Dentistry has advanced enormously in recent decades, with more and better restorativeand cosmetic procedures now available than ever before. And this is a wonderful thing — life-changing, in fact, for many people.

But let’s not forget the basics. Preventive dentistry is easily the most important part of keeping a healthy, beautiful smile. By caring for your oral health at home and visiting our office regularly for cleanings and exams, you keep your gums and natural teeth in good condition and prevent the need for expensive and invasive restorative procedures down the road.

If you live in or around Willow Park, TX, book your next checkup at Texas Grins Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Call [phone].

Come See Us Every Six Months

Your teeth look fine, your mouth feels great. It’s okay to skip your regularly scheduled dentist visit just this once, right?

Nope. Absolutely not. Even if youthink your dental health is in great shape, you still need to see us for your twice-yearly checkups. Let us go through the steps of a dental cleaning and exam, and explain why they are so important.

One of our skilled hygienists will give you a gentle but thorough professional cleaning. We are able to remove built-up plaque and tartar along and even beneath the gumline that’s impossible to reach with a toothbrush at home. If left alone, that plaque and tartar will lead to tooth decay and gum disease. We will also skillfully floss and polish your teeth so that they shine.

Dr. Crain will give your teeth, gums, and mouth a meticulous examination, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, and screening you for oral cancer. He will also perform an oral DNA test.

At Texas Grins, we have invested heavily in cutting-edge systems to ensure our patients get the best possible treatment. Digital X-rays enable us to diagnose hidden problems, such as between-tooth decay, abscesses, tumors, cysts, and impacted teeth. We also have a DIAGNOdent pen, which uses laser technology to non-invasively detect cavities in their earliest stages.

While at our office, you may want to enquire about one of our optional preventive dental services. Fluoride is a mineral that’s essential to keeping tooth enamel strong and that must be continuously replenished. We offer special treatments that ensure you are getting the fluoride you need.

If you participate in sports or are physically active, ask us about our custom athletic mouthguards. Since they are custom made for your mouth only, our mouthguards are better fitting and more comfortable than the drugstore variety.

Be Consistent at Home

When it comes to good oral hygiene at home, consistency and good technique are key. Establish a routine, and don’t diverge from it. On busy mornings, or when you’re tired at night, it’s tempting to take shortcuts. But just don’t do it. Your teeth are a lifetime commitment, and if you develop good habits, they will become second nature.

You should brush at least twice every day, for two minutes each time. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and brush with short circular or back-and-forth strokes. Be sure to reach all surfaces of the teeth, including the backs.

Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush medium- and hard-bristled brushes may damage your enamel and gums). Replace it whenever the bristles become frayed or every three months — whichever comes first.

And while we want you to be thorough, don’t make the common mistake of brushing too hard. Vigorous brushing may actually wear away your tooth enamel and eventually lead to sensitivity, infection, and decay.

Do you floss every day? If not, now is the time to start. Flossing does more than dislodge food stuck between your teeth. It removes sticky plaque on the teeth and at the gumline. Snap off about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, working with about an inch at a time. Hold the string taut against each tooth as you move it up and down. At the base of the tooth, curve the floss in a “C” shape as you gently clean underneath the gumline. Unwrap a fresh section of floss each time you move to a new tooth.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums at home and twice-yearly dental visits give you the very best chance of keeping your natural teeth healthy and beautiful for life.

If you are due for a checkup — or are interested in any of our other dental services — get in touch with Texas Grins Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry of Willow Park, TX. Fill out our convenient online contact form or call our office at [phone].