Regular Dental Exams Are Key
Almost all dental issues start off small.
Taking care of your teeth through good hygiene and regular dental care is better for your health, stress levels, and wallet than dealing with complex dental procedures.
Portland Family Dentistry works to educate our community and our clients on the importance of taking care of oral health problems when they are first detectable, small, and relatively simple.
Filling a small cavity is quick and easy compared to restoring deep cavities and tooth decay, which can develop into:
- Tooth aches
- Infection, or
- Tooth loss.
Portland family dentist Dr. Travis Agee and the rest of our dental team are strong advocates for preventative dental health regimes, and are more than happy to inform and coach on the best program for you.
Your Teeth Don't Hurt, So You Think They're Okay?
Most dental problems don’t develop symptoms until they advance to a stage that requires a big commitment of time and money to repair.
A great example is tooth decay, which doesn’t cause pain until it has encroached into the nerve. At that point, a root canal and crown are usually necessary to repair a problem that could have been treated with a small filling if discovered early.
Fluoride Treatments in Portland, OR
What is Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride helps protect against cavities (caries) and can reduce tooth sensitivity. It is a naturally occurring element that helps harden tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid exposure.
Most know that topical (applied to the surface of the teeth) fluoride is common for children – but fluoride can also be a beneficial part of a preventative dental regime for adults.
Pediatric Dental Care
Professionals generally recommend fluoride treatment twice a year for children through their adolescent years to help prevent cavities.
A dentist is the best person to assess the patient’s risk for cavities and the developmental status of the patient’s teeth.
Fluoride Treatment for Adults
Portland Family Dentistry recommends topical fluoride supplementation for patients who suffer from
- Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Generalized gingival recession (recessed gums), and
- Sensitive teeth
The premier dental team at Portland Family Dentistry keeps up with the latest industry education and news. We know that scientific study has shown the extensive benefits of fluoride in the prevention of tooth decay.
Fluoride treatments:
- Re-mineralize teeth
- Stop cavities from developing, and
- Make your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, bacteria, and sugars in the mouth.
Request an appointment today and see if fluoride treatments are right for you.
Periodontal Services in Portland
Periodontal or gum disease can destroy the gums and jaw bones that support your natural teeth.
Bacterial plaque (the yellowish film that sticks to your teeth along your gum line) causes periodontal disease and decay that can irritate your gums, leading to:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
Prolonged irritation can cause inflammation and infection. This infection, and your body’s defense against it, can cause deterioration of the bone and soft tissue that hold teeth in place. Left untreated, this can lead to loosening of the teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar) if not consistently removed through daily brushing and flossing. If the plaque becomes an issue, scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, can be performed at our NE Portland dental clinic.
Brushing and flossing daily and regular visits to Dr. Agee and his team at Portland Family Dentistry can help prevent periodontal disease.
Tooth Sealants
Dental Sealants in Portland, OR
The grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, particularly molars, are prone to decay.
As part of prevention, Dr. Agee often recommends tooth sealants. These are protective coatings that are painted onto teeth in those grooves, preventing food debris from sticking in them and causing cavities.
For kids and adults alike, dental sealants are:
- Quick
- Easy
- Painless
Dental sealants are incredibly durable, lasting several years before a reapplication is required, and have no impact on a patient’s ability to eat, drink, or speak, making sealants an obvious treatment to include in a preventative dentistry program.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Our Preventative Dental Care In Portland
FAQ for Preventative Dental Care in Portland
What is preventative dental care?
Preventative dental care is taking steps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities, such as learning good oral hygiene habits and having regular dental exams.
At what age should my child receive their first fluoride treatment?
Your doctor may recommend that your child receive their first fluoride treatment as soon as they get their first tooth. Check during your child’s first dental visit to see if it may be time to start!
When should my child receive their first tooth sealant?
The ADA recommends sealing adult molars as soon as they come in, helping your child stay cavity free.
How often should I have a professional dental cleaning?
It’s generally recommended to visit your local dentist for a cleaning every six months (twice yearly.) However, if you have certain oral health issues, your dentist may recommend visiting more often.
Are there any home care practices that can help prevent periodontal disease?
While having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly is important to good oral health, there are some practices you can do at home to help prevent periodontal disease, like:
- Twice daily brushing
- Flossing
- Replacing your toothbrush regularly
- Using toothpaste with fluoride