Last updated 6 days ago
Ideal dental health is not a one-step process. It’s something that must be achieved through healthy oral habits at home, sensible eating, and regular preventative care appointments with your dentist. Even if you are absolutely dedicated to brushing and flossing two to three times a day and have never had a cavity, it’s still important to keep your regular appointments with your dentist. Here’s why:
- Preventative Measures: Preventative dental care is exactly that—it’s care from your dentist that’s designed to circumvent problems that could lead to tooth decay or gum disease. It is much easier to treat and reverse these conditions if they are caught and dealt with early, rather than waiting until they have become a serious problem. Weak places in tooth enamel and tender gums are signs that larger problems are on the way, but your dentist can stop decay and disease in its tracks when it’s found early.
- Screening for Other Problems: Decay and gum disease are not the only things your dentist looks for at regular visits. X-rays can show if there are issues that could contribute to larger problems down the road, such as impacted wisdom teeth, bone loss, or failing restorations. If you are interested, your dentist can also screen for oral cancer at these visits, increasing the chances of successful treatment in the event that the test is positive.
- Taking Charge of Your Dental Health: When you see your dentist regularly, you are making a conscious decision to be active in your dental care. You have the opportunity to find out about any advances in dental care techniques and discover cosmetic dental procedures that can improve the aesthetics of your smile. It’s the best way to ensure you always have the healthy, beautiful smile you want.
If you are due for a preventative dental appointment, contact Lenox Village Dentistry in Nashville, TN. Our comprehensive preventative appointments cover everything from examinations to flossing. Call us at (615) 800-2045 today to schedule your appointment.
Last updated 13 days ago
Maintaining a bright and healthy smile requires dedication and healthy habits. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, in addition to regular visits to your local dentist, is very important for your dental health. The types of food and drinks you consume also have an important impact on your overall oral health; for this reason, you should know the different types to avoid:
Drinks that Can Stain Your Teeth
If you drink coffee, tea, or dark sodas on a regular basis, your dentist may recommend cutting back or eliminating these items from your diet. Coffee and tea can stain your teeth, particularly if you are not in the habit of brushing or rinsing after enjoying them. Dark sodas can cause damage and decay in addition to staining because of the acid and sugars they contain.
Water is always the ideal beverage, both for oral health and general health. This isn’t to say that you cannot enjoy dark beverages, but you should enjoy them in moderation and ask your dentist what steps you can take to minimize any potential damage.
Starch and Sugar Can Encourage Decay
All dentists will caution you against the consumption of too much sugar. It provides an ideal living space for the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn can encourage the development of decay. What you may not realize, however, is that starchy foods can be just as devastating for your smile. Starches break down into sugar. This means that even though potato chips and white bread aren’t sweet, they can have the same effect on your teeth as candy and cake.
Starches and sugars are everywhere and can be difficult to avoid. Even fruit contains natural sugars. Talk to your dentist about the worst offenders and maintain healthy brushing habits to keep your smile healthy.
If you would like more information on a dental-friendly diet or you are looking for an exceptional dentist in the Nashville, TN area, contact us at Lenox Village Dentistry. Call (615) 800-2045 to schedule an appointment today.
Last updated 20 days ago
Everyone has had bad breath, but why does it happen? Bad breath is a concern heard by dentists on a regular basis, and one that can be extremely disconcerting for the people who suffer with this problem on a regular basis. It doesn’t help that certain myths about bad breath are perpetuated, making it more difficult for you to determine the real causes and solutions.
In this video, you’ll learn how to separate fact from the fiction in regards to bad breath. Learn what really causes the problem, as well as real solutions for dealing with it. Watch the clip to learn more.
If you are looking for a dentist in the Nashville, TN area, contact Lenox Village Dentistry. We can help you understand the causes of your bad breath, learn what to do about it, and take care of all of your dental needs. Call us at (615) 800-2045 to learn more.
Last updated 28 days ago
Prevention and early detection are the key to avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. A good home regimen, in addition to regular cleanings and exams, can prevent many expensive dental treatments. By maintaining a proper routine of daily hygiene, you can prevent most oral disease. Read on for more information about maintaining your oral health.
Cleanings:
Regular dental cleanings, performed by a registered dental hygienist, are a crucial part of preventive dental care. By removing plaque and tartar, your oral health is enhanced and your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease are minimized. Your dental hygienist will utilize manual instruments to remove moderate plaque and tartar buildup, or an ultrasonic device to scale away heavier buildup. The cleaning is finished with polishing, a pleasant procedure that cleans the surface of teeth, removes stains, and leaves the mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Exams:
No matter how diligent you are in your home dental care regimen, you should still get a dental exam and cleaning at least twice per year. The importance of regular dental exams cannot be overemphasized - dental exams are the cornerstone of good dental health. In particular, regular checkups are essential for early detection of more serious problems. Early detection makes treatment easier, less expensive, and more effective.
For more tips on maintaining proper oral hygiene, talk to your dentist. At Lenox Village Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, we strive to provide the best dental care for you and your family. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, call (615) 800-2045.
