Nobody wants to deal with a big dental issue. They often hurt, make it difficult to eat and smile, and can be expensive to fix.
But can anything be done to avoid these kinds of problems?
Actually, yes.
Good home care and preventive dentistry at our Irvine, CA, dental office will significantly reduce your risk of developing several painful dental conditions.
Brush and Floss as Directed
It’s not enough to scrub here and there and snap some floss between your teeth to dislodge bits of food. There’s a technique for brushing and flossing that can help you get the most out of your home care routine.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily for about two minutes. Use a circular scrubbing motion and angle the toothbrush so the bristles massage your gums. This helps dislodge plaque from the gum line. Floss at least once daily, running the floss between the teeth and into the gum line.
Our hygienists are happy to give you a hands-on demonstration to help you get the hang of these techniques! Brushing and flossing as directed help prevent decay and gum disease, the number one cause of lost teeth in American adults.
Visit Us for Routine Cleanings and Exams
Even the most diligent brusher and flosser needs a professional dental cleaning. Your teeth have all kinds of spaces where plaque and tartar hide, and a cleaning appointment with a skilled hygienist will help eliminate any traces that remain to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Your examinations are important because the comprehensive screenings we perform and the images we take allow us to identify any problems that do happen to develop when they are small and simple to fix.
Call our Irvine dental office today at (714) 838-7272 to schedule a cleaning or evaluation with Dr. Jeffrey Robertson.
Ask Us about Dental Misalignments and Orthodontic Treatment
While the idea of braces isn’t fun, misaligned teeth are prone to numerous dental problems. If not corrected, you could experience issues in the future, like teeth grinding and clenching, uneven wear, cracks and fractures, an increased risk of decay and gum disease, and chronic jaw pain.
Dr. Robertson can examine your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is right for you. This innovative orthodontic option uses clear aligners instead of brackets and wires to nudge your teeth into their correct placement.
Addressing Gum Disease Early On
Gum disease starts subtly – you might notice some bleeding when brushing or slightly puffy gums. While these symptoms might seem minor, they're early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore. The early stage of gum disease (gingivitis) is completely reversible with proper care and treatment. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
During your regular visits, we carefully check for signs of gum disease and can provide targeted treatment before the condition worsens. This might include a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes bacteria below the gum line and helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.
Managing Tooth Decay Before It Becomes Severe
Small cavities don't usually cause pain, and that's good news! It means we can catch and treat decay before it reaches the tooth’s nerve. Regular checkups allow us to spot these small cavities early with a visual exam and x-rays. A simple filling at this stage is far preferable to waiting until you're in pain, which might require a root canal or even extraction to resolve.
Identifying Oral Cancer Early
Oral cancer screenings are a crucial part of your regular dental examinations. Dr. Robertson performs thorough screenings at every checkup, looking for suspicious changes in your oral tissues. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically increases survival rates and treatment success. We examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and other soft tissues for any concerning changes or abnormalities. If we spot anything unusual, we can quickly refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Managing Tooth Wear Due to Grinding and Clenching
Many people don't realize they're grinding or clenching their teeth, especially if it happens during sleep. However, our dentist will see the signs during your dental exam, including worn or flattened tooth surfaces, small cracks in the enamel, or sensitive teeth. Left untreated, grinding (bruxism) can lead to serious damage, including broken teeth, chronic jaw pain, persistent headaches, and TMJ disorder.
We can help protect your teeth with a custom-fitted night guard that prevents damage from grinding. We'll also evaluate potential causes of your grinding, such as stress or misaligned teeth, and discuss appropriate treatment options, including stress management techniques or orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.
Have Dental Concerns? Schedule an Appointment Today!
Remember, dealing with dental issues early on saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. If you notice any changes in your oral health, call our Irvine, CA, dental office at (714) 838-7272 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robertson.