Most people see their dentists more often than they see any other health care provider. In fact, it is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that everyone visit the dentist twice a year. This is because the regular maintenance and restoration of your oral health help prevent disease.
Dr. Matthew Jenne and the Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team are happy to provide our general dentistry services to all of our patients, regardless of age. As soon as a child’s first tooth begins coming in, we are able to see them.
Why Visit the Dentist?
Catching dental issues early on can be the difference between losing and saving a tooth. With routine dental cleanings and exams, you save yourself the headache of dealing with the major consequences of poor oral hygiene later on. During your visits to Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our team takes the time to get to know you and identify any oral health risk factors unique to you and your overall health.
Each patient has different needs, so we offer various dental services in Garner to ensure you leave our office with a better and brighter smile.
Our Garner dentist office can provide you with the following general dentistry services:
- Dental Fillings
- Emergency Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Mouthguards
- Sedation Dentistry
- Tooth Extraction
- Root Canals
Risks of Poor Oral Health
Long-term tooth decay prevention is an important part of your routine dental care. Small dental issues quickly become more serious over time, especially if they go unevaluated by a dental health professional. Additionally, keeping your gums healthy is another top priority, as symptoms of gum disease largely go unnoticed without a professional exam. The early warning signs aren’t painful, so they’re more difficult for patients to notice on their own.
In addition to having trained professionals giving your oral exam, our office provides diagnostic technologies, too. Things like x-rays and 3D imaging aren’t available to you when you’re at home. These tools allow us to see areas in the mouth that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Cavities prominently develop in between your teeth, and x-rays allow us to catch them early, making them easier to treat.
We want to help all of our patients avoid the risks of poor oral health, which include:
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Oral cancer
- Bad breath
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
Good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing daily can help decrease your likelihood of experiencing these risks. However, with the large amounts of bacteria that live in your mouth, it is possible for even our most diligent patients to develop issues over time. We recommend scheduling regular appointments with Dr. Jenne and our team so that we can assess your dental health care regularly and catch any issues you may be missing in your daily oral hygiene routines.
Taking Care of Your Mouth At Home
Even if you visit the dentist regularly, your oral health can suffer. Oral care can’t just happen at the dentist office, it needs to happen at your home between visits. This means brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once. Managing your oral health in this way reduces the chance of plaque and tartar buildup, therefore reducing the chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Six months between dental visits is a lot of time for bacteria and debris to accumulate.
Home oral healthcare also prevents bad breath. Bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene allowing odor-causing bacteria to build up in the mouth. This is especially prevalent on the tongue and between your teeth if you aren’t flossing. It’s easy for debris to get caught there. Mouthwash can make your breath extra fresh, as long as assisting in the health of your smile.
Taking care of your mouth at home helps establish a routine, so you get used to brushing your teeth and making it a habit. If you have children at home, you can set a good example with regular brushing, so that they recognize the importance of oral healthcare early in life. This sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health habits in their future.
Diet and Oral Health
The things you consume also play a big part in your oral health. Certain foods are crucial for healthy smiles, and there are also things you should avoid for the benefit of your smile.
The Best Foods for Your Smile
Calcium is one of the most important things for strong teeth. Dairy products and leafy green vegetables are both rich in calcium. This mineral strengthens tooth enamel, which protects your teeth from bacteria and tooth decay.
Antioxidants are great for your gums. They reduce inflammation and fight bacterial infections in your mouth. Berries, bell peppers, and broccoli are all great sources for antioxidants. A diet rich in these foods can protect your soft tissue from gum disease.
Fresh, fibrous fruits and vegetables almost act like natural toothbrushes when you eat them. They require a lot of chewing to break them down, stimulating your mouth to produce saliva. Saliva is incredibly important in your mouth. It helps to wash away debris and particles from your smile, while also neutralizing the acids that bacteria produce in your mouth. These fruits and vegetables can also clean between your teeth.
Foods to Avoid
Foods and drinks high in sugar are the biggest culprits for problems in your smile. Sugar is the food of choice for harmful bacteria in your mouth. The acidic byproduct these bacteria produce erodes the tooth enamel, decaying your teeth. The more sugar you consume, the more you’re susceptible to tooth decay. Opting for things like fresh fruits and vegetables as a sweet snack help your teeth remain healthier.
Too many acidic things are also bad for your oral health. Things like soda, citrus fruit, and tomatoes are acidic and wear your tooth enamel away over time. Soda is especially bad because it’s both acidic and filled with sugar, increasing the rate of enamel erosion.
When you consume acidic foods, be sure to do so in moderation and rinse your mouth out with water after. While brushing your teeth helps get rid of food debris, wait at least 30 minutes before you brush after acidic food. Brushing sooner can increase the damage to your teeth.
General Dentistry FAQs
General dentistry focuses on preventative care to avoid future complex oral health problems. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
What is a dental checkup, and why is it important?
A dental checkup is a routine visit to the dentist that includes a cleaning, an exam of your teeth and gums, and sometimes X-rays. It’s important because it helps catch problems early, like cavities or gum disease, and keeps your teeth healthy.
How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once daily. Brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, and flossing gets between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
What causes cavities, and how can I prevent them?
Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on sugars and produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. You can prevent them by brushing and flossing daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline and causes inflammation. It’s important to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist if the bleeding continues.
What are dental X-rays, and are they safe?
Dental X-rays are images that show the inside of your teeth and gums. They help dentists find problems that aren’t visible during a regular exam. X-rays are safe because they use very low radiation levels, and dentists take precautions to protect you.
How can I keep my teeth white and healthy?
To keep your teeth white and healthy, brush and floss daily, avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth (like coffee or soda), and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. You can also use whitening toothpaste or talk to your dentist about professional whitening options.
Schedule A Dental Appointment in Garner, NC
Dr. Jenne welcomes new patients and families from Garner and many surrounding communities. We see patients of all ages, so don’t hesitate to make an appointment. Our team strives for care personalized to your needs and provided in a compassionate environment. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office at 919.238.3470 or request one online.