Providing Services for Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, Owego, Elmira, Ithaca and Surrounding Communities
Preventative Care
Dental Cleanings in Binghamton, Vestal, and Johnson City, NY
Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than to cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. Good, daily tooth brushing and flossing techniques are the best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Daily brushing and flossing will keep tartar to a minimum, but a professional cleaning addresses the areas a toothbrush and floss will miss. Regular dental visits to our office is an essential part of any oral care routine to prevent gum disease.
Preventative cleanings
Regular dental visits are about more than just maintenance. They are also a preventative measure, when our team can respond appropriately to early signs of disease and help our patients develop healthy habits. A good cleaning by the dentist, twice a year, is an excellent way to prevent more complex dental issues from arising.
Advanced dental cleanings
Gum disease accumulates bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that have adhered to teeth and root surfaces. The bacteria cause an infection that can destroy the gums and bone. Gum disease is painless in most cases, and some symptoms may include but are not limited to bleeding gums, swollen gums, sore gums, gum recession, tooth mobility, or persistent bad breath. Treating this severe condition as quickly as possible can allow the patient to maintain their teeth and in some severe cases even save a life.
Other preventable treatments
Some people are more prone to getting cavities than others. Whether it’s diet, home care routines, or genetics, many choose preventative treatments such as fluoride or sealants to protect their teeth from decay.
While most cities add fluoride to their drinking water, sometimes the levels are inadequate to prevent tooth decay. Additional fluoride treatments can help. They also help to cut down on tooth sensitivity, as well.
Foods can make a difference
Good nutrition plays a significant role in dental health. Brushing and flossing help keep teeth and gums healthy and strong. However, a balanced diet will help boost the body’s immune system, leaving less vulnerabilities to oral disease. How often and what is eaten can also affect dental health. Eating starchy foods such as crackers, bread, cookies, and candy can cause the bacteria in the mouth to feed on it. They can produce acids, which attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes or more. Foods that stick to the teeth or are slow to dissolve give the acids more time to destroy tooth enamel.
The best defense against effective decay and gum disease is having a regular home care routine that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing each day.
Combining these techniques, with the help and guidance of our experienced team, can avoid extra trips to the dentist for more complex or emergency dental issues.
