PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY

Enjoy the beauty of a healthy smile!

best general dentist in Richmond va

Brush up on dental health basics

MAINTAIN OPTIMAL DENTAL HEALTH

Did you know that regular visits to your dentist combined with brushing and flossing every day can dramatically improve your oral health and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease? West Richmond Family Dentistry encourages all patients to practice preventative dentistry techniques at home between routine visits to maintain the best oral health possible. 

Preventative dentistry is the key to having a lifelong, healthy smile without the need for invasive and expensive dental treatments. Having excellent oral health begins with preventative dentistry measures which include regular visits to your family dentist for cleanings (usually twice a year) and excellent daily habits of brushing and flossing. Your daily habits can help prevent gum disease as well as decay which are the two biggest threats to oral health. Gum disease is still the leading cause of tooth loss among adult patients.

BENEFITS OF PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE

The benefits of practicing preventative dental care are countless. Patients of all ages benefit from regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene routines at home.

Some of the main benefits of preventive dental care are:

  • Lowering your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay and more serious dental problems
  • Identifying any dental problems early means minimally invasive treatment options 
  • Improving your overall wellness – gum disease is linked to many illnesses including heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Routine examination of the gums and teeth can help dentists discover other health conditions that may need to be addressed by your doctor
  • Promoting good oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing every day
  • Avoiding seeing the dentist any more than you have to by keeping up with good oral hygiene habits at home
  • Saving money by staying on top of any dental health issues. Brushing and flossing are much less expensive than getting crowns and cavities filled

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR 6 MONTH VISIT

One of the most important aspects of general dentistry is performing regular dental health checks on all patients to identify and treat problems early before they become exacerbated. As recommended by the  American Dental Association, your Richmond general dentists offer dental checkups twice a year or every six months to help patients keep their smile healthy.

  • Dental cleanings by a registered dental hygienist. Dental cleanings are important to check for periodontal disease, remove plaque and tartar and polish the teeth to help remove stains 
  • Digital x-rays and intraoral photography. New digital x-rays and intraoral images offer immediate results in real-time so we can discuss any issues or problems as we identify them
  • Full examination to include time with your dentist to discuss any issues you may be having such as tooth sensitivity or TMD
  • Oral cancer screenings are given as part of your routine examination to identify precancerous conditions in your mouth and throat. Early identification is the key to early treatment and a greater chance for a cure
  • Education on good oral hygiene techniques to help you achieve your optimal oral health
  • Fluoride treatment as needed
  • Referral to an orthodontist for tweens and teens that may have a malocclusion

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING 

At-home Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy

You can contribute the greatest positive impact to your oral health each day by brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing  West Richmond Family Dentistry offers some hygiene tips to help you maintain your best oral health.

  • Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day

    Morning and bedtime are the ideal times to brush your teeth. When you brush, take your time cleaning each quadrant in the mouth. You can also brush after you have had a sugary drink or snack to help neutralize the acids in the mouth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!

  • Toothbrush and Fluoride Toothpaste

    It is important that you choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth and is not too large. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean teeth and gums as medium and harder bristled toothbrushes can actually erode the soft tissue of the gums. You should always use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help keep your enamel strong.

  • Brushing Technique

    Holding your toothbrush at a 45° angle and aiming the bristles toward your gums, gently brush in a circular pattern. Take your time as you go over each tooth and area. Remember to brush for 2 minutes making sure you clean all of the surface areas inside and outside as well as chewing surfaces.

  • Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

    After you are done brushing, run cool water over your toothbrush to remove any excess paste. Let the toothbrush dry out completely between brushings to deter any growth of bacteria. Don’t store your toothbrush in an air-tight or covered container for long periods of time.

  • Replace Toothbrush Every 3 Months

    Ideally, you should replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner. If your bristles become flattened, you may want to replace them sooner. It may also indicate you are brushing your teeth too hard. 

  • Floss Your Teeth Every Day

    Using about 18 inches of dental floss, gently floss between each tooth every day and don’t forget behind the back molars. Flossing is a great way to remove excess food particles that become trapped between teeth and remove some of the bacteria left after brushing. Flossing will actually strengthen your gum tissue so that it is less likely to bleed during brushing and flossing.  

CHILDREN AND PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY

Start good habits early

Children love to learn new things and teaching them the importance of brushing and flossing early will set them on a path towards good oral health in the future. At West Richmond Family Dentistry, we encourage families to take on preventative dental care together. To get kids interested in brushing, we recommend playing music or playing a game of “My Turn, Your Turn” so parents can help clean teeth as well. Family dentists in Richmond, VA understand that it takes time to develop the necessary dexterous skills to handle a toothbrush and floss so we encourage our parents to get in on the action.

THE BENEFIT OF DENTAL SEALANTS

Prevent cavities and maintain a healthy smile 

Dental sealants are another excellent preventative tool that we use to help prevent cavities in our younger patients. Dental sealants are quick and easy to apply to freshly cleaned teeth in our office after a regular dental checkup. The dental sealant is brushed onto the chewing surfaces of the back molars to seal and protect the cusps and grooves in the tooth from any food particles or acids that may linger. Sealants help protect vulnerable areas from decay.

Sealants are most frequently used in children and teens; however, anyone can benefit from an extra layer of protection. Dental sealants can last for quite a while and usually help protect children from decay during the most cavity-prone years (ages 6-14).

If you would like to learn more about dental sealants and how they may benefit your child, give us a call today at (804) 282-9600. West Richmond Family Dentistry is dedicated to the care and education of our youngest Patients.

DON’T BRUSH OFF PREVENTIVE CARE!

5318 Patterson Ave, Suite A
Richmond, VA 23226

Monday-Thursday
8am – 4pm
Friday Business Hours
8am-12pm

Call Us
(804) 282-9600