Preventive dentistry in Springfield
Prevent problems before they start.
Regular exams, cleanings, and good habits at home are among the best ways to avoid serious dental problems. Your dentist can also talk with you about your routine at home.
Why prevention comes first
Preventive dentistry combines professional care, patient education, and your daily routine at home. Together, they are the best way to avoid serious dental problems down the line.
Tooth decay is a good example. It happens when bacteria meet the sugars in your diet and produce acids that break down the minerals in your teeth. Once cavities form, you may need a filling, and occasionally a root canal. Steady habits and regular cleanings can lower the chance of getting there.
Most dental problems do not show signs or symptoms early on. That is a big reason routine visits matter, even when nothing hurts.
What happens at a checkup
A routine visit includes a complete exam with x-rays and a visual check for signs of decay or gum recession. Then comes a professional cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque from your teeth.
We recommend visiting every six months. Along the way, our dentists give you patient education to help you form healthy habits at home.
Extra protection for your teeth
Sealants cover the grooves on your back teeth so food and debris do not get stuck there, which makes cavities less likely to form. We provide sealants for patients of all ages.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects against cavities. It is in many drinking water supplies, toothpastes, and some mouthwashes, and we can also give fluoride treatments in the office. If your drinking water has none, we can recommend fluoride supplements.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a night guard can help prevent uneven wear, gum recession, and broken or cracked teeth. A mouth guard worn during contact sports helps protect your teeth from damage.
Your routine at home
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste, using small circular motions that reach food under the gum line. Replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to fray. Many electric toothbrushes have timers, which can make two minutes easier.
Floss every day. Floss reaches between your teeth and below the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot, and flossing helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Eat a healthy, varied diet. Cut back on sugars and starches such as candy, cookies, chips, and crackers, and avoid acidic drinks like soda. If you do enjoy them, rinse with water afterward or brush your teeth.
Is this right for me?
Preventive dentistry may be a good fit if you:
- Want to avoid serious dental problems before they start
- Have not had a cleaning and exam in the last six months
- Notice bleeding, red, or swollen gums
- Grind or clench your teeth at night
- Play contact sports
- Have a child who sucks their thumb
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- A complete dental exam, with x-rays and a visual check for decay or gum recession.
- A professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque.
- Sealants or a fluoride treatment, if they are a fit for you.
- Advice on brushing, flossing, and diet for your routine at home.
- A return visit every six months for your next exam and cleaning.
Questions we hear
Preventive dentistry FAQs
How often should I see the dentist?
We recommend an exam and cleaning every six months. Most dental problems do not show signs or symptoms early on, so routine visits matter even when nothing hurts.
How should I brush my teeth?
Use a soft-bristled brush and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste, hold the brush at an angle, and use small circular motions to reach food under the gum line. Brush for at least two minutes, and twice a day. Replace the brush when the bristles wear down or fray.
Is flossing really necessary?
Floss reaches between your teeth and below the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot, and flossing daily helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Your gums may bleed a little when you first start. If the bleeding does not go away after the first few times, let a staff member know at your next appointment.
Is chewing gum bad for my teeth?
It depends on the gum. Sugar-free gum chewed after eating or drinking can help rinse bacteria off your teeth and increases saliva flow, which washes away food particles. Xylitol, a sweetener in many sugar-free gums, reduces the growth of one of the main bacteria that cause cavities. We do not recommend gum that contains sugar.
My child sucks their thumb. Should I be concerned?
Most children stop around the time their permanent front teeth are ready to come in. If the habit continues, it can cause improper growth of the mouth and misaligned teeth. Try praising your child when they are not sucking their thumb instead of scolding, and look for any anxiety behind the habit. A bandage on the thumb or a sock on the hand at night may also help.
Do I need a night guard?
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a night guard can help prevent uneven wear, gum recession, and broken or cracked teeth. A mouth guard can also help protect your teeth if you play contact sports.
Ready when you are
Let’s make your next visit something to smile about.
New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
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