April 2022 Dental Newsletter

The Importance of Preventive Care: Maintaining Good Oral Health

Preventative dental care is a significant part of overall dental health, but it's often an afterthought. Our dedicated dentist sees many patients who don’t keep up with consistent preventative oral care and then must fix the problems it creates. Preventive dental care is the first step in reducing the number of visits to the dentist.

What is Preventative Care in the Dental World?

The importance of dental care can't be overstated because oral health is closely linked to overall wellness and disease prevention. Each human mouth can have billions of bacteria at one time. Some are good bacteria, and others are harmful bacteria. When cracks in the teeth, cavities, or pockets between the gum and teeth exist, it allows harmful bacteria to get further into the body, into areas the bacteria are not meant to be. Left untreated, this causes oral diseases and leads to other conditions in various places of the body.

General dentistry provides that preventative dental care, which involves the screening and examination of the mouth and the care you perform at home. During routine screening, your dentist or dental hygienist will check to see if you have any cavities, gum disease, or other problems that could put you at risk for further dental issues. Visits can include X-rays, so our experienced dentist can look for signs of infection in the bone surrounding your teeth.

Preventative dental care is critical if you are in one of the following populations or have the following conditions:

-Pregnant or nursing women

-Smokers

-Diabetics

-People with heart and lung disease

Tools You'll Need for Successful Dental Preventative Care

Most preventative dental care can be done in the comfort of your own home. You and each member of your family will generally need a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Since each mouth has its own unique needs, the type of dental cleaning tools that you choose should be based on your specific oral health status.

For example, if you have significant gaps between your teeth, also consider purchasing brush picks, which are like plastic toothpicks with tiny bristles at the ends. If you find reaching into other areas of your mouth awkward or uncomfortable, consider using an electric toothbrush that does most of the work for you. If you find wide floss uncomfortable, switch to some skinnier versions instead.

How to Perform Dental Preventative Care

As always, brush twice every day for at least two minutes. Floss daily, being careful not to yank the thread around the base of your tooth. Follow with a mouthwash of your choice. Young children should be supervised so they don't swallow toothpaste or mouthwash. Some families find it helpful to get into group routines to make sure this gets done. Finally, visit a dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year for an oral examination and deep cleaning. A combination of these things helps prevent plaque from becoming tartar and the tartar from eating away at your teeth.

For help with your preventative dental maintenance and next cleaning visit, be sure to contact our office today!

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:45 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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Testimonials

What Our Patients Say About Us

    The visit to Dr. Cleveland was a good experience. He makes you not fear coming to the dentist. I usually am very nervous but with him I was calm and felt safe. He is the greatest.

    Anonymous

    From the moment I called to make an appt. the staff was very friendly. They made me feel welcome (I am a new patient). My hygienist was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Dr. Robinson was also friendly, professional and knowledgeable. I enjoyed my visit! Looking forward to many more years with the staff there.

    Jennifer G Customer since 2013

    This dental office is wonderful. The entire staff is friendly and caring. Having worked in the dental/orthodontic field in the past, this office does things correctly and they keep up with technology as well. Dr. Cleveland is a very caring man, which shows when he calls your home to see how you are doing after procedures. This dental practice is a blessing to have here in Jefferson.

    Dennis R Customer since 2008

    It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Robinson. I was impressed with his thoroughness at the conclusion of my prophy appointment. As always, the entire staff are friendly and fun. I look forward to future appointments.

    Sonya C Customer since 1997

    The experience of my viists with Dr Robinson were if in a course final exam, would be an "A". 

    Fred W Customer since 2006

    I just had a tooth filled,and as usual, it was an almost painless experience. Dr. Cleveland and his assistant were very gentle and efficient.

    Jane M Customer since 1981

    One of the best experiences I have ever had in a dentist office. Even though it was a challenge, Dr. Robinson did a fantastic job.

    Jack B Customer since 1992