Why is dental health so important?
Well, let me tell you. Your dental health is a significant part of your overall health. Many dental problems can cause issues in other organs in your body. So, by taking care of your oral health, you're improving your chances of maintaining good overall health.
There are numerous studies showing that bacteria in our mouths can lead to issues in our heart, lungs, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Dental health is also strongly related to diabetes. For instance, if a patient has diabetes and periodontal disease, it can make managing diabetes much more difficult. It's a bidirectional relationship, so taking care of your mouth can have a profound impact on the rest of your body.
What is a healthy dental routine?
A healthy dental routine, in my opinion, would involve brushing your teeth, flossing, and using a water pick after breakfast. This ensures that your mouth is clean as you go about your day. Then, ideally, you should brush again after lunch and dinner. Plaque can sit on your teeth for hours if not removed, so brushing after meals is essential.
I personally like to brush every time I eat. I know this might be too much for some people, so I recommend brushing at least three times a day, or at a minimum, twice a day. The most important time to brush is before bed. When you sleep, bacteria in your mouth are having a "party," feeding on the plaque you've left behind. So, make sure to brush, floss, and use a water pick before bed, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. The tongue has papillae, which are like tiny finger-like projections that trap bacteria. If you don’t brush your tongue, that bacteria can spread back onto your teeth.
After completing this routine, you can use a mouth rinse if you like. It only takes about four to five minutes, but it will save you so much trouble in the long run. I highly recommend incorporating these steps into your daily routine.
What are the most common dental problems?
Generally speaking, the most common dental issues I see are cavities, periodontal disease, gingivitis, broken teeth, and dental pain, often related to infections. These are the issues we most frequently address in our practice.
What services does our office provide?
At our practice, we offer a wide range of procedures. While there are a few things we might refer to a specialist, most procedures are done in-house. We perform crowns, bridges, extractions, bone grafts, some types of implants, partial dentures, Botox for cosmetic and medical purposes, nightguards, various types of cleanings, cosmetic evaluations, full-mouth reconstructions, and clear aligner therapy called SureSmile.
There might be other services we offer that I haven't mentioned here, but I’d be happy to discuss them with you during a consultation.
How long does a full dental exam take?
In our office, a full dental exam takes about an hour and a half. We want to ensure we dedicate the right amount of time to you as a patient. This allows us to gather all the necessary records, such as x-rays and photos, and gives us ample time to discuss any concerns you might have. We’ll also explain all the treatment options available to you so that you can make the best decision for your health.
How often should the average person go to the dentist?
Typically, I like to see patients for exams at least once a year unless they have ongoing issues, in which case I might recommend exams twice a year. For cleanings, it depends on the patient's oral health. Healthy patients should come in every six months, while those needing additional care may need to come in every three to four months for maintenance. For other treatments, we address those as needed and then keep you on a regular schedule, whether it’s every six months or yearly.
How should I schedule an appointment for dental services?
In our office, it’s very easy. You can either text, email, or call us at nine four one six two nine three two zero zero. We always have someone available to answer your questions, explain any details, and get you scheduled to see one of our doctors.
If you have more questions or are ready to schedule an appointment, we’re here to help. I'm excited to serve our community, and I look forward to seeing you as a new patient at our practice. Give us a call at (941) 269-1332.
Our clinic offers a variety of dental procedures to meet your individual needs, including your lifestyle habits and desired outcome.
We understand the relationship between your oral health and your body. Our holistic approach prioritizes the treatment of dental issues with solutions that are in harmony with the needs of the rest of your body. We believe that it is important to ensure that the care we provide does not put you at risk of further health issues. We accomplish this goal by offering diverse procedures to provide the best dental care for you. At every stage of treatment, you can rest assured that we are considering your overall health for the best possible outcome. We would love to be your preferred dentist of Port Charlotte.
General Dentistry
At a routine visit to our dental office, we provide you with a thorough examination of your mouth (including teeth, gums, and other oral health structures), a professional cleaning, and a discussion about your dental and overall health.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry provides patients with an aesthetically improved smile. Modern techniques in dentistry help patients with stained, discolored, chipped, worn, broken, misshapen, and misaligned teeth, in addition to gaps between them.
BOTOX®
BOTOX® is an FDA-approved treatment to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines look better in adults. The treatment itself requires little to no downtown from work, where you can return almost immediately to normal activities.
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is the term dental professionals use to explain how they replace missing or affected teeth. Fillings, crowns (“caps”), bridges, and implants are common restorative procedures. The goal is to bring back your natural smile.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery procedures address conditions that many people experience, such as impacted wisdom teeth, sleep apnea, or tooth loss. Many of these procedures are completed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to resume normal activities soon after.
Custom Mouth Guards
A mouth guard is a piece of material that fits in your mouth to help prevent injuries to your lips, teeth, and gums. In instances when a patient regularly takes part in physical activity or grinds or clenches their teeth, it is crucial to wear a mouth guard.