Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, KS, emphasizes the importance of preventative care in maintaining optimal oral health. Our team, including knowledgeable professionals like Dr. Lewis and Dr. Jowett, is dedicated to providing comprehensive preventative services to help avoid dental problems before they develop.
Recognizing the Need for Preventative Dental Care
Preventative care is essential for everyone, regardless of age. Indicators that you’re maintaining good preventative care include:
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Good oral hygiene habits like daily brushing and flossing
- Healthy gums with no signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding
- Teeth free of decay and cavities
- Fresh breath and a clean feeling in the mouth
Why Preventative Care is Essential
Preventative dental care is vital for:
- Avoiding costly and complex dental procedures in the future
- Maintaining healthy teeth and gums throughout life
- Early detection and treatment of oral health issues
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices
- Ensuring overall well-being, as oral health impacts general health
Treatment Process for Preventative Care
Our preventative care services include:
- Routine Dental Examinations: Regular check-ups to monitor oral health and catch issues early.
- Professional Cleanings: Removing plaque and tartar buildup to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Dental X-Rays: Utilizing X-rays to detect problems that aren’t visible during a regular exam.
- Fluoride Treatments: Applying fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and fight decay.
- Dental Sealants: Providing an extra layer of protection against cavities in hard-to-brush areas.
- Patient Education: Offering guidance on at-home oral care and dietary choices.
- Custom Mouthguards: Creating mouthguards for sports or nighttime teeth grinding.
Prevention
To keep your mouth healthy:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Avoid tobacco products
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and if you grind your teeth
Outlook
With regular preventative care, patients can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health, reducing the risk of serious dental problems.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need preventative dental care?
Yes! Everyone can benefit from preventative dental care, regardless of their age. Preventative dental care is especially beneficial for those who want to avoid invasive dental procedures. To establish a preventative dental treatment plan that works for you, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry today.
What types of preventative dental care does Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry offer?
Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry offers the following preventative treatments:
Fluoride
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by remineralizing the surface of your teeth and strengthening enamel to resist acid attacks from bacteria in food and drink. Demineralization of the enamel is the first sign a cavity may develop. By remineralizing tooth enamel, fluoride treatments can reverse cavities before they form.
Teeth Cleanings
A dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from your teeth in order to prevent cavities and gum disease caused by bacteria buildup around your teeth. Plaque forms when food particles combine with saliva, forming sticky substances that adhere to the surfaces of your teeth; this substance contains large amounts of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed. Dental cleanings are usually done by a dentist or hygienist.
Dental Checkups
A thorough examination by an experienced dentist can help identify potential problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, before they become serious and costly. This is why we recommend that everyone schedule a visit every six months (or sooner if you have any symptoms). If you want to make sure your smile stays healthy and bright, call Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry today!
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that’s applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually in the back of the mouth where it’s difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Sealants work by filling in deep grooves or pits on these chewing surfaces, thereby preventing food from getting stuck there and causing cavities.
Will I need to follow any special instructions after receiving preventative dental care?
During your preventative care appointment, your dentist will discuss any oral health concerns they noticed during your exam. Depending on their findings, they may provide you with special instructions to follow until your next appointment. Otherwise, you will only need to continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist for Preventative Care?
It’s recommended to visit the dentist for check-ups and cleanings every six months, though some individuals may need more frequent visits.
Can Preventative Care Help Avoid Gum Disease?
Yes, regular cleanings and good oral hygiene are key in preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy gums.
Is Preventative Dental Care Important for Children?
Absolutely, early preventative care is crucial for children to ensure the proper development of their teeth and to establish good oral health habits.
Prioritize Your Oral Health with Our Preventative Dental Services
For comprehensive preventative dental care, trust the expertise of Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, KS. Call us at 785-272-3864 to schedule your appointment and take proactive steps towards maintaining your oral health.
Dental Exams & Cleaning
At Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, KS, we emphasize the importance of regular dental exams and cleanings as a cornerstone of oral health. Our team, skilled in comprehensive dental care, provides thorough examinations and professional cleanings to maintain your dental health and prevent future problems.
Importance of Regular Dental Exams & Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings are vital for:
- Early detection of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer
- Preventing plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease
- Keeping bad breath at bay
- Maintaining overall oral health, which is linked to your general health
Why Dental Exams & Cleanings are Needed
Routine dental exams and cleanings are recommended because:
- Even with diligent at-home care, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas
- Regular exams can identify problems early, when they are easier and less expensive to treat
- Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, minimizing the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Oral health significantly impacts overall health, making regular dental care crucial
Treatment Process for Dental Exams & Cleanings
Our process includes:
- Medical History Review: Understanding your overall health and any changes since your last visit.
- Thorough Dental Examination: Checking for cavities, gum health, and any other potential issues.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning: Removing plaque and tartar, followed by polishing your teeth.
- Dental X-Rays: Taking X-rays if necessary to check for hidden dental issues.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Examining your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
- Personalized Dental Care Recommendations: Providing tailored advice for your at-home oral care routine.
Prevention
To support your oral health between visits:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
- Use mouthwash as recommended
Outlook
Regular dental exams and cleanings are key to maintaining good oral health and can prevent the need for more complex dental procedures in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a dental exam and cleaning?
Yes. According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your Topeka dental office at least twice a year for an exam and teeth cleaning, regardless of your age or current oral health. Regular exams and cleanings are important for maintaining, preventing, and/or addressing oral health problems. If it has been longer than six months since your last dental appointment, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry today.
What can I expect when having a dental exam at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry?
When having a dental exam at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, you can expect a comprehensive examination. We don’t just look at your teeth and gums to ensure oral health, we take x-rays in order to get an overall view of your teeth, gums, bone structure, and jaw. Dr. Jowett or Dr. Lewis will use the information from these tools to help determine the overall health of your teeth and gums, as well as if ailments such as tooth decay, gingivitis, or tooth sensitivity are present. This will allow us to determine whether any treatments or procedures are needed to restore your oral health.
What can I expect when having a dental cleaning at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry?
When you visit our Topeka dental office for a dental cleaning, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned with a dental scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, in between the teeth, and along the gum line. Then you will have your teeth brushed with a gritty toothpaste and flossed. Once the excess debris has ben rinsed from your mouth, then a fluoride polish will be applied to the surface of your teeth.
During your cleaning, our hygienists do their best to provide a gentle touch. Regular dental cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. They can also help address issues with tooth sensitivity and halitosis (bad breath).
What happens after a dental exam and cleaning?
After your examination and cleaning, one of our dentists will discuss their findings with you and answer any questions you may have. Occasionally, they may also schedule future appointments for restorative treatments.
How Often Should I Get a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
Most people should have a dental exam and cleaning every six months, though some may require more frequent visits based on their oral health needs.
Can Dental Cleanings Prevent Gum Disease?
Yes, regular professional cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease by removing plaque and tartar that contribute to gum infections.
Are Dental Exams and Cleanings Painful?
Dental exams and cleanings are generally painless. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let our team know so we can ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning Today for Optimal Oral Health
Maintain a healthy smile with regular dental exams and cleanings at Jowett & Lewis Family Dentistry in Topeka, KS. Call us at 785-272-3864 to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step towards optimal oral health.
