Dr. Brent Blaylock has served the families of Durham, NC, and surrounding areas for over 30 years. He provides individualized and comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Preventive dentistry is the foundation of Dr. Blaylock’s dental practice and the key to lifelong oral health.
Dental Cleaning & Routine Exams
When you visit our dentist in Durham, NC, you will receive a comprehensive dental cleaning and examination. Your visit may include:
- Professional dental cleaning
- Dental x-rays
- Periodontal screening
- Dental caries (cavities) screening
- Occlusal analysis to examine the position of the bite
Teeth Cleaning in Durham, NC
Your dental cleaning will be performed by one of our registered dental hygienists. Our hygienists use specialized dental tools to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth and gums, including the places where a toothbrush is unable to reach. These cleanings eliminate a sticky substance called plaque.
If plaque is not removed, it will lead to dental caries. Patients with teeth professionally cleaned twice a year will enjoy a healthy, clean smile. A dental cleaning is generally not painful, and most patients say they love that clean feeling after the treatment.
Preventive Dental Care
Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the keys to reducing your risk of tooth decay and can provide the foundation for lifelong dental health. Dr. Blaylock recommends that patients follow ADA guidelines regarding preventive dental care and visit his office twice yearly.
These regular visits enable Dr. Blaylock and his staff to look for signs of bite instability and developing dental problems. Addressing dental concerns in the early stages can avoid complex dental problems later on and enable patients to enjoy optimal oral health.
Following a strict oral health routine at home is important between visits to our Durham, NC, dentist’s office. This includes brushing your teeth after you eat or at least twice a day. It is also important to floss your teeth at least once a day. Food can easily get caught between your teeth throughout the day, and brushing alone may not dislodge it. Following a healthy diet and limiting your sugar intake is also important to keep your teeth healthy between routine dental visits.
Periodontal Disease Prevention
As part of a routine dental visit, Dr. Blaylock will perform a periodontal screening to look for early signs of gum disease. Treating gum disease early is important to prevent tooth damage or loss. Gum disease affects approximately 75% of the adult population and remains a leading cause of tooth loss.
Dr. Blaylock offers periodontal therapy to address gum disease, with the treatment level depending on the disease’s stage and severity.
Diet and Oral Health
Your diet plays a huge part in your oral health. Certain foods and eating habits are good for your smile, while others contribute to conditions like tooth decay.
Eating the Proper Nutrients
One of the main reasons why diet is important for oral health is because the foods we consume can directly affect the health of our teeth and gums. For instance, sugary and starchy foods can contribute to plaque formation, a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on the teeth and lead to cavities and gum disease. By choosing nutritious foods that are low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals, you can help protect your teeth and gums from decay.
Calcium is another important nutrient for maintaining good oral health. It is crucial for building strong teeth and bones and can help protect teeth from decay. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, as are leafy green vegetables, almonds, and fortified foods. Including calcium-rich foods in your diet can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Protein is another important nutrient for oral health. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, including the tissues in the mouth. Lean protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts can help maintain healthy gums and promote healing after dental procedures.
Following Good Eating Habits
In addition to choosing the right foods, it is important to pay attention to when and how often you eat. Eating sugary and starchy foods between meals can increase the risk of cavities, as the teeth are exposed to acids produced by bacteria for an extended period of time. Instead, try to limit sugary and starchy foods to mealtimes and avoid snacking on them throughout the day. If you indulge in these foods, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Drinking plenty of water is also important for oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup and stimulate saliva production. Saliva is crucial in protecting the teeth and gums by neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria. Be sure to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks.
Preventive Dental Care FAQs
Preventative dental care is what lays the foundation for a healthy smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Why is preventive dental care so important?
Everyone should take preventive dental care seriously. The first one is obvious: to prevent dental problems from developing. Preventive measures include cleaning your teeth, which removes hard-to-reach, built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth. By doing this, you can avoid gum disease and tooth decay. The second reason is to catch dental problems in the early stages. Conditions like oral cancer and gum disease are treatable when detected early.
How often should I visit the dentist?
The average person should visit the dentist about two times a year. Our staff will examine your teeth and gums at each visit and provide a dental cleaning. The dentist will take dental x-rays once a year unless there is a problem. However, if you suffer from frequent tooth decay or periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend dental cleanings and check-ups more often.
Are teeth cleanings painful?
Most patients do not experience any pain during teeth cleaning. For the people who experience discomfort, it is typically because of poor oral hygiene. The goal of a dental hygienist is to remove all hidden plaque and tartar. This can become difficult if you have not visited the dentist in a while or fail to floss and brush your teeth regularly. Proper at-home oral care and regular dentist appointments will make your dental cleanings painless.
Why do dentists use fluoride?
Fluoride is an important part of dentistry because it helps patients maintain good oral health throughout their lifetime. It prevents tooth decay from developing by protecting the teeth from the damage that plaque can cause. Fluoride treatments are common for children who are still learning to properly care for their teeth and are susceptible to tooth decay.
How can I prevent cavities and tooth decay?
Following a consistent dental hygiene routine is the best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse. You should visit the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups every six months. You should also limit sugary foods and drinks that cause tooth decay. Eating a diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and essential nutrients will also help keep your teeth healthy.
Why is occlusal analysis important?
Occlusal analysis is an important diagnostic tool for dentists. It helps dentists identify any misalignment of the teeth and jaw, which can lead to a wide range of dental issues. Occlusal analysis also provides information about the patient’s bite patterns and can help detect abnormalities such as malocclusion, which can have serious health implications. Additionally, occlusal analysis helps dentists create accurate treatment plans to target specific dental issues.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
We welcome new patients to our Durham dentist office, including those who have been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety or fear. Restoring your smile will improve oral health and help you enjoy the best quality of life each day.