Brushing and flossing are essential, but oral health requires more than at-home care. Twice-annual St. John, MO teeth cleanings prevent cavities and other oral health issues.

Family dentists treat patients of all ages, so you don’t have to juggle appointments with multiple providers. Plus, your dental records are kept in one convenient location.

Preventing Tooth Decay

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, a routine dental exam can help you avoid tooth decay. During your dental exam, our dentist and hygienist will remove hard mineral buildup (tartar), check for signs of gum disease, and more. We will also take X-rays, which can reveal issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

We will then recommend treatment options to address any issues we find, such as dental fillings. We offer tooth-colored fillings that blend in with your smile and are much less invasive than traditional fillings.

Our dentist may also recommend a preventive treatment called dental sealants. This treatment covers the natural pits and grooves in your molars to prevent food debris and bacteria from sticking, which can lead to tooth decay. Dental sealants are most effective in children but can also be used on adults. County health departments (CHDs) provide school-based sealant programs to target children at high risk for tooth decay, especially those in Title I schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that inflames the soft tissue around your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can erode the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It also has been linked to other serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease resulting in painful, swollen, tender gums, receding gums, pus-filled abscesses, tooth pain, and changes to your bite. Periodontitis can be treated with nonsurgical or surgical procedures.

St Johns family dentistry services can help prevent gum disease and promote oral health in your entire family. Regular cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that leads to gum disease. A hygienist can also teach patients good brushing and flossing techniques to prevent gum disease. Advanced gum disease treatment can include root planing and scaling, gum flap surgery, antibiotics, or bone and tissue grafts.

Preventing Bad Breath

A person’s breath can smell bad for several reasons. Bad breath, which dentists call halitosis, can be caused by oral hygiene, food choices, or certain health conditions such as diabetes or kidney or liver disease.

Brushing teeth properly two times a day eliminates bacteria and food trapped in the mouth. When left unattended, these particles rot and produce unpleasant odors.

People wearing dentures should clean them every night to remove fungi and food particles that can cause foul breath. Flossing helps to prevent gum disease, which can also cause an unpleasant smell in the mouth.

Eating foods that require a lot of chewing promotes saliva flow and can help to eliminate odor-causing food particles. Replenishing the body with good bacteria by consuming yogurt, miso, or kefir can also fight bad breath. Using deodorizing sprays and tablets can mask bad breath for a short time, but they do not treat the underlying problem.

Preventing Oral Cancer

Oral cancer develops when cells in the mouth or throat develop abnormalities. These abnormalities can cause severe damage if left untreated. This is why regular visits to a family dentist are so important.

A trained family dentist can spot and treat any early signs of oral cancer. They can also help you develop a healthy routine that will keep your teeth, gums, and tongue clean and free of harmful bacteria.

A family dentist is an excellent choice for your whole family’s dental needs. They can provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages and address all dental problems. Plus, having one dentist for the entire family makes it easier to schedule appointments and keep track of your family’s dental records.