Preventative Dentistry in Greenville, SC

Many of us think of our mouths as being a self-contained system, but having a healthy mouth is really crucial to maintaining good whole-body health.  For that reason, here at Magnolia Dental, we offer a full range of preventative dentistry procedures.  Health problems which originate with the teeth, gums, or bone, including periodontal disease or other such issues, can lead to wider health problems if left unchecked – not to mention the unspeakable pain and discomfort of dental health issues, and the ongoing embarrassment of having missing or damaged teeth in your smile.  With preventative dentistry procedures to benefit patients of all ages, the team here at Magnolia Dental can help protect the smiles, and the health, of your whole family.

DENTAL CLEANING & PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY

When it comes to dental health, a healthy mouth begins with regular cleanings and exams.  By keeping a regular schedule of checkups twice a year with Magnolia Dental, you will not only ensure that your smile has the best possible appearance and your breath remains fresh, but you're also taking steps to maintain your overall health.

Dental cleanings are a process that most of us have experienced at one time or another.  It involves the removal of plaque from teeth.  It is not a painful or uncomfortable procedure, and forms the first line of defense against tooth decay and periodontal disease.  We will remove your hardened deposits of plaque, also known as tartar or calculus, which home brushing and flossing leave behind.  If left unchecked, this tartar can become a haven of infection, leading to gingivitis or periodontal disease – regular cleanings can help keep the mouth healthy and infection-free.

In addition, during a dental cleaning, your teeth will be polished to remove plaque and surface stains to ensure you have the brightest possible smile.  It is a pleasant, painless, and positive procedure which is the first step to ensuring you keep your natural teeth for life.  If you are looking for a professional dental cleaning in Greenville, SC, give Magnolia Dental a call at 864-242-2848 and get scheduled today!

FLUORIDE TREATMENT

Fluoride is highly beneficial for people of all ages and has long been used in preventative dentistry to prevent tooth decay and protect teeth.  So, how does fluoride work?  Simply put, fluoride hardens our enamel and makes our teeth more resistant to decay.  Does your toothpaste have fluoride?  If so, how much?  If you don’t know the answer, don’t worry – many don’t.

Fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste, and even in drinking water, but it is often only present in small, even trace, amounts, and is not sufficient to guarantee protection against decay.  For this reason, here at Magnolia Dental, we recommend a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association for all of our patients, and fluoride treatments as a preventative dentistry procedure in Greenville, SC, in order to ensure total protection from cavities.

If you have received a fluoride treatment in the past, you may think of uncomfortable foam trays and foul-tasting gel – like many of the unpleasant procedures from preventative dentistry of the past, this procedure is done by brushing on a varnish, or even via prescription toothpaste – no discomfort required.  Whatever method of fluoride treatment is right for you, it is definitely a highly recommended way to guarantee your teeth are protected from decay.

PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY AND SEALANTS

Sealants are a clear resin which is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, acting as a kind of shield which prevents small food particles from becoming lost in small crevices where infection and decay can set in.  They are often recommended for younger patients like children and teens but are a great preventative dentistry option in Greenville, South Carolina for patients of any age.

The sealant is usually recommended for patients who have deep grooves in their teeth.  These nooks and crannies can escape the toothbrush’s reach during normal brushing because the bristles themselves can be too thick to get in there.  As a result, these little grooves are havens for bacteria and prime sites for decay and cavities.  Applying a sealant is totally painless, requiring no anesthesia, and it is quite inexpensive – both of which make a sealant very much to be preferred over the later alternative of filling a cavity.

NIGHT GUARDS AND TMJ THERAPY

Do you clench or grind your teeth while you sleep?  You may not be aware of it, but if you often wake up with a sore jaw, headaches, or other forms of dental pain, it is possible that you are grinding your teeth.  Additionally, this can lead to the two small joints in your jaw (the TMJ joints) to not function as smoothly as they should, causing pressure and pain.  If untreated, clenching and grinding can result in pain ranging from the jaw and face to the neck or shoulder, and can even result in migraine headaches. 

If you suspect that you grind your teeth, a good form of preventative dentistry in Greenville, SC is the use of a night guard.  This guard is worn, as the name implies, at night, and will minimize damage to both your teeth and your jaw’s joints.  These night guards are custom fit, and while temporary soft night guards can be purchased in the toothpaste aisle, hard night guards are more effective, more durable, and are custom made for you in a dental laboratory (so they do not feel as bulky).  These night guards can be completed in just two quick preventative dentistry appointments and could be the answer to a lot of pain for those who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMD – not to mention providing a restful, relaxing night’s sleep.

Athletic Custom Mouthguards

Sports are fun, but dangerous activity – any athlete is at risk for broken bones, and at the end of the day, our teeth are the only bones which are actually exposed.  Anyone who plays sports, from children to adults, need to ensure that their teeth are protected just as they would protect any other part of their body.  An athletic custom mouthguard will protect teeth, lips, and tongue from trauma while playing sports.  They are custom made to ensure a perfect fit and can be fabricated in just a quick preventative dentistry visit to Magnolia Dental in Greenville, SC.  Protecting against not only direct damage to teeth but also against peripheral (and often season-ending) injuries including concussions.  A custom mouthguard is a must for anyone who plays sports.