Preventive Dental Care
From Our Family Dentist In Hunt Valley, Md
Semiannual checkups with your dentist, along with professional cleanings by a dental hygienist, are the cornerstone of a healthy smile. Such preventive care goes a long way towards reducing the presence of harmful oral bacteria and optimizing your oral health. If you have not seen a dentist in the past six months, we encourage you to call our office and schedule a Preventive checkup in Hunt Valley, MD appointment to get back on track with your dental care routine.
What to Expect From Exams and Cleanings
Your check-up will begin with an evaluation and a thorough teeth cleaning by our dental hygienist. Even if you are conscientious about your oral hygiene regimen at home, you still need to have such cleanings, which remove any accumulation of plaque and tartar that develops despite your best home care efforts.
After teeth cleaning in Hunt Valley, MD, Dr. Vail will examine your teeth and gums, looking for signs of issues like periodontal disease or tooth decay. Additionally, our doctors will inspect the soft oral tissues for symptoms that could indicate oral cancer.
Once each year, we will also take x-rays that we can review to identify any problems with the jaws or on areas of the teeth that are obscured from view.
What to Expect From Exams and Cleanings
Your check-up will begin with an evaluation and a thorough teeth cleaning by our dental hygienist. Even if you are conscientious about your oral hygiene regimen at home, you still need to have such cleanings, which remove any accumulation of plaque and tartar that develops despite your best home care efforts.
After teeth cleaning in Hunt Valley, MD, Dr. Vail will examine your teeth and gums, looking for signs of issues like periodontal disease or tooth decay. Additionally, our doctors will inspect the soft oral tissues for symptoms that could indicate oral cancer. Once each year, we will also take x-rays that we can review to identify any problems with the jaws or on areas of the teeth that are obscured from view.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens teeth, but the fluoridated water that we drink is only of value for teeth as they are developing. This “systemic fluoride”, as it is called, is incorporated into the enamel of teeth as they are growing, making them more resistant to decay. The fluoride in drinking water does NOT strengthen adult teeth; that’s why we place fluoride directly on adult teeth in concentrations that are higher than what is available in fluoridated water and toothpastes in a procedure called “topical fluoride”. An added benefit of the topical fluoride we use is that it has been shown to provide an antimicrobial effect on the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens teeth, but the fluoridated water that we drink is only of value for teeth as they are developing. This “systemic fluoride”, as it is called, is incorporated into the enamel of teeth as they are growing, making them more resistant to decay. The fluoride in drinking water does NOT strengthen adult teeth; that’s why we place fluoride directly on adult teeth in concentrations that are higher than what is available in fluoridated water and toothpastes in a procedure called “topical fluoride”. An added benefit of the topical fluoride we use is that it has been shown to provide an antimicrobial effect on the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Before treatment, Dr. Cross or Dr. Romay will create a personalized treatment plan to consider your budget, goals, and oral health needs. Learn more about the treatments we offer below:
Importance of Routine Dental Care
In Oral Disease Prevention
When you visit our office regularly for exams and cleanings, you’ll be taking important steps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. It's important to choose a provider who can guide you effectively in maintaining your dental health. Your oral hygiene habits at home are just as important (perhaps even more important) to maintaining your oral health. A good oral hygiene regimen may include the following:
Brushing
Patients should brush twice each day, for two minutes each time.
Flossing
Floss once each day, preferably immediately before brushing.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Patients who have higher than average levels of plaque and tartar may benefit from adding an antibacterial mouthwash to their routine.
Power Dental Devices
Electric toothbrushes such as the Sonicare and oral irrigators like the Waterpik have been shown to improve oral health and achieve better plaque removal than manual toothbrushing.
Your oral hygiene techniques and tools matter, too. For example, gentle brushing while properly angling your brush at the gumline will help remove plaque and provide the gums with a healthy, stimulating ‘massage’. Also, take care to use a soft-bristled brush that is in good condition. Switch to a new brush every 3-4 months.
Importance of Routine Dental Care
In Oral Disease Prevention
Importance of Routine Dental Care
In Oral Disease Prevention
When you visit our office regularly for exams and cleanings, you’ll be taking important steps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. It's important to choose a provider who can guide you effectively in maintaining your dental health. Your oral hygiene habits at home are just as important (perhaps even more important) to maintaining your oral health. A good oral hygiene regimen may include the following:
Brushing
Patients should brush twice each day, for two minutes each time.
Flossing
Floss once each day, preferably immediately before brushing.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Patients who have higher than average levels of plaque and tartar may benefit from adding an antibacterial mouthwash to their routine.
Power Dental Devices
Electric toothbrushes such as the Sonicare and oral irrigators like the Waterpik have been shown to improve oral health and achieve better plaque removal than manual toothbrushing.
Your oral hygiene techniques and tools matter, too. For example, gentle brushing while properly angling your brush at the gumline will help remove plaque and provide the gums with a healthy, stimulating ‘massage’. Also, take care to use a soft-bristled brush that is in good condition. Switch to a new brush every 3-4 months.
Mouthguards
Your smile is a valuable investment that deserves professional protection, whether you're an athlete or someone who suffers from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). At our Hunt Valley office, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards that provide the utmost defense against damage. Unlike generic options, our professionally crafted guards ensure you feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily while providing superior protection against sports injuries, reducing wear and tear on your natural teeth, and safeguarding your existing dental work.
By preventing teeth grinding and protecting against jaw joint problems, our long-term durable mouthguards actively help you avoid costly dental repairs. We ensure a custom fit that is designed exclusively for your mouth, keeping your smile safe and whole.
Mouthguards
Your smile is a valuable investment that deserves professional protection, whether you're an athlete or someone who suffers from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). At our Hunt Valley office, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards that provide the utmost defense against damage. Unlike generic options, our professionally crafted guards ensure you feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily while providing superior protection against sports injuries, reducing wear and tear on your natural teeth, and safeguarding your existing dental work.
By preventing teeth grinding and protecting against jaw joint problems, our long-term durable mouthguards actively help you avoid costly dental repairs. We ensure a custom fit that is designed exclusively for your mouth, keeping your smile safe and whole.
Mouthguards
Your smile is a valuable investment that deserves professional protection, whether you're an athlete or someone who suffers from nighttime teeth grinding (bruxism). At our Hunt Valley office, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards that provide the utmost defense against damage. Unlike generic options, our professionally crafted guards ensure you feel comfortable, allowing you to breathe and speak easily while providing superior protection against sports injuries, reducing wear and tear on your natural teeth, and safeguarding your existing dental work.
By preventing teeth grinding and protecting against jaw joint problems, our long-term durable mouthguards actively help you avoid costly dental repairs. We ensure a custom fit that is designed exclusively for your mouth, keeping your smile safe and whole.
Keep Your Smile Healthy for Life
Preventive dentistry is an important part of your oral health care habits! Be sure to maintain your dental appointments twice a year to receive preventive dentistry services. If you haven’t been to the dentist in some time or are looking for a new dentist in Hunt Valley, MD, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with our office. Our team is here to keep your smile looking and feeling its best!
