Preventive Dental Care at McKee Dental Associates in Matthews
Our whole team believes that preventing dental disease is one of the most important parts of our job. As a dental office centered on the prevention of disease, our priority is to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and pain-free. We also want to make sure that the investment you have made in your smile lasts as long as possible.
If you are looking for a dentist, North Carolina for you or your family, give us a call at (704)-708-4402.
Taking Care of Your Smile
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth. If your dexterity is limited or you have difficulty, try a sonic or powered toothbrush and let it do the work for you.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- For patients with a lot of crowns and bridges, we often recommend a waterpik to flush debris from underneath these restorations.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. Remember that complex carbs like pasta or rice will turn to sugar in the mouth. Once a sugar, they are no different than candy and sweets.
- Visit us regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. We will prescribe a regimen customized just for you!
Second Opinions
According to a survey of 2,000 adults, 70 percent of the participants said that they would seek a second opinion for home repair and improvement, about 50 percent would do so for major car repair and 30 percent for personal electronics repair. With regard to medical treatment, only 17 percent said that they would seek a second opinion for medical procedures and 6 percent for dental work. That means almost ten times as many people will get a second opinion on a procedure done to their car than done to their body! Click Here
Routine Dental Exams
On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for most people. A few people can get away with fewer visits. Others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three or four months, or more. This high-risk group includes: Click Here
Fluoride
Here at McKee Dental, we offer fluoride treatment for all patients. This is a concentrated fluoride varnish that is applied by a small brush to the teeth. This can help with preventive treatment for tooth decay and other related diseases.
Fluoride is especially important in your children’s dental care as children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years as having enough Fluoride is very important in early tooth development.
Too much fluoride can be damaging. While you’re at home, the ADA recommends:
- Using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while brushing your teeth
- Spitting out your toothpaste
- Not giving fluoride mouth rinse or dietary supplements under the age of 6 months
Fluoride is also very beneficial for adults. It can help protect the teeth from furthering any diseases or can help prevent future ones. Fluoride can be especially helpful if you are suffering from:
- Dry mouth
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Decay
- Braces, Crowns, Bridges or Removable Dentures
Routine fluoride treatments are highly recommended for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and they can prove to be exceptionally advantageous for your oral health. These treatments, administered by dental professionals, offer a layer of protection to your teeth by strengthening enamel and making it more resistant to decay. Be sure to consult with your dentist to determine the ideal frequency of fluoride treatments based on your unique oral health needs, as they play a crucial role in ensuring your teeth stay resilient and vibrant.
Periodontitis
At McKee Dental, we can help with preventing periodontitis diseases. Periodontitis diseases result in inflammation and infection of the gums and bones that surround the teeth. In the early stages of these diseases, the gums become red and swollen and can start to bleed. When not treated, it can start to pull away from the teeth and cause your teeth to start falling out.
Frequent dental check-ups, typically recommended every six months, serve as an essential component of preventive oral care by enabling skilled cleanings that effectively eliminate plaque and tartar, known as precursors to gum disease. These regular visits also offer an opportunity to evaluate the overall well-being of your gums and teeth, pinpointing any initial indications of periodontitis, such as noticeable redness, swelling, or bleeding.
In instances where risk factors or early symptoms are detected, a more proactive approach may be required, necessitating more frequent visits, possibly 3 to 4 times a year. During these intensified appointments, a range of advanced treatments, such as scaling and root planing, can be employed to address and manage potential gum disease, ensuring your oral health remains in optimal condition.