Preventive Dentistry for a Healthy Smile

We’re Proactive About Your Health

Keeping your oral health in order is a team effort. Combining a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine with regularly scheduled preventive care at our Troy office can keep your mouth healthy all year long. The goal of preventive dentistry is to protect you from serious oral health problems caused by tooth decay, catch potential problems before they occur, and treat any ongoing dental problems you may have.

At Laser Family Dental, we aim to prolong the life and integrity of your natural teeth, which is why providing preventive dental care is so important to us. If left untreated, tooth decay can not only impact your oral and overall wellness but also put you at risk for developing periodontal disease and may permanently damage your smile.

Read on to learn why Dr. Bachuri recommends preventive services to keep your teeth healthy and functional.

The Importance of Keeping Tooth Decay at Bay

Your mouth has its own unique microbiome filled with healthy bacteria that break down food and deliver nutrients to the rest of your body. When you consume food and sugary drinks, sometimes debris is left behind. Without proper oral hygiene, this debris can produce an abundance of unhealthy bacteria that can cause damage to the structure and integrity of a tooth (tooth decay).

The unhealthy bacteria will accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth in a sticky, film-like form called plaque, and without proper removal, it can harden into thick tartar (calculus). While it is possible to remove plaque at home, tartar can only be removed with special dental tools. The bacteria in plaque and tartar eat away at your teeth and when it penetrates the protective layer of your teeth (enamel) tooth decay sets in. In addition, if the bacteria is not removed, it can eat away at your gums, causing gum recession and infection.

Once the bacteria break through the enamel, hollow spaces called cavities start to form in the teeth as the bacteria works its way inside. Without intervention, the bacteria can damage the roots and gums from the inside, requiring more invasive procedures such as fillings, root canals, and even tooth extraction.

Your chances of developing these diseases increase without proper dental hygiene and regular checkups with a trained dental professional. This is why our team at Laser Family Dental encourages our patients to visit our Troy office at least once every six months. During your appointment, you can expect a thorough cleaning, a comprehensive dental examination, and oral cancer screening to ensure your oral wellness is well protected.

Our main objective during your routine cleaning is to ensure your teeth are free from plaque, tartar, and any signs of decay. Even with the most strict regimen, there are areas in your smile that may be impossible to clean without professional intervention. That’s why Dr. Bachuri recommends scheduling an appointment so we can ensure your mouth remains free from decay and help prevent the need for time-consuming, expensive treatments.

Your dental hygienist will thoroughly clean each tooth to ensure there are no dangerous bacteria or debris lurking in your smile. We’ll also polish your teeth, which makes it harder for bacteria to penetrate your enamel and leaves you with a pristine, dazzling smile.

In addition to making sure your teeth are clean, we’ll examine your teeth and gums, and take X-rays to ensure there are no problems that need to be addressed. Dr. Bachuri will look for any signs of impacted teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay. Cavities, for example, aren’t always accompanied by pain or visible to the untrained eye, so these exams are imperative to protecting your teeth. If we find anything problematic, we’ll discuss treatment options in order to bring your oral health back to peak condition.

During your examination, you can also expect a non-invasive oral cancer screening of your mouth, gums, and throat. Dr. Bachuri will tactilely and visually inspect the tissues in your mouth, gums, and throat for red or white patches, sores, lumps, or any abnormalities.

If anything is out of the ordinary, we’ll recommend a biopsy which involves taking a small sample of the questionable tissue and having it tested for oral cancer. We’ll also schedule a follow-up visit with you to discuss our findings as well as a treatment plan.

Protecting Your Oral Hygiene At Home

Many oral health problems can be prevented from the comfort of your own home. Combined with regularly scheduled dental appointments, there are simple, yet effective habits you can establish to help you maintain a healthy smile between visits:

Brush twice a day — Preferably after meals.
Floss at least once a day — Preferably before bed so there’s nothing left sitting in your teeth overnight.
Rinse between meals — This is an easy way to keep your mouth clean and fresh throughout the day.
Eat a well-balanced diet — Keeping your diet rich in vegetables and mineral-dense foods not only strengthens your teeth but also boosts your immune system.
Reduce sugar consumption — Especially between meals. An influx of sugar can negatively affect your mouth’s microbiome and promote the development of unhealthy bacteria.

Keeping a healthy and wholesome smile is a team effort. Our team at Laser Family Dental is here to support your healthy oral habits in order to give you round-the-year protection from tooth decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cavities are a common oral health problem and Dr. Bachuri can treat your cavity quickly with a dental filling. Cavities don’t go away on their own and if left untreated, can develop into more serious problems including tooth loss and periodontal disease. Dr. Bachuri will use a local anesthetic to ensure a painless experience before filling your cavity. It is normal to experience some discomfort but if you feel any pain, please let Dr. Bachuri know immediately.

No—dental cleanings are pain-free, non-invasive procedures. Patients with sensitive teeth may experience discomfort. In which case, please let us know so that we can take extra precautions to make your cleaning as comfortable and gentle as possible.

Keep Your Smile Healthy With Laser Family Dental

Visiting our office for preventive treatment is one of the best ways you can protect your health from the negative effects of tooth decay. We believe in a proactive approach to your care so you can rest assured that our treatments are designed with you in mind. Keeping your smile healthy, bright, and clean is what we’re here for. If you’d like to know more about our preventive dental care or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment at our Troy office, give us a call at (248) 250-9333 or fill out our online contact form.

Preventive Dentistry in Troy, MI

We’re Proactive About Your Health

The Importance of Keeping Tooth Decay at Bay

Protecting Your Oral Hygiene At Home

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep Your Smile Healthy With Laser Family Dental

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