Preventive Dentistry in Clinton

Proper home and professional care for your teeth and gums are the best ways to maintain ideal oral health throughout your life. Dr. John Kush is pro-active when it comes to protecting the smiles of his patients. The practice of preventive dentistry is important not only for your teeth and gums but also for underlying jaw bone health.

Making your smile priority helps to avoid decay, discoloration, and enamel wear. Recent studies have also shown a direct link between poor oral health and systemic illness such as heart and lung disease. Premature delivery and low birth weight may also be linked to periodontal disease.

The Basics of Oral Health

Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, are designed to ensure that teeth are in top condition. Children are especially susceptible to cavities so Dr. Kush provides fluoride treatments and sealants to help combat tooth decay early on.

Education is also a big part of preventive dentistry. Our dentist encourages his patients of all ages to adhere to the following at-home oral hygiene practices:

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily – Most people brush their teeth in the morning but many neglect to do so before bedtime. This is the most important time to brush as left-over food particles have several hours to feed the oral bacteria responsible for causing cavities and gum disease.

Brush Correctly – Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle starting at the gum line and brush back and forth in short strokes. Be sure to cleanse all surfaces of your teeth. To clean the backs of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

Floss Daily - Daily flossing is also necessary to clean between the tight spaces of your teeth where decay can grow unchecked. Gently wrap a clean piece of floss around each tooth and lift up against its surface to clear out debris. If you have braces, interdental cleaners are available to get between the metal brackets.

Brush Your Tongue - This helps remove additional bacteria from your smile and also freshens your breath.

Replace Your Old Toothbrush – Purchase a new soft-bristled toothbrush three to four times per year or when the bristles begin to fray.

Maintain a Healthy Diet - Eating nutritious foods and drinking water contribute to a healthy smile. Limit your sugar intake and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups – If your oral health is in good condition, annual visits including a thorough exam and cleaning can keep small issues from turning into big problems.

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Kush at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, Dr. Kush and his hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.

• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists.  Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Dr. John Kush – Providing Comprehensive Dentistry for Clinton and North Hunterdon

These best practices guarantee both better chances for a smile that lasts a lifetime and fewer chances of incurring the high cost of restoring your smile after it’s been damaged.

Call us today to learn more!