(217) 546-3333Preventative Dentistry: What can I do Between Visits?
December 30, 2013
5 Tips for Good, Preventative Dentistry at Home
Between regular dental visits, it is essential to maintain your oral health. Preventative oral care does not only happen at your dentist’s office. In fact, the majority of your dental care will occur at home, between visits.
Here are a few things to know about preventative dentistry at home:
Brushing and Flossing is Key. It seems basic enough, but maintaining a daily brushing and flossing routine at home is the best way to prevent further dental problems from developing. If you need help with your technique, talk to your dentist to see how you can better care for your teeth on a daily basis.
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for overall dental health. Eating nutrient-rich foods can help build strong bones and tissues while preventing dental problems from occurring down the road. It is also important avoid foods high in sugars, which can encourage tooth decay and gum disease.
Start at-home preventative care early on. Brushing and flossing should be taught to infants as soon as they develop teeth. By ingraining this daily routine into young minds, it helps set them up for a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth. This will also make their first dental visits easier and help reduce any anxiety that may develop over visiting the dentist in the future.
Ensuring that older children and teens have good brushing habits is essential. Remind them that spending 2 minutes brushing twice a day increases their dental health exponentially.
Stopping smoking can greatly improve your oral health. Not only does smoking cause teeth to turn yellow, but it can lead to gum and periodontal diseases. Gum disease causes the weakening of gums and can eventually lead to the loss of teeth in affected areas.
Overall health and dental health are related. There are many ways in which health problems can cause and be caused by poor dental health. By maintaining a regular exercise routine, minimizing drinking and keeping any other health problems at bay; you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles.
If you need help establishing your at-home oral care routine, or have questions about preventative dentistry, call Dr. VanderMolen at (217) 546-3333 and schedule a visit. The friendly staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield – Your preventative dental care specialists!
Sedation Dentistry: Saving Your Precious Time
December 23, 2013
Many dental patients are afraid of going to the dentist because of they’re scared of possible injections, pain, anxiety, or long, tiring appointments required to complete some dental procedures. They can be especially fearful when multiple dental treatments are required to complete a specific treatment plan. As a result, many simply neglect their dental health instead of going through with their appointments.
Fortunately, with sedation dentistry, many of these problems caused by fear and anxiety can been solved. Sedation dentistry focuses on helping the patient feel comfortable and relaxed so that whatever treatments are recommended, even multiple treatments, can be completed within a single appointment to the dental office.
If you are one of these people that suffers from dental phobias, find it difficult to miss a lot of work, or are a busy parent, you can maximize your appointment time with sedation dentistry.
If you are afraid of dental injections, pain during treatment, or noise of the machines found in most dental offices and have been neglecting your teeth, you no longer have to fear. Sedation dentistry can calm your fears and concerns. Dr. VanderMolen will sedate you in his dental office and you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the whole dental procedure. Many patients even say they don’t remember their visit at all!
No mater your reasons for neglecting your oral health, you shouldn’t neglect your teeth simply because you are afraid of going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry can solve all your concerns. Make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at (217) 546-3333.
Click here for more information on all the dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care.
Periodontal Disease: 5 Essential Facts You Should Know
December 16, 2013
What do you need to know about Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a very common oral problem faced by almost 75% of the world’s population in varying degrees of severity. Most of the forms of periodontal disease are easily preventable with appropriate oral hygiene measures.
- Do Not Ignore Bleeding Gums When Brushing!
The earliest sign of periodontal disease is swollen gums with bleeding while brushing. Soft food deposits that are not brushed out accumulate around the teeth and within the gums to cause irritation and swelling. Swollen gums bleed easily from the bristles of a toothbrush while brushing.
- Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Tooth Loss
Weak and swollen gums are the initial signs of bone loss. Once the gums get weakened, the underlying bone starts to disintegrate, thereby causing loose teeth due to inadequate support. If left untreated, you may lose even a healthy tooth that doesn’t have any decay to periodontal disease.
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Most Cases of Bad Breath are Related to Periodontal Disease
Bad breath can have serious effects on one’s self-confidence and social interactions. Periodontal disease has been reported as one of the most common causes of bad breath. Accumulation of food deposits and their further hardening causes the formation of tartar. This tartar irritates the surrounding gums and initiates the destructive stages of periodontal disease. The bacteria that causes bad breath thrives comfortably on teeth covered with tartar. A good oral hygiene regimen and periodontal treatments can reverse these issues and help eliminate many cases of bad breath.
- Periodontal Disease May Be Related To Various Systemic Diseases
According to recent studies, periodontal disease has shown a close association with systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, or cardiovascular disorders. While having a healthy mouth certainly no guarantee of good health the early detection and prevention of periodontal disease will definitely give your body the best chance to maintain good health.
- Periodontal Disease Can Be Reversed and Prevented!
Periodontal disease is a serious condition, but it can be treated with appropriate curative measures like scaling and root planing. With the help of routine dental check-ups, the disease can be diagnosed and treated at its initial stages, preventing excessive damage to both gums and teeth.
Regular Preventative Dentistry check-ups, at least twice a year, can help prevent Periodontal Disease from occurring. Together with your dentist, you can determine whether your oral hygiene practices are adequate enough to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and can catch any signs of trouble before they become larger issues.
Is it time for a dental checkup for you and your family? Make an appointment by calling Dr. VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield today at (217) 546-3333.
Click here for more information on the general dentistry services available at Advanced Dental Care. Let us help you get on track to a healthy smile today!
Restorative Dentistry for an Improved Smile
December 9, 2013
Repairing missing, broken, or damaged teeth
Restorative Dentistry, performed by Dr. Matt VanderMolen, focuses on repairing teeth that are missing or have become damaged or broken. The purpose of restorative dentistry is to bring the teeth back to a healthier condition while at the same time, also improving the smile. There are many procedures offered by Advanced Dental Care of Springfield that qualify as restorative dentistry and two of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures include dental implants and dental crowns.
Dental implants are permanent, artificial teeth that are made to look and function exactly like a natural tooth. The implants are anchored directly onto the jawbone to ensure they are sturdy and strong. Dr. VanderMolen will carefully examine the teeth to determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants and he will then customize the implants for each individual patient. The end result is ultimately healthier gums, teeth, and a beautiful smile to be proud of.
Dental crowns are used to repair teeth that have been damaged but are not missing. A dental crown is used to replace cracked or damaged teeth and is designed to match the color of the natural tooth. The crown is placed over the tooth with cement to ensure longevity and strength. Dental crowns can be easily placed onto the teeth and will instantly improve their appearance and the strength.
To restore your natural teeth and improve your smile, contact Advanced Dental Care at (217) 546-3333 to discuss the Restorative Dentistry procedures that are right for you. Come see us today and be on the way to the beautiful smile you have been longing for.
Caring for Your Teeth After the Braces Come Off
November 25, 2013
Your treatment is over! Continue to take good care of your smile to make sure it lasts a lifetime!
When orthodontics are first removed, most people feel a sense of freedom and relief. However, it is very important to maintain your oral hygiene routine after the braces have been removed. To maintain your new smile, a lifetime of good, preventative oral care will be required. If you choose not to follow oral care recommendations provided by your dentist or orthodontist, or do not wear your retainer if applicable, your teeth can revert back to their original location. After having spent so much time, money and effort on straightening your teeth, why not maintain them for years to come?
Most importantly, maintaining a daily brushing and flossing routine is essential for a healthy mouth. Preventing tooth decay, bacteria and plaque buildup will reduce the chances that teeth will have issues in the future. A good oral hygiene routine will increase confidence and keep your smile beautiful. It is also important to schedule regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Your doctor may take digital X-rays as well to examine the teeth further and ensure they are maintaining their new positions.
In the past, retainers were worn for a short period of time after braces were removed. In recent years, dentists and orthodontists have realized that continuing to wear a retainer on a regular basis can make all the difference in keeping your straightened smile secure. If a retainer is recommended for you, be sure to follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions on how and when to wear it for the best result. It is also very important to keep your retainer clean. Plaque and bacteria can build up on the appliance causing oral problems such as bad breath. Some popular cleaning methods include vinegar washes, denture cleaner and a simple brushing with toothpaste.
For tender gums following braces removal, rinsing the oral cavity with warm or hot salt water can alleviate soreness and swelling. Sometimes the gums may be sensitive to flossing, as it is difficult to fully clean them with braces on, the salt water rinse should help firm the gums back up and have them healthy in no time.
Dr. Matt VanderMolen at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield can assist you with any of your post-braces needs and create a customized plan for your oral care. Call to schedule your appointment today, at (217) 546-3333. Click here for more information on all the services available at Advanced Dental Care.