Preventive Dentistry – Bloomfield, CT
Keeping Dental Problems at Bay
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we emphasize preventive care to keep you healthy and happy. At our dental office, we are partners with our patients in developing the best possible home-care routines. Regular six month exams and cleanings let our friendly dental care team know right away if there is a concern. Our preventive dentistry in Bloomfield, CT includes the following services.
Why Choose Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield for Preventive Dentistry?
- Thorough, Detail-Oriented Exams
- Preventive Care for All Ages
- Personalized Attention from Experienced Experts
Dental Hygiene & Teeth Cleanings
Our skilled dental hygienists complete a thorough examination, conduct an oral cancer screening, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and clean and polish your teeth to a brilliant smile. Hygienists also work with each patient to determine the best at-home care plan that meets individual dental care needs. Regular dental cleanings prevent the buildup of biofilm. This layer of plaque anchors bacteria to the teeth, and if not removed, can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease/gingivitis) or tooth decay. Hygienists remove this biofilm and help prevent these oral health concerns.
Patients who are particularly at risk for tooth decay may wish to have preventive fillings placed. Preventive fillings are composite filling material that is placed over the grooves on the biting surfaces of your teeth. While brushing and flossing are effective at removing most foreign matter and bacteria from the smooth surfaces of your teeth, the deep ridges and grooves on top of your teeth make that difficult. These restorations prevent food or bacteria from entering these grooves and helps decrease the likelihood of dental health issues. Preventive fillings are especially recommended for children after their permanent molars come in. Preventive fillings can last many years with proper care and regular maintenance at your bi-annual checkups.
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Oral Cancer Screening
Like many types of cancer, oral cancer is especially dangerous because it is often overlooked in its early stages. In the past, research indicated that tobacco users over the age of 40 most frequently developed oral cancer. However, more recent studies, between 2008 and 2011, revealed a significant increase in oral cancer among patients under age 50 who had not been tobacco users. These younger patients often had a persistent viral infection or were heavy consumers of alcohol. Ongoing research is striving to determine the links between these factors and an increased risk of oral cancer.
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we screen each patient for early warning signs of oral cancer at every checkup. Changes in tissue that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye are usually easy for your dentist to spot, and oral cancer is quite treatable in the early stages. Oral cancer can appear to be an average tissue change or canker sore, but if you notice a sore that persists for more than two weeks, you should contact us for an appointment.
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Nightguards for Bruxism
Bruxism, often referred to as teeth grinding, is habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth. This takes place most often as you sleep. Patients who suffer from bruxism are at a higher risk for cavities and tooth fractures because their teeth are under constant pressure. In addition to nighttime teeth grinding, those who struggle with bruxism often clench their teeth throughout the day without being aware of it. This added pressure wears down the chewing surfaces of your teeth more quickly. Treatments for bruxism vary, but the most common is the use of a nightguard. Nightguards are mouthpieces worn while you sleep to protect your teeth from potential damage.