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of these molars to prevent decay. Applying sealants is a quick and easy procedure, and does not require removing any tooth structure.
Night Guards & Sport Guards
It can be beneficial to use a guard, or covering, to protect your teeth from grinding while sleeping. Similar to how a mouthguard protects teeth during sports, this layer prevents damage to the teeth that can occur naturally.
There are a wide variety of different types of mouthguards, ranging from pre-formed pieces to ones that are custom fitted to your teeth and jaws. Some of these can even be formed at home through a boil-and-bite process.
Typically these mouthguards cover your upper teeth only, but in certain instances they are used for the lower teeth as well.
Grinding of teeth can be a serious problem that does major damage to your teeth, so wearing a nightguard is an effective way to prevent this damage.