Preventive Care in East Norriton, PA

Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
  • Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
  • Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
  • Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
  • If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.

If it’s been six months since your last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

Should Children See a Dentist?

Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid, which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents do not practice regular, good oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away.

No matter the age, you should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Sealants can help both adults and children, and may need to be re-applied every few years. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a very effective tool in the prevention of cavities. Dental sealants are a thin plastic film or coating that is applied to the surface of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier between the tooth and food, bacteria and plaque; all of which can cause cavities. Sealants successfully prevent bacterial formation that causes tooth decay and other damage.

The dental sealant procedure takes a few minutes for each tooth. The dentist cleans the tooth and paints the plastic sealant on to the enamel. This coating works like a barrier to prevent plaque from attacking the enamel. A special light may be used to speed the hardening and bonding process. As long as the sealant remains intact and in good condition, the surface of the tooth will remain protected.

Combined with good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing, sealants are extremely effective in preventing cavities. Sealants can help both adults and children, and may need to be re-applied every few years.

Brushing Instructions

brushing 1

Brushing: Step 1

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum.

brushing 2

Brushing: Step 2

Brush gently in a circular motion.

brushing 3

Brushing: Step 3

Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

brushing 4

Brushing: Step 4

Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

Flossing Instructions

flossing 1

Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

flossing 2

Flossing: Step 2

Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

flossing 3

Flossing: Step 3

Holding the floss tightly, gently saw it between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

flossing 4

Flossing: Step 4

Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

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610-795-9101

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Our Office Location

2601 Dekalb Pike
East Norriton, PA 19401

Office Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 3pm Business Office only

610-795-9101

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