Preventive Dentistry

Many people think having cavities is just a part of life, but it doesn't have to be. New research and new products offer the possibility of a future without tooth decay. In this practice, we have a strong commitment to prevention, and we want you to know all the options available to you when you make choices about treatment.

We allow time in our schedule to talk about your individual susceptibility and risk of decay. We hope you'll feel comfortable asking all your questions about preventing decay and other dental diseases. We don't think any question you have is unimportant.

Some of the steps we take to help you prevent tooth decay are:

Diet we offer support in discovering what part your diet may have in contributing to decay. You might be surprised at how little sugar it takes to act on bacteria that cause decay. And you might be surprised at some of the foods that contain sugar. The frequency and times of day you ingest sugar can also be a factor. Each person is different and we want to help you make good choices based on your needs and wants.

Mouthwashes Recent research has shown that certain mouthwashes can kill the bacteria associated with tooth decay for a period of time. We often recommend using them to prevent further infection while we remove existing decay and fill the teeth with something to stop the breakdown.

Home Care Most of us learned to care for our teeth as children, and don't want to be lectured about brushing and flossing. We won't lecture, but we will offer support and guidance to help you care for your teeth in a way that is effective for the unique conditions that have developed in your mouth over the years. We want to help you develop a way of cleaning your teeth that fits with the way you live your life. You set the expectations and we'll help you achieve your goals.

Chatham Dentist